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echantedtoon · 2 months ago

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Demonstober Day 9 Marionette

A small-scale usually wooden figure (as of a person) with jointed limbs that is moved from above by manipulation of the attached strings or wires.

(Warnings for mentioning of death. The song used is Circus Monster (English Cover) by Jubyphonic

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aQgXq42nD8I&pp=ygUcY2lyY3VzIG1vbnN0ZXIgZW5nbGlzaCBjb3Zlcg%3D%3D

Inspired by @whisperinghallwaysofmirrors Marionette Enmu story and the original Marionette Enmu art by @venompeach so please check them out.)

Edit: Here's a link to their story please support them and their writing.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54554677

Tagging: @lavenderdropp @six-eyed-samurai @trancylovecraft @shadyd3ar @cherrysuzaku

@nousija

Remember if you want to be added to the spooktober taglist lemme know

Perhaps you should've known better than to go urban exploring on Halloween.

But you were bored.

You were too old for trick or treating. Handing out candy got tiring way too fast because it just meant you kept having to get up in the middle of doing whatever you were going multiple times your feet hurt by the end of the night. No good horror movies were playing tonight. And the costume party you originally planned on going to was cancelled because your friend's dog got really sick from eating the candy he left out for the trick or treaters.

The thought of jokingly messing around with a ouija board crossed your mind, but you've seen enough horror movies to know THAT was an absolutely stupid idea! So you were left to endlessly scroll through your phone trying to find something to entertain yourself with until you came across an urban explorer blogging himself and his partner walking through an abandoned house on the side of the road and ended up finding some antiques in good condition worth a fortune.

And that's when it hit you.

YOU COULD DO THAT!!

It'd be just like going to one of those cheesy haunted house attractions but without the cheap tricks and people in costumes. Plus you might find some cool old stuff to keep and if nothing else, it'll satisfy your bored mind if you go. Surely the only dangers were possible mold growing on the old walls or wild animals making their home in the abandoned walls. And what luck an old theater was within walking distance of your home. Not your first choice for your first time urban exploring but let's be honest.

An abandoned theater on Halloween sounded way more exciting than sitting on your porch just handing out candy to hyper little kids.

So you gathered up the proper equipment you'd need for this adventure. Flashlight, spare batteries, phone, a mask in case of mold, and of course a backpack to carry everything in. You made your way out into the setting sun's light. Naturally there was already people out here walking around mostly parents walking their little kids around trick or treating or teenagers out seeking out candy or going to play tricks...You hoped your house didn't get egged while you out.

The moon rose higher and higher in the sky as the sun fully set and allowed the night to fully make the darkness creep in. As you walked the streets it slowly became less crowded and the houses covered in decorations became less and less the farther you walked. Your footsteps echoed from every step you took against the pavement, and the only lights being the street lamps and your phone's screen as you followed directions via Google to the location of the old theater. It was a bit farther from you than expected, about an hour and ten minutes of walking, but it was still the closest one to you and you craved that Halloween scare.

The lamps shown down upon you as you continued to walk through the darkened streets and walked past businesses long closed for the day near the edge of town. An eerie flickering light casted over you as the cold wind blew send a shiver down your spine with only your shadow as company. It sure felt like a creepy Halloween night. The footsteps echoing throughout the empty streets slowly came to a slow stop alongside a tall wire fence with a very large yellow 'no trespassing' sign hung to it.

You looked at the tall fence and turned your attention to the massive dark building behind the iron gates. The building was old and worn as you expected. After all it had been abandoned since the nineteen twenties. The sight of the building long since abandoned and worn down by time almost seemed to mock the young woman in front of it, daring you to enter at your own risk. The implication making you swallow a lump in your throat.

You've only heard rumors about what happened here but rumor was that an actor died on stage while doing a hypnosis act, however he had been a scam artist but no one could prove it. So one of his victims, a stage hand and fellow actor, decided to drop a rather heavy sand bag on his head during another one of his acts. The impact killed him instantly. In order to mock him further, a puppet was made to look exactly like the old scam artist and the killer did acts with it. After only two shows the Director put a stop to the gruesome shows and ordered the man to get rid of the puppet. However the next day when they returned to the theater-

The man was found dead with his marionette's hands around his throat-

CRASH-!!

You let out a small shriek and whirled around towards the sounds of crashing metal. A crash can fell over from the entrance of an alley as a stray cat meowed loudly before running away into the darkness. A sigh of relief escaped your throat. Well you were looking for a good Halloween scare. Guess you got one. Shaking your head, you looked back to the large building and sucked in a breath.

Get a hold of yourself. It was only rumors and even if someone died here there was no such things as ghosts or haunted puppets. This place was probably just abandoned because radios and TV was more popular than going to see someone act during those times. With a deep breath of encouragement, you shook yourself and quickly looked up and down the empty streets before putting your phone away and grabbing onto the chain link fence. It was easy to get up and then jump down on the other side. The building was even more creepy in person as you looked up at it. Hearing it creeping lightly against the wind as you walked up to the front noticing the boarded up doors and windows that you couldn't get through. Luckily you found a hole in the side of the building probably collapsed in by old age from the building and just big enough for you to squeeze through.

You had to suck in your guts and take your backpack off for a moment but you managed to get inside on top of what felt like a scruffy rub, and switch on your flashlight. The light flashed making you blink a little bit from the sudden light filling the space but you were able to get a good look at the surroundings. Like you suspected under your feet was a shaggy dark grey-green carpet with holes and threads sticking out of the floor at all corners. At the sides of you were old walls and feeling faded beige wall paper tearing a lot of places and showing the chipping wood underneath.

The light caught dust floating about in the air mentally thanking yourself for remembering the mask to avoid breathing it in, and a few cobwebs here and there where the old ceiling connected to the walls. The only sources of light was your strong flashlight and the hole in the wall you shifted through with minimal moonlight seeping in. With a deep breath, you took a step forward and began walking down the dark hall. The floor boards creaked under your weight and the carpet gave an uncomfortable crunchy sensation from the years of not being taken cared of. The air stale and cold from the fall weather outside. Sure was spooky in here but you were comforted by the fact that you knew there was no such thing as ghosts.

As you walked, the light caught onto the few papers as you passed noticing that they were in fact old posters advertising the old acts that they must've used to do here. A puppeteer, dances, a play or two, and one that fell into the floor advertising a hypnosis act. Huh. The legend mentioned a hypnotist. A quick glance to it had the words 'Enmu Tamio the Amazing Hypnotist. Cures of the mind for the mind. Depression and fear gone'. You couldn't make out anything else because the pictures were long since too blurry and faded. Perhaps a part of the rumors was true.

You traveled farther up the hall until it split into two other long halls going left or right. The light shines both ways and neither looked different from each other so you went left. The floorboards still creaking under your weight. Have to admit, so far it's not really that scary. More dusty than anything else. Continuing to walk, the hallway turned right towards a longer hall than normal and you found a rather peculiar sight of doors on either side. Was this the bathroom area? A sign catching onto an old sign on the wall told you all you needed to know.

"Employees Only." Your head shines back up the hallway of doors. "This must've been the dressing rooms for the actors." You mumbled to yourself and began to walk forward.

Out of curiousity you reached out to try the first door, it opened- AND SOMETHING RUSHED OUT FROM THE DARKEST! You gasped and fumbled back as it fell to the floor with a clatter! Revealing itself to be-!...A broom..and a bucket rolling out with it. You blinked shining your light into the broom closet, before groaning, and kicking aside the cleaning supplies to walk your way up towards the other doors.

Some had names still hung up on the doors. 'Daki Shabana the Great Ballerina'. Recruitment Office.' 'Iguru Obanai the Snake Charmer.' Some didn't. But most were locked tight when you tried to get in, however you did find a few open. An old changing room with what looked like old burlesque outfits hung up on a rack. The showgirls changing room no doubt. A quick look around lead you to find a few cool trinkets like an antique watch and an old music box still in good condition shaped like a little merry-go-round. You threw them all in your bag before continuing to move on. Continuing onwards, you found one name that you thought was intriguing.

"Enmu Tamio."

That name was on the poster from before. The Hypnotist. The light moved from the sign on the door towards the knob, and was shocked to find the door cracked open already. Probably came loose when the locks rusted away or someone didn't lock it up when the place was abandoned. Despite the shiver that ran down your spine, your hand slowly reached out and pushed it.

CRRRFREEEAAAKKK-

The loud creek echoed throughout the hallway and your light shines inside. The room...was unsurprisingly normal. A large vanity was in the far left side with a mirror that reflected your flashlight. A wardrobe against the other wall left wide open and empty. A suit case or two lining the floors, and a few old posters lined up the wall. Advertising the guy's hypnosis acts and strangely one or two trains. You looked around at the room finding nothing of value except for one of the posters etched with the art of a man.

Ah. Was that Mr. Hypnotist?

He looked like a man no taller than yourself, with short black hair falling to just above his shoulders. He posed smiling holding up one of those old timey pocket watches on a chain. Yeah. You expected that much. Deciding to leave the dressing room, you slowly made your way down the hallway and towards wherever it lead to. A couple more dressing rooms caught your eye but nothing too strange until you got to the very last one.

"Petro Peterson the World's Greatest Puppeteer."

Ah. So there was a puppeteer amongst the performers here. So perhaps the part of the puppeteer killing the Hypnotist was true? You would've tried to open the door but there was no knobs and old chipped planks boarded up most of the door. Well that was certainly ominous. But you still moved on, walking away from the rooms and turning a corner where it was especially dark. Your flashlight could barely light up more than three yards in front of you as you continued to walk. The carpeted floor was gone now replaced by just creaky wood. You couldn't see anything no matter how much you squinted in the dark. Barely being able to see-

Until something brushed up against your face-

"AH?!"

You fumbled for the light nearly dropping the flashlight before flashing it up towards the thing still dangling from the dark above your head. The light caught onto it, swaying back and forth from you swatting it. You panted as it harmlessly hung there... before you blinked.

"A rope?"

A brownish-grey rope dangled from the dark rafters above. Your light couldn't the top but you saw other ropes dangling from the ceiling too. A quick sweep of the floor had you noticing a torn open sandbag spilling it's contents all over the floor, and to your far right was a massive of felt also dangling from the ceiling. A curtain?

"I must've wondered backstage," you mumbled to yourself.

Great. But no worries. If that was the curtains then the stage was right in front of you and you could exit through the audience entryway. Sounded like a good plan. This place was starting to get tiring fast. Making your way towards the big velvety curtains, you moved your hands to push away the ropes from your body and walk towards the curtains. The curtains were filled with moth holes and dust floated into the air like a cloud of smoke when you pushed Against it. Good thing you had the mask. You continued along the curtains until you managed to find a gape in the curtains and began your way through. Pushing past curtains after curtain until you felt a break through-

You helped with a stumble as you fell through the maze of curtains and finally stumbled onto stage. Taking a minute to compose yourself, you sighed and brushed the dust off your body. Packing yourself off before shining your flashlight around and noticing the stage and the area between the stage and the rows of seats for the audience. You didn't know what that space was called but it was where musicians would play as the shows were played out on stage. By the looks of it, they abandoned the instruments too. Most of which looked damaged beyond repair. Ok. Now you could exit through the audience entrance up there. Where was the steps off stage? Your steps echoed throughout the entire room as you carefully swept your light across the floor searching and searching-

Until you bumped into something that rattled.

Your flashlight pointed up to the thing before you.

A face shined within the lights glow-

"AAAHH!!"

Your shriek despite being muffled by the mask, echoed throughout the entire stage. A flashlight clattered to the ground a d rolled a few feet away. You stumbled back falling onto your bottom and scooting away quickly looking up in horror at the person in front of you.

And silence ensued.

Your terrified form panted staring up at the shadowed figure as it continued to gently sway...Then you blinked as it continued to do nothing. Wait a minute. Crawling over to grab the flashlight, you shined it up at the massive figure, only to be astonished by what you saw.

A puppet?

No...wait..Not a puppet. Well it was. But it was a specific TYPE of puppet.

A marionette?!

A life sized marionette.

You continued to stare at it before slowly getting back up to look at it closer. The face was still, made of wood but the paint hadn't faded by some miracle. It's eyes closed and you could see the lines by the mouth were it moved. The hair was a bit scruffy but not in bad shape, and the outfit it wore was worn out with one of two tears, and faded from a white-beige almost leotard like costume to a full grey from age and dust. You hesitated but reached out a hand to knock on it's face... before standing back to shine the lights towards the top.

Barely Visible strings held it off the ground as it continued to sway. ..Did they seriously leave a man sized marionette hanging here when they abandoned this place? And why did they make it so big?! It was creepy! And yet- ...You noticed something about it. One of the glass blue eyes WAS open. Seemingly staring at you in the light. And it was starting to come out of place.

Reaching out, you gently reached out to the eye and pushed it back into place with a small pop, before reaching up to rub down his hair so it wasn't sticking up, and lastly straighten up his clothes. Might not make a difference since you'll just leave it here, but at least it looked better.

"There. Pretty as a flower. Now where's those steps?"

Your light turned away from the puppet to start combing the stage Again. You only might have taken five steps before a giant noise caused you to jump!

CLICK!

And then a massive blast of light flashed on behind you. The sudden light in the darkness had you whirling around in shock, holding up a hand to block out some of the light blinding you. Eyes blinked soon enough as they were able to fill the darkness and you froze as you realized that it was the stage lights that were on shining down and lighting up the entire stage. What the-

A loud blast of music sounded out behind you that sounded like..Sax and violin? You whirled around but was further stumped to find no one else seated in the musicians places behind you. What the-

"What the heck is going on?!"

"Time is dead and gone.~ Show must go on.~ It's time for our our act.~ They all scream at me.~ They cannot see this curtain hides me.~ An amazing gift.~ So quick and swift.~ You are amazing.~"

A melodist voice wafted over from behind you that sent chills down your spine and goosebumps on your skin. Fear infected your veins like a virus as you stood frozen amongst the noises...and then your head slowly turned around.

"By myself I can't.~ They start to chant.~ Why are you not here?~ Grinning at me.~ I lay at my knees.~ They want to hear me.~ Why can they not see?~"

Rapid clicking sounds accompanied wood. Twirling, twirling. Round and round on one leg. Like a ballerina. Audience of not enjoying the rapid beating of it's own musical heart center stage. Breathing life to the void present.

"I want to see you.~ I have to see you.~ I need to see you.~ What happened to you?~ We go up on stage.~ They jump to enrage.~ Why are you not here?~Why is he so near?~ He wants me to sing.~ I just cannot bring. I say he's not you.~ What else can I do?~"

The marionette..Was MOVING!! Twirling around in a pirouette like a ballerina, mouth open a d singing.

HOW?!

Your mouth was wide and eyes were wide open in shock before you shook your head and looked around. This had to be a prank! Someone here was messing with you! You accidentally hit an on switch somewhere. Someone was trying to scare you out!

SOMETHING!! But no matter where you shined your light or looked you couldn't see anyone or any machine you might've activated to move stuff around. You looked back to the moving puppet- And froze dead in your tracks as it had stopped twirling around to strike a pose. Glass blue eyes stared at you and a smile on the wooden face. A lump formed in your throat as it moved on its own accord upon tiptoes doing that tip toe walk ballerinas were know for.

"Singing it's silent of misery.~ A monster lies trapped in its own nightmare.~ He is a tyrant.~ He let's out a plea.~ Why did she have to leave it all alone?~

It was only then with sheer horror that you realized that it was tip toe dancing over to you. Unfortunately you realized that too late.

"Bound to sing for us.~ A worthless monster.~ It never sees us ~ It despises us.~ Lying so useless we start to holler.~ Hey get up you worthless circus monster.~"

It was right in front of you now. Looming over you so close that if you moved, your face would hit it's wooden head. Glass eyes blinked at you ..and with a thud sound the flashlight and back pack fell out of your hands. It seemed to find amusement in this as it smiled wider, and all of a sudden the tight feeling of a hand grabbing yours and an arm around your waist was on you.

"I lay all alone. I should've known you would've left me.~ He smiles at me.~ I cannot see why he's in your place.~ They can't tell me why you said goodbye right before our act.~ Those two lions were always fun.~ Why did they leave too?~"

You were suddenly forced into some waltz. Instinctively your other hand grabbed onto him as your terrified form was made to step in time with this thing's tune.

"Roaring at me.~ I lay on my knees. What is happening?~ I can hear you sing.~ They will not obey.~ They've been lead astray.~ Will I still see you?~ I have to see you.~ I panic and flee.~ They both pounce on me.~ I fell to ground.~ I fell to the ground.~"

You tried to pull away as this thing made you dance around with it like some puppet. Forget trying to figure out what was going on! You had to get out of this. However when you looked back up...

You paused once again.

"I look up to see you're not here with me.~ Am I all alone?~ Where could you have gone?~ Singing it's silent of misery.~ A monster lies trapped in its own nightmare.~ He is a tyrant.~ He let's out a plea.~ Why did she have to leave it all alone?~ Bound to sing for us.~ A worthless monster.~ It never sees us ~ It despises us.~ Lying so useless we start to holler.~ Hey get up you worthless circus monster.~"

Something like water was seeping out of the glass eyes and falling down the thing's cheeks and dripping off in time with the steps you both took. Was this thing..crying? Could this thing even be capable of crying.

The song continued on its own melody and you only watched in awe as it moved out of its own accord.

"Singing it's silent of misery.~ A monster lies trapped in its own nightmare.~ He is a tyrant.~ He let's out a plea.~ Why did she have to leave it all alone?~ Bound to sing for us.~ A worthless monster.~ It never sees us ~ It despises us.~ Lying so useless we start to holler.~ Hey get up you worthless circus monster.~"

Things slowly came to a stop. And there you both stood you stared at the thing before with one last big smile it's eyes closed and it just-

Fell limp.

It's arms flopped down only to be suspended by thin air by the strings. It's eyes closed. Head hung.

CLICK!!

With a massive sound the lights once again turned off leaving you in pure darkness except for the distant sounds of your flashlight on the floor. Music gone. Silent darkness settled. Like it never even happened.

...

Footsteps slowly stumbled about towards the darkness and a second later a flashlight was picked up and the backpack was swung over your shoulders. More footsteps approached the marionette on the stage once again. Shining the light upon the face that was still limp. However the traces of tears still remained... Eventually you tapped it with your flashlight.

"Hey...A-Are you still awake?"

No response. You walked around to face it's front.

"Are you that Enmu Hypnotist guy from the posters?"

The thing moved- You flinched as the blue eyes once more snapped open and turned towards you. Glass eyes shining in the light.

"...How did you die?"

It didn't answer. Instead in blinked before it's head turned to the far left. Curious your light shined where it was looking at. You saw nothing but the floor until it shines up on something you didn't notice before. A spiderweb like crack in the otherwise normal floorboards and the faint color of rust...Blood long since cleaned up but stained forever into the wood.

"Oh my god. ...How long have you been here?"

"A long time."

You shined your light back up to the puppet that turned it's head to you. "I thought you were talking. .. Can't you leave?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

To answer, the thing gave a few tugs of an arm and you noticed. The strings. Were they the things thing his ghost here or something? You continued to stare at him before putting the flashlight between your teeth and grabbing his arm. You completely put your weight into it and with its old age snapped easily.

Immediately you let go as the wooden appendage moved and flexed without the string to move it. Those eyes blinked before turning to you before you grabbed onto his other arm.

"What are you doing?"

"Either something really good or really crazy. Let's find out which."

#demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #Demonstober #enmu kny #enmu demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba enmu #kny enmu #enmu #demon slayer enmu #enmu tamio #enmu x reader

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polizwrites · 8 months ago

Note

If you're up for it, then I'm going to request Bucky x Tony for this prompt if you find something that inspires you in the Prompts for Couples that aren't together yet. Seems like a fun one for them: 💜 Remembering the things their love interest often forgets, so they always have extra

Oooh - what a fun prompt! And it meshed surprisingly well with one of my @winterironevents bingo squares - KINK: Hair pulling - so here you go, my dear!

Untangling Their Attraction

Fandom: MCU/Marvel Pairing: Tony/Bucky Rating: Teen Tags: Mutual Pining, Sexual Tension, Kink Discovery, Kink: Hair Pulling, Summary: Tony finds a way to help Bucky out with his unruly hair, and discovers a kink along the way. Word Count: 544

It started during a walk on a windy day, with Bucky commenting how he wished he’d thought to grab a hair elastic. Tony thought he looked even sexier than usual with the wind in his hair, but could also understand his annoyance.

They stopped in a nearby bodega, but the only hair elastics for sale were pastel and sparkly. Bucky shrugged and bought a pack anyways, making a quick, messy ponytail with the blue one. “At least it matches my eyes,” he teased with a flirty wink. Tony’s heart skipped a beat even as he made a mental note.

A week or so later, they were getting ready for a sparring session; and while Tony could barely tear his eyes away from his partner’s thick thighs and broad shoulders, he did notice one potential issue: Bucky’s hair was loose. “Here - might want to get those gorgeous tresses of yours out of your way.” Tony handed over a hair elastic from the pack he’d had JARVIS order.

“Thanks, pal,” Bucky twisted his hair up into a bun, adding with a wink, “Just so ya know, a bit of sweet talk isn’t gonna make me take it any easier on you.”

Later that week, they were taking boxes of Avengers merchandise over to a children’s hospital and the wind kicked up again, sending Bucky’s hair flying every which way, including into his face. Tony fished another elastic out of his pocket. “Here you go, sunshine.”

Bucky blinked in surprise, then smiled a little. “My hands are full - can you fix me up?”

“Uh, sure.” Tony reached up and combed his fingers through Bucky’s hair to gather it up; he hit a tangle and tugged harder than he’d intended, making Bucky grunt. “Sorry.”

“ ‘S’ok.” Bucky’s reply came out a bit strangled, and his cheeks reddened. Tony tried not to read too much into his companion’s reaction, even as it sparked something hot in his own core. And of course, the scientist in him was already devising an experiment.

The opportunity came the next day, when Tony was working on yet another prototype when Bucky came into the workshop. “Got a minute to help me out, Sarge?”

“Sure.”

“C’mere and hold these two plates in place while I get my spot welder.” Bucky did as he was told; when Tony returned, he tsk’ed slightly. “Can’t have your hair getting singed by an errant spark - let me pull it back for you.”

Tony took an elastic off his wrist and carded his fingers through his companion’s hair, tugging just a little harder than he needed to. Bucky inhaled sharply in response, his back arching ever so slightly.

“That doesn’t hurt, does it, sunshine?” Tony purred into his ear. Bucky made a negative hum, then gasped as Tony tugged again. “Does it feel good?”

“Yes.” Bucky’s eyes fluttered shut and his lips parted. The experiment was a success; now to test the parameters.

“Do you want me to do it again? A little harder, maybe?”

“Please.” Tony did exactly that, tilting Bucky’s head back; sexual tension suddenly hung heavy in the air.

“Unless you tell me otherwise,” Tony murmured, “I’m going to kiss the hell out of you right now.”

Bucky’s lips curved into a smirk. “About damned time, hotshot.”

Send me a prompt from this list and a pairing and I'll do my best to write you a ficlet!

#writing stuff #fanficlet #winteriron #Tony x Bucky #PoliZ Answers #writing prompt #shameless self promo

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rose-sophia-isabella-rogers · 1 year ago

Text

A Soothing Rain of His: Chapter VII - The Winter Fete

Chapter Summary: The biggest party of the year arrives and Alina is attraction of the show. Once, you would cheer her on. But you feel she's stealing Aleksander from you. Things between you and him are on the edge. Will your love prevail? Or will you leave and break your hearts?

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Ivan, Alina Starkov, Nadia Zhabin, Genya Safin, Marie, Fedyor Kaminsky

Word Count: 4425

A/N: This chapter contains some plot from fifth episode of season one. Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089584627/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089684667/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089684644/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089683684/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089683626/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089559817/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089683636/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089559893/

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

It's been months since Alina came to the Little Palace. You knew things would change, but you didn't know they would do it that much. Because now you've been barely spending time with Aleksander. Sure, he still shows you he loves you whenever you two are alone. Kisses. Smiles. Laughing. But you can't remember the last time you two went somewhere together. Or you were kidnapped because you used to be his servant. You missed this all (maybe except for the kidnapping part). You missed him.

The day of the winter fete arrives. It's probably the most lavish party of the year, held at the Little Palace towards the end of the winter season. During it, among other festivities, some Grisha demonstrate their powers to the delight of the gathered.

That day, you are in Alina's room with her, Nadia and Marie. You, the Sun Summoner and the Squaller are having a blast, laughing at the poor Inferni, who panicked when she was asked on a date.

'I panicked,' she tries to defend herself. 'Nobody's ever asked to spend time with me before.'

'So you set him on fire?' Alina asks and you cackle.

'It was an accident,' Marie insists.

'The Squallers had to launch him right into the lake,' Nadia says

'So, set ablaze, then nearly drowned,' Alina says. 'You've made quite a first impression.'

Marie groans, touching her forehead. The rest of you laugh. Just then the door opens and Genya walks in with a servant.

'Hi, Genya,' you all say.

'They need you for the kefta,' Genya says to Marie.

'No, I'm so late,' Marie says and dashes for the door. 'Nadia, come on!'

Nadia follows her, slower, and soon they leave the room. You stand up from your seat and smile at Alina.

'I better get going, too,' you say and head toward the door. 'See you all later!'

'I hope you'll like your kefta,' Genya calls after you.

'I'm sure I will!' you assure her and leave the room. But instead of going to your chambers, you take a walk. You watch the preparations for the fete with a smile.

You're not exactly surprised, when in the end your feet take you to Aleksander's chambers. You walk inside, looking around. You don't see him, but you hear a voice from the bedroom:

'Ivan! My kefta!'

You notice his kefta on a table. You grab it and enter his bedroom. He turns and stops, seeing you.

'You're not Ivan,' he says.

'Sorry to disappoint,' you say, a teasing smile on your face. Aleksander smiles.

'Your sight is never a disappointment,' he assures you.

'So, I don't have to be jealous about Ivan?' you ask. Aleksander rolls his eyes.

'Ivan has only eyes for Fedyor,' he says and caresses your cheek. 'Just as I have only eyes for you, my love.'

I wish I could believe that…

You shake those thoughts from your head. You smile and present him his kefta.

'May I?' you ask, glancing at it and then at him. He looks at you for a moment. He nods.

'Thank you,' he says and turns around. You walk to him and help him put his arms into the sleeves of the kefta. Then he turns back and you adjust it. There's a soft smile on your face.

'It reminds me of the old times,' you say quietly. 'Do you miss them sometimes?'

'No,' Aleksander answers and you look up at him with surprise. 'You're much more than a servant, [Y/N].'

'Well, I miss that I could spend almost the whole day with you,' you say after a moment. Aleksander cups your cheek.

'Soon, lapushka,' he assures you. 'Soon you will be right by my side for all to see. In a way you deserve.'

You frown. You try to read from his face what he means. But then you hear footsteps and you both pull away.

Alina enters the bedroom. She stops, seeing you.

'Oh, sorry for interrupting,' she apologises. You force a smile and shake your head.

'You're not,' you assure her and glance at Aleksander, whose eyes are already focused on Alina. 'I have to go anyway.'

'I can't wait for your performance,' Kirigan says, as you walk toward the door. You turn to him and roll your eyes.

'Oh, please,' you say and link your arms with Alina. 'We all know you can't wait for Alina's performance, not mine.'

'I can't wait for both performances,' Aleksander insists.

'See how is he sweet-talking me?' you ask, leaning to Alina. 'It means he will want something from me later.'

Alina chuckles. Aleksander sighs and gives you an exasperated look.

'Fine, fine, don't look at me like that, I'm going,' you say, separating yourself from Alina. You turn and start walking.

'[Y/N],' Aleksander stops you. 'I'm sure you will do splendidly.'

You shoot him a grateful smile and nod. Then, you turn and leave. Smile falls from your face as soon as you leave his chambers. Because deep down you don't want to leave the two of them alone. In his chambers.

You chat and laugh with your fellow Tidemakers during the fete. You still feel out of place sometimes, but among them you are more at ease. And they're the ones that accept you the most.

Suddenly, a fireball flies over the guests' heads. They gasp and look around. You smile slightly, watching how the Inferni twins, Polina and Pavel, throw the fireball to each other. When they're done, the guests clap and cheer.

But the fireball is still in Pavel's hand. And suddenly, he drops it next to him on a podium and a small fire starts. For the guests it looks as if he couldn't control it. So they gasp and panic a bit.

However, suddenly, water extinguishes the fire. And it doesn't disappear. People look around and see you taking Polina's place, your hands brought together.

'You can do it, [Y/N],' a fellow Tidemaker whispers. You small slightly. It's nice of them, but you're still very nervous.

You move your hands and the water raises in the air. You create incredible shapes with it. Animals, flowers, flourishes… People are delighted. But you're not done yet.

Your hands move faster. The water gathers in a one big tank. It starts turning fast. The guests gasp, but the water doesn't splash them. Suddenly, you stop… and the water has taken a shape of a snowflake. You exhale shakily and your hands move slightly. The water starts freezing. People gasp again, when the snowflake doesn't turn into a giant shape made of ice. But instead, a giant snowflake is over their heads. From snow.

You risk a glance at Aleksander. Your heart skips a beat when you see pride in his eyes, as he stares at your display with a smile. However, your smile falls when you see Alina next to him in her new black kefta with golden embroidery. Black. His colours. You know he must have given his permission. He wanted her to wear his colours.

Suddenly, the snowflake bursts. Snow falls on the guests. They cheer and clap, delighted. You force a smile and bow, pretending it was part of a show and not you losing control. You step down and join your friends. They congratulate you and agree that your little 'improvisation' was a much better end of the performance. But you barely hear them.

The applauds dies when Alina and Aleksander take on the stage. Kirigan says something to Alina and turns to the gathered.

'Her name is Alina Starkov,' he says. 'And she will bring liberation to us all.'

He walks down the stage and people part in front of him. He spreads his arms and then clasps them together. Darkness swallows the room in an instant. He motions at Alina and moves away.

Alina takes a few steps forward. She brings her hands together and when she separates them, there's sunlight between them. She creates an orb from it and raises it in the air with one hand. Then, she creates another one with her other hand. She connects them and sends them to the middle of the room, lightning it up.

She looks down at one point. You follow her gaze and see Aleksander. Your heart clenches when you see how he looks at her. With awe, admiration… and something else. Love? You fear it is that.

Alina spreads her arms and the light explodes. Then she brings them together and it disappears. The normal lights come back. Alina smiles, happy with her performance.

People start murmuring 'Sankta Alina'. Some touch their foreheads and their hearts with their fingers. Some kneel.

You can't bring yourself to celebrate the success with others. Your heart is breaking and it hurts so much. But you force yourself to endure the party. You have to take a moment at one point, though, so you step out. But you bump into Alina.

'Oh, sorry!' she says with a smile. Your stomach turns. You force a smile.

'You did wonderfully, Alina,' you say. 'I knew you had it in you.'

'Thank you,' your friend says happily. 'You did well, too. Your performance was just… wow.'

'Thank you,' you chuckle and look at her with, you hope, a teasing look. 'Your kefta is beautiful. Will I be hearing wedding bells soon?'

Please, say 'no'. Please, please, please…

'No, no,' Alina laughs… but blushes and smiles slightly, looking down. She looks at you and bites her lip. She looks around. She grabs your arm and pulls you to the side. You're now really scared.

'Don't tell anyone…' she whispers, '… but I… I kissed him.'

She blushes. And your heart stops. You feel as if you were falling. But you force yourself to stay calm.

'Oh,' you whisper. 'Wow. How brave of you. What about him? Did he… kissed you back?'

You beg her in your mind to deny. But she smiles shyly. You brace for impact.

'Well, not exactly,' she answers and you get ready to sight with relief. 'But he said I had surprised him… and smiled. And laughed. So… maybe… there's a chance for me? I don't know. I… I think I really like him. But I don't know what to do now.'

You don't sigh with relief. Your heart aches. But you force yourself to take Alina's hands in yours. She looks at you, puzzled.

'Hold him gently in your hands,' you say quietly, begging your voice not to crack. 'He has been cracked enough as it is, and his heart is more shattered than he lets on.'

Alina looks at you, stunned. You smile slightly at her and let go of her hands. You quickly walk away from her. Because if you stay, you might cry.

After you calm down you return to the party. You talk with a few Tidemakers. At one point you notice Alina being escorted by two guards.

But then Aleksander shows up in front of them. He says something and then… gives your friend flowers. Alina smells the flowers and smiles. She takes Aleksander's arm and together they leave the room.

'Excuse me,' you say to your friends and hurry out of the room, using the other exit. You have to get out or you might explode. Or break down in front of those people. You can't have that.

A moment later you're on the corridor. You stop by one of the windows and turn to it. You look outside and hug yourself. You exhale shakily and try to calm down your breathing. But tears fall down your cheeks anyway.

What you don't know, is that someone noticed you leaving. And the reason why. So, a moment later Fedyor shows up on the corridor. Seeing you, he speeds up.

'[Y/N],' he says. You turn, startled. Fedyor stops at the sight of your tear-stained cheeks. For a moment you want to quickly dry them. But instead, your lip trembles. Your friend looks at you with compassion and spreads his arms.

'Come here,' he says. And you do. You rush into his embrace and let him hold you. And yourself to cry.

'Being ignored by someone who's attention means the world to you is the worst feeling ever,' you whisper after a moment. Fedyor's hold on you tightens.

'He doesn't ignore you,' he denies. 'You mean the world to him. You're all that he can see.'

'I think you're mistaking me for Alina,' you say bitterly, but forcing a smile. Fedyor sighs. He pushes you away slightly. He opens his mouth to say something, but stops seeing your face. You can only guess your tears washed away your make-up with which you tried so hard to hide.

'You haven't been sleeping well,' Fedyor says quietly.

'I've been sleeping fine, thank you very much,' you say, trying to free yourself from his grip. But he doesn't let go.

'Then where did those shadows under your eyes come from, hm?' he asks. You are quiet for a moment.

'It sucks when the only person who can make you feel better is also the reason you always cry,' you finally answer. Night after night you have been crying yourself to sleep. Missing him, cursing him. And her. You hate it. You hate he has such a hold on you. You hate that you are so weak. You hate yourself that you can't just trust him and his love. So, you cry.

'[Y/N]…' Fedyor starts slowly. 'You must believe me when I tell you that he does love you. I've seen him with Alina and I've seen him with you. There's a huge difference, I assure you.'

'Of course, there is,' you agree, your voice shaking. 'I'm just a Tidemaker. She's the Sun Summoner. His equal. They complete each other. I've been a fool not to see it.'

'That's not true,' Fedyor denies vehemently. 'You're the one who's completing him. His heart is yours. I know it doesn't seem like that. But trust me, give it a bit more time and it-'

He cuts himself off. You look at him with suspicion. His lips are pursed in a tight line.

'You know,' you realise. 'You know why he's doing all of that. Why? Fedyor, why?'

The Heartrender looks away. You scoff. You shake off his hold on you.

'Fine, don't tell me,' you snap. 'But don't expect me not to be hurt by how he behaves. I have feelings, you know. And words can't reassure me by themselves.'

You turn on your heel and march away. Fedyor calls after you but doesn't chase you. Good. You can cry again.

Alina is gone. Kidnapped by three rouges from Ketterdam. Aleksander is doing everything he can to locate her and bring her home.

Poor Marie is dead. She was killed by a man travelling with the three rogues. But he betrayed them, because he had stricken a deal with General Zlatan. He was to kill Alina. But instead of her, he found Marie who thanks to Genya looked like the Sun Summoner.

You're worried about your friend, naturally. But seeing how Aleksander is upset because of it, makes your stomach turn. You know he will go to look for her. And thanks to Zoya, you know you're not on the team. You're supposed to sit restless in the Little Palace. You are furious about it. Until you hear Fedyor is not going either.

'Come in!' the Heartrender calls, hearing a knock on his door. It opens and you walk in. You frown, seeing he's packing.

'I thought you're not going after Alina?' you ask.

'Because I'm not,' Fedyor answers. 'I'm going to look for Nina. We finally have a lead on her.'

'Without Ivan?' you ask, starting to pass things to Fedyor. 'How will the two of you survive that?'

Fedyor chuckles. He smiles at you and you answer with the same. You observe him in silence for a moment. Then, an idea forms in your head.

'I'll go with you,' you decide, causing Fedyor to drop his spare kefta. 'I know I'm not Ivan, but I will have to do for you.'

'[Y/N]-' Fedyor starts, panicking.

'Don't,' you interrupt him. 'I made up my mind. I'm not going to stay here, while you all are looking for people. I want to help. I am going to pack now and no one is going to stop me.'

You turn on your heel and walk away. Fedyor stares after your retreating back, horrified.

'Saints,' he whispers. 'He's already mad as it is.'

'Who is?' Ivan asks, entering the room. 'Actually, never mind, I can guess. But why is he going to be more?'

'Because [Y/N] has just decided to go with me after Nina,' Fedyor answers. Ivan pauses.

'What?' he asks. Fedyor sighs and runs a hand through his face.

'Things are bad, Ivan,' he says. '[Y/N] is convinced he chose Alina over her. She… she is tired and has given up. I fear that if she leaves with me… she may not come back.'

'Then we better tell all that to General Kirigan and make sure it doesn't happen,' Ivan says after a moment. Fedyor nods, determined. Two Heartrenders quickly leave and head to Aleksander's chambers.

'Enter,' Kirigan sighs after hearing a knock. He turns to the door, annoyed. Ivan and Fedyor enter, grim.

'Well?' Aleksander snaps. 'What is it?'

'[Y/N] has decided to go with me after Nina,' Fedyor answers, deciding to just go for it. Kirigan freezes.

'She. Has. What?' he growls. Fedyor gulps. Aleksander seethes.

'What is she thinking?' he asks, barely controlling his shadows. Two Heartrenders exchange a look.

'She's hurting, General,' Fedyor says, causing Aleksander to stop. 'She… saw you giving flowers to Alina.'

'We think this may be her way to… gently remove herself,' Ivan adds. Aleksander goes pale once he understands the meaning of those words. You don't intend to come back.

'Come with me and guard the door,' Kirigan orders, already marching out of the room. A few minutes later they reach your room. Aleksander bursts in without knocking and is met with a sight of you packing your things with Natasha.

'What is the meaning of this?' he demands. You grit your teeth. Damn you, Fedyor.

'Exactly what it looks like,' you answer calmly. 'I'm packing. I'm going after Nina, my dear friend, with Fedyor.'

'Leave us,' Aleksander orders Natasha after a moment. 'Now.'

Your friend looks at you, uncertain. You nod at her. You imagine there's going to be a lot of yelling. You don't want her in the middle of this. So, Natasha curtsies to Kirigan and leaves.

'[Y/N], stop moving and talk to me,' Aleksander says when you don't pause even after your friend is gone.

'Oh, now you want to talk to me,' you scoff. 'I should have started packing weeks ago, then.'

'What do you mean?' Aleksander asks. You chuckle humorously.

'I mean that for the past weeks you've been ignoring me, General,' you say. 'I'm tired of it.'

You calling him by his title feels like a slap to Kirigan. And the way you look at him, with anger, hurts him. And makes him upset as well.

'I already explained myself to you,' he says, his voice low. 'I've asked you to be patient. To trust me.'

'Well, you made me reach my limit!' you say, throwing your hands in the air. 'Honestly, you can't think I'm blind, do you? That I wouldn't notice the black kefta on Alina? Or see you giving her flowers? Or that she won't confide in me, her best friend, about how she kissed you, a moment after I left your chambers?'

Colour drains from Aleksander's face yet again. You turn quickly, so he wouldn't see tears in your eyes. Silence fills the room. Until you hear slow footsteps behind you. You wince when Kirigan's hands land on your hips.

'When I tell you I love you,' he says, his voice a bit shaky, 'I don't say it out of habit or to make conversation. I say it to remind you that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.'

Tears fall down your cheeks. It takes every ounce of your strength not to turn and hide in his arms. But you tell yourself to be strong.

'If that was true, then you wouldn't treat me like you have,' you say. Aleksander stiffens behind you. You free yourself from his grip and walk away. Kirigan gulps.

'I'm sorry,' he says. 'I know it's not enough. I know now I hurt you. It was wrong of me. But, please, don't go on a dangerous journey, just to spite me. Or to leave and never return.'

'Don't ask me to stay and watch you love someone else,' you say after a moment. 'I get it, Aleksander. I truly do. She's your equal. You and her are going to change the world. You both will… live for a really long time. You deserve someone like that. But please… please don't make me watch this. It hurts too much.'

You don't see this, but Aleksander reaches out to you. He pulls back after a second and clenches his fists.

'I swear on my life, I don't love Alina Starkov,' he says, his voice firm. 'You're the one that has a hold of my heart. It was killing me to spend time with her and not with you, giving her my attention. I wanted to call you to my chambers so many times. Or just walk to you. But I knew she might visit me suddenly. So, I kept my distance, even though it was hurting me. I know it's nothing compared to the pain I caused you. But believe me that I love only you.'

You bite your lip. You want to turn and see if you heard him correctly. Because he sounded like he's on the verge of crying. And you've never seen him cry. Not once.

'Tell me what I can do to make you stay,' Aleksander pleads. 'What I can say, so you won't leave. I need to know how I can fix this!'

'Tell my why,' you answer after a moment. You turn around, miraculously still fighting back tears. But Aleksander isn't. He's crying, his eyes are red and puffy. You're stunned by it.

'Tell my why you flirted with Alina and let her kiss you,' you say. 'Why you wanted her to believe you have feelings for her.'

Aleksander purses his lips. You wait. And wait. You're about to scoff and turn…

'I needed her to trust me,' he finally says. 'To depend on me. To be loyal to me. So we could destroy our enemies together.'

'And you had to lie to do that?' you ask, frowning. 'Manipulate her?'

'Everything I do, I do for the sake of all Grisha,' Aleksander says. 'For you. I know I'm… overprotective sometimes. Keeping you by my side, keeping you here, keeping you in the dark… I shouldn't have done that. I should have told you at least a part of my plans. But I… I just want you to be safe. I want so badly to protect you from the world, because I know all too well how bad it can be.'

'Yes,' you say after a moment and gulp. 'You should have told me. Why didn't you really tell me what you are planning?'

'… I didn't want to scare you away.'

'… Idiot. How many times? I love you no matter what. Remember what I told you when you asked me how would I look at you if you told me about the darkness inside you?'

'That despite every terrible thing I did you would love me anyway.'

'Did I run away after you told me you're the one who created the Fold?'

'No.'

'And what did I do?'

'… You hugged me. You held me in your arms for the whole night and whispered how much you love me.'

'Then why did you think this would be any different?'

Okay, you lost the fight. You're crying. Aleksander lets out a chuckle through his tears.

'Because I'm a fool, who's biggest fear is losing the woman he loves more than anything,' he answers. You shake your head, exasperated. But your look softens.

'Do you promise you love me?' you ask, your voice shaking a bit.

'I swear,' he answers, looking at you seriously. You exhale shakily and let your tears fall.

'My darling, come here, let me hold you,' Aleksander says, opening his arms. This time you run into them and let him embrace you tightly.

'We're still not okay,' you whisper.

'I know,' Aleksander says. 'I know, moya milaya. I'll make it up to you. I promise. But first I must find Miss Starkov. Before it's too late.'

'What will you do to her when you do?' you ask after a moment.

'Not "if"?' Aleksander asks, smiling slightly. You scoff.

'I do know you, you know,' you answer. Aleksander chuckles. He's so grateful for your faith in him. Even though he hurt you…

'All will depend on how will I find her,' he answers your question. 'But I will no longer flirt with her, kiss her or make her believe there can be something between us. Because I have you.'

You smile in his kefta and his grip on you tightens. You stay like that for long minutes. In fact, you don't leave each other's side until it's sundown and Aleksander must go for Alina. But before he leaves your chambers, he hugs you one last time.

'Wait for me,' he pleads, the words coming out choked and pained. 'I need you to wait for me.'

'I will always wait for you,' you say after a moment. Aleksander cups your face and kisses you passionately, taking your breath away. You sigh when you part. You look at each other for a one more minute, then he leaves. Ivan follows him outside, sending you a small smile, which you return.

It drops when they're gone. You exhale shakily. Like you said, you and Aleksander are not okay yet. But there's progress. You are ready to wait for him to make things right.

But then the Fold expands and it is said the Darkling is dead. Grisha are being hunted because of what Aleksander has done. You must run for your life, your heart broken because of the news of Kirigan. And you don't know if you can continue living without him.

Thank you for reading! Please, reblog, like and comment if you could. This was supposed to be a two-part fic. But I've decided to make all parts more or less the same length, so I'm ending this one after the end of season one and the third part will be the season two. That means it's all for now, but the final part should be published soon. Take care until then and let me know your thoughts about this one!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49547866/chapters/125872165

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pheita · 6 months ago

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Flash Fic Friday: Count the Days

yay, still in time despite migraine yesterday @flashfictionfridayofficial

I totally blame my sis for this one, with her love for those werewolf romance novels out there.

So, here we are. I know some folks wanted to be tagged in anything I write, so @cljordan-imperium @bee-barnes-author @writingamongther0ses

The cold, crisp morning air filled her lungs as Idalia stood on the small balcony outside her room and took a deep breath. Summer was slowly winding down and turning into fall, which meant the next gathering of the clans. She was reluctant to admit that she was already counting the days until then, because this year she was old enough to come along.

There was a knock at the door, the manner revealing her mother.

"Ida, are you awake yet?"

"Yes, I'll be right down."

She took another deep breath and then went back inside to get dressed for the day. Luckily, she still had the day off and could enjoy it.

Once in the kitchen, she found her mother staring longingly at the coffee machine, which was slowly bubbling away, and somewhere in the house her father and younger brother were rumbling around.

"Rough night?"

Her mother nodded slowly. Night watches were always the most exhausting for everyone, especially at this time of year.

"There's our sunshine," her father's voice sounded behind her, far too cheerful and awake for the time of day.

Idalia put her head in her neck with a groan.

"What do you want me to do for you now?"

"Can you take Collin to school?"

Blinking, she turned and looked at her father. Even though he was more than a head taller than her and a spitting image of The Rock, he looked as insecure as a little schoolboy.

"What happened?"

"We don't know yet," her mother explained, "But some of the other guards found strange tracks in the south of the territory last night. Don't match any kind of were-being we know of."

"That's why they're all being called together," her father added.

Idalia nodded slowly. That made sense. Unknown werebeings in their territory was something the Alpha needed to take care of and of course he needed the knowledge of the older members.

"Do you think it's connected to the reunion? We're hosting it this year, and it's nothing unusual that it attracts strange creatures."

Her father smiled proudly and hugged her.

"I've had that thought too. We'll see."

She felt his tension in the embrace. Whatever was found was worrying everyone more than they wanted to admit.

"All right, I'll take Collin to school. Do you want me to get groceries while I'm at it?"

"That would be great," her mother sighed and left the guard post at the coffee machine to get a pen and paper.

"Dad! I've got to go!"

Collin rumbled down the stairs as only an overgrown 14-year-old could and grabbed one of the ready-made toasts from the kitchen table. Idalia took the shopping list from her mother and pushed Collin out the door.

"I'll take you today, important clan business."

"Cool, are we taking the other way?"

She grinned at the question. The other way was the road over the mountains with all the curves where you could slide so delightfully. A glance over her shoulder told her that her parents hadn't heard and hastily closed the front door.

"Quick, before they realize what you asked."

Toast in his mouth, Collin tossed his backpack into the backseat and got in.

"And already nervous about the clan meeting?" he grinned broadly.

"Cheeky puppy."

"I'm just asking, everyone else is talking about nothing else."

She gave him a sideways glance as she adjusted the rearview mirror.

"Do I look like the others?"

He wrinkled his nose and chuckled.

"Nah, you're not as crazy about finding your mate as the rest. Luckily."

"Luckily?"

The agonized groan spoke entire book lines.

"The girls in my class don't know any other subject at the moment. What it's like when they get their wolf, what it's like when they find their mate. Blah blah blah."

Collin's eye roll was something Idalia could well understand, it got on her nerves back then too.

"Let me guess, it's the popular girls who talk about it so loudly."

His grumble confirmed everything. So, it was business as usual. With a mischievous grin, Idalia took the turn to the mountain road and got an amused snort in response. Collin knew that if they were going to slide down the road like a rally driver, Idalia needed all the attention she could get. She had to smile more when she thought about how her father used to do that when she was little.

They had just arrived at the foot of the hill when something darted across the road at such an inhuman speed that Idalia could only steer to the side. They came to a screeching halt a few meters further on and both looked back.

"Holy shit, what was that?" asked Collin.

"I have no idea," she answered honestly, but something told her that was what the clan was sitting together for.

She quickly typed a message to her parents that something was on the move in the southwestern clan territory and tried to calm down. Once more she looked over her shoulder behind her where the strange creature had crossed the road and was shaken. Something told her it wasn't the last time she'd seen it.

#writblr #writing #flashficfriday #shifters #werewolves

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misshoneyimhome · 1 year ago

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Push the button | Frederik Andersen

Tags: gentleman!Freddie; Frederik AndersenxReader; Warnings: Pure lustful behaviour;

A/N: I miss my husband; in "celebration" og Freddie's happy relationship ❤️ may your life be filled with love & joy (or I will hunt her down);

I'm busy throwing hints that he keeps missing Don't have to think about it, I wanna kiss and Everything around it, but he's too distant I wanna feel his body, I can't resist it

Frederik Andersen always had a talent for getting lost in his work. When he was deep into his tasks, whether it was training rigorously or gearing up for a match, he had this tendency to shut out the world around him.

There wasn't much room for other thoughts in his head.

Yet, strangely enough, he managed to occupy a prominent space in your thoughts.

Freddie was, in your eyes, almost like a god. His fiery ginger hair and rugged scruff gave him an extremely attractive, almost otherworldly appeal. His very tall, muscular, Adonis-like physique only added to his charisma. Yet, beneath that striking exterior, there was a calm and mysterious demeanour that drew you in.

Every time you found yourself in Freddie's presence, whether it was after a game or at a team gathering, you made a conscious effort to drop hints, hoping he'd finally take notice. You dropped hints of all kinds, hoping that one of them would catch his attention. Yet, it always seemed as if he remained oblivious to your subtle signals.

Your deepest desire was simple yet profound: to feel his lips against yours.

You yearned to share those subtle butterfly kisses along the curve of his neck, or to tenderly kiss away any bruises he might have acquired during a fierce game. And you couldn't help but fantasise about trailing kisses down his chiselled, toned abs, savouring every moment of intimacy that you could only dream of.

The irresistible urge to have his body pressed against yours was a constant struggle. Yet, Freddie always appeared so distant, as if he existed in a different league altogether. It was as though the gap between your desires and reality was an insurmountable chasm, leaving you hungering for something that felt just out of reach.

Freddie remained oblivious, and in all fairness, your hints weren't exactly straightforward either. You mastered the art of keeping a controlled expression on your face whenever you were near him. You dressed impeccably and aimed to appear effortlessly casual, even though you knew you'd put in a lot of effort into your looks whenever you anticipated his presence. Striking that balance between catching his eye without appearing too obvious or desperate became a delicate dance you were determined to perfect.

Freddie's unwavering politeness and his deep respect for women and their boundaries only made him more irresistible. He was the epitome of a true gentleman, never pushing limits or crossing lines that could be deemed too risky. As you engaged in conversations with him, whether brief or extended, you patiently waited for that magical moment when he might finally see you in a different light, when he might realise the depth of your desires that had you going wild inside.

So, you made a firm decision: you wanted to have him.

You wanted him to catch on, to see the desire burning within you, and you were determined that one day, you'd find a way to have your intimate moments with him, to turn those fantasies into reality.

An opportunity presented itself one fateful night when the team gathered at a dimly lit bar before the season was about to begin. The lads were comfortably ensconced in the dark booth, and you, along with a few other girls, decided to make your way to the dance floor.

You were on a mission, no doubt; to show him what he's been missing out.

You strutted your sexy ass, flaunting intention; hoping to draw him into your new dimension.

Your allure, it had him in apprehension - Ready to take action, and end the tension.

Your moves on the dance floor didn't escape Freddie's notice. His gaze was drawn to you like a moth to a flame.

The snug little dress you wore accentuated your every curve, intensifying the glamour of your figure. Those vibrant red heels added an extra layer of captivation as you gracefully swayed your hips, exuding confidence, and sheer enjoyment with that pretty face of yours.

After a couple of songs, you decided to take a break and made your way to the bar. And Freddie wasted no time in leaving his seat to follow you. Seizing the chance for a private moment, he positioned himself next to you at the bar, and the two of you exchanged glances and subtle smiles before he finally broke the silence.

"Having a good time?" he inquired, his lips curving into a faint smirk.

You nodded, your heart racing at his nearness. "Absolutely," you replied. "And you?"

Freddie mirrored your nod. "Yeah, it's nice to let loose and have some fun during the off-season."

His smile had you utterly captivated, and a wave of desire surged through you. Yet, you managed to keep your cool, sharing a light laugh with him, all the while craving for something more.

As Freddie stood there beside you at the bar, his presence was intoxicating, and you couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. You sipped your drink, trying to maintain your casual composure, but the chemistry between you two was undeniable.

You leaned in slightly, your voice low and sultry, "Freddie, I've always admired your dedication on and off the ice. It's pretty inspiring."

His eyes met yours, and a hint of surprise flickered in his gaze. "Thanks," he responded, genuine appreciation in his voice. "I guess it's just something I've always loved."

Encouraged by his response, you continued, "You know, dedication can be quite attractive. It's one of the many things that make you so intriguing."

Freddie's lips curled into a more pronounced smile, and he took a step closer. "Is that so?" he asked, his tone dropping slightly, hinting at a growing connection.

You nodded, your heart pounding in your chest. "Absolutely. But there's more to me than meets the eye, too."

As the night wore on, the conversation flowed effortlessly. You shared stories, laughed, and exchanged glances that spoke volumes. It was as if the tension that had once separated your desires from reality was slowly dissolving.

The atmosphere in the dimly lit bar seemed to intensify with each passing moment. You couldn't ignore the magnetic pull between you and Freddie, the undeniable chemistry that had simmered beneath the surface for so long.

But Freddie, ever the gentleman, maintained his composure, offering a polite smile while keeping a respectful distance.

Shortly after, Sebastian interrupted, informing that everyone was about to leave.

And once outside on the street, you made another attempt to drop hints by positioning yourself close to Freddie.

In his signature gentlemanly style, Freddie extended an offer, "Would you like me to walk you home?" You responded with a sweet smile, nodding in agreement.

The stroll through the late summer night was pleasant. You both enjoyed the warm air, with the streetlights casting a soft glow on the streets of Raleigh as you engaged in an engrossing conversation.

When you reached the steps by the front door of your apartment building, you summoned the courage to invite him in.

To your delight, he accepted your invitation.

As you entered the lift together, the anticipation was unmistakable. You stood side by side, almost touching, as you pressed the button for the 10th floor.

Soft music played in the background, setting the mood, and Freddie's restraint finally gave way.

"Fuck it," he murmured, unable to contain himself any longer. He pulled you close, pinning you against the lift wall in a passionate, long-awaited kiss.

#frederik andersen #freddie andersen #freddie andersen imagine #carolina hurricanes #carolina hurricanes imagine #nhl hockey imagine #nhl hockey fic

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chickensarentcheap · 2 years ago

Text

Lost and Found- Chapter 10

Fandom: Extraction

Pairing: Tyler Rake and Esme Drummond (established OFC. Although you do not need to read the others to understand this one)

Warnings: angst, profanity, some brief smut

Tagging: @tragiclyhip @secretaryunpaid @youflickedtooharddamnit @residentdormouse @asirensrage @munstysmind @muchadoaboutcj @starryeyes2000 @ninjasawakenedmystar @karimac @arrthurpendragon @ocappreciationtag @occommunity @themaradaniels

My tag list is OPEN. Just give me a shout if you’d like to added :)

Link to Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43179357/chapters/118354309

*******

He answers the door in just a pair of jeans; worn dangerously low on his hips with both his belt and top button still undone. Droplets of water glistening upon bare, tanned skin as he continues to vigorously towel dry his hair. And for what seems like an eternity she’s dumbstruck; rendered speechless as she hungrily eyes the work of art that stands before her. It’s a reaction that’s both unexpected and embarrassing; never anticipating his lack of apparel or the way her body, heart, and mind respond to it. After all, she’d seen him wearing far less many times; nearly a year spent sharing the same bed and feeding and nurturing every one of their carnal needs and desires. But it feels as if it’s the first time seeing him this way; as if Dhaka and those five days had never existed nor had they ever shared a life together. He’s noticeably thicker now; a mixture of more time spent in the gym, a physically gruelling profession, and the extra weight that’s taken up residence around his waist. He’s aged like a fine wine. In possession of a body and mind that have not only been stretched to their absolute limits, but somehow managed to come back better than ever.

She feels the ferocious blush that creeps into her cheeks; poker hot and rapidly spreading to the bottom of her chin and the tips of her ears. And she can’t help herself; top teeth dragging over her bottom lip as her eyes make a long, slow pass over the length of his half-naked frame. Her stomach clenches and her throat feels impossibly dry; accompanied by the pounding of her heart and the almost agonizing burn between her legs. It’s shocking; another human being having that kind of power and control. Able to turn you into a desperate, needy mess without having to put any effort into it. And it’s always been that way with Tyler; a shared physical and sexual attraction that is so immediate and intense and all-consuming.. The first lover who’d ever had that kind of effect on her; capable of turning her into a quivering and begging mess with nothing more than the sound of his voice and a heated, hungry glance.

Yet he’d always been oblivious about the kind of power he actually held; never any boasting or the slightest hint of conceit even if he DID realize what the simplest of touches or the sweetest, most innocent of kisses could do to her. A phenomenally attractive man that didn’t seem to realize it; never one to fret over his general appearance or his wardrobe. Down to earth and shockingly humble; seemingly unaware of his piercing blue eyes and his strong jaw and the way those longer strands of hair perfectly fell across his forehead. Confident in his looks, yet never cocky; not caring what other people thought of his apparel or the tattoos that decorated his skin but sometimes lamenting about the variety of scars that he’d collected over the years.

There’s a telltale throbbing between her legs and beads of sweat that gather at her temples and the nape of her neck. It’s been so long since she’d been this close to him; able to see the droplets of water on his skin and smell the body wash and shampoo that he had used. And then there are the scars he’s gained over the course of five years; souvenirs of a dangerous and unpredictable life. A mixture of long and jagged lines caused by self-administered care and smooth, circular marks left behind by bullet wounds.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t…” She noisily clears her throat and quickly glances away; hoping and praying he doesn’t pick up on her discomfort. “...I wasn’t expecting…this…you…like this….I…”

A tinge of pink takes up residence in his cheeks. She remains the only person on earth that can get that kind of reaction out of him; able to transform the big, bad mercenary into a blushing, awkward mess. And it’s always been so refreshing; knowing the pain and havoc he’s capable of causing yet bearing witness to that softer and more human side. “I wasn’t expecting you for another half an hour.”

“I didn’t think I was THAT early. Millie settled quicker than I thought she would, so I thought I’d just show up. I didn’t think I’d be interrupting anything.” Her embarrassment increases and she bites down on her bottom lip in an attempt to halt the nervous rambling. “ I’m not, am I? Interrupting anything?”

“What would you be interrupting?”

“Well…I mean… you could have company. New York City is a big place. You’re a good-looking guy and there’s tons of beautiful and available women out there. Maybe you found one. You could have been busy doing things when I showed up. You know, things that you need to take a shower after. Oh God…” She lowers her voice and peers past him into the room. “That’s not it, is it? I didn’t interrupt you and…whoever.”

“There’s no one here but me. I’m not in town for that kind of thing. Besides, I’ve learned my lesson; when it comes to mixing business with pleasure.”

She visibly winces. “I guess I deserved that. “

“I didn’t mean it that way. I wasn’t talking about you. I was talking about…”

“I can come back. If you need some time to get yourself together. I shouldn’t have shown up early. I’m sorry; I should have texted or…”

The thought of watching her walk away -albeit temporarily- sets something off inside of him, and he steps into the doorway; his much larger, stronger frame effectively barring her from leaving. “You don’t have to go. Just give me a few; so I can dry off and put some clothes on.”

“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable doing all that without me here? I can just go downstairs and get something to drink. Or I can just wait in the hall and you can just let me know when it’s okay to come in. I AM early and you don’t really owe me an explanation or…”

“Don’t go.”

“If you need a little time to get yourself together…”

“Don’t go,” he forcibly repeats, then manages a small smile while adding, “Please.”

“Are you sure? Because if you’re just saying that because you don’t want to hurt my feelings…”

“I WANT you to stay. There’s no reason for you to leave. It’s not like you haven’t seen it all before.”

She manages a small smile. “I hate this. So much. This….awkwardness. It was never like this. Between us. And it sucks. I hate it and I hate that I’m the reason things are the way they are.”

“A lot’s happened. I’d be surprised if things weren’t a little weird.”

“I never wanted any of this. I never meant to ruin things. To hurt you. I never…”

Draping the towel around his neck, he reaches out; laying a hand on the small of her back and gently pulling her closer. “Let’s just go inside. We can talk in there. We don’t need to stand out there and get into it. Not everyone needs to know our business.”

Nodding in agreement, she allows herself to be escorted into the open-concept suite; immediately missing the warmth and weight of his hand upon her body when he steps away. It’s so damn hard; to be desperately in love with someone who most likely despises you. Possessing such powerful and overwhelming feelings yet knowing you most likely ruined any chance of reconciliation; keeping Millie’s existence a secret was surely the final in the coffin. She had wounded him deeply. He had trusted her with every ounce of his being and transformed his entire life in order for them to have a future together and she’d turned around and betrayed him in the worst possible way. Seeing the undeniable hurt and anger and disgust on his face the moment Millie had left the room. He had known the moment he laid eyes on her that the little girl was his; sharing the same vivid blue eyes and the colour and texture of hair and the long and lanky frame. Despite his fears of being a dad again, he’d been more than willing to welcome a child into the world; determined to do everything right the second time around. And he’d been robbed of the chance.

She noisily clears her throat and diverts her eyes as he rummages through his lone piece of luggage for a clean shirt; the simple movements causing the muscles in his arms and back to bulge and ripple. And she wanders towards the table by the balcony door; focusing her attention on the open laptop, a half empty glass of water, and a bottle of prescription medication. Chewing pensively on her bottom lip, she picks up the latter and briefly inspects the information on the label; relieved to discover they aren’t painkillers, nor is there any form of alcohol in sight.

“Antibiotics.” His voice makes her jump as he suddenly appears beside her; plucking the meds out of her hand and tossing them in the direction of the rucksack that sits open in the middle of the bed. “Caught a hell of a cold on the last job. Settled in my chest. Just finally getting over it.”

“We used to worry about that. Every time you got sick, it always went right to your lungs. And with your left one being the way it is…”

“I figure if a sixteen-year-old with a hell of a lucky shot can’t kill me, a chest infection sure as hell won’t.”

“What about other things? Have you been taking anything else or…?”

“You mean am I back to being a pill junkie again? That’s what you’re asking, yeah? That’s what you want to know? If I’m back on the oxy? Or worse?”

“I never…”

“I’m clean. Other than over-the-counter pain shit. I’ve been clean for almost five years now. Since Dhaka.”

“Tyler, I didn’t mean to…”

“You didn’t break me that badly, Esme. Not enough to make me go back to that. To being ‘that guy’. Not even you have that kind of power.” It’s a lie of course; he’d come close many times to turning back to the booze and the pain meds in order to numb both physical and mental agony. But he’d somehow managed to stay clean and vowed to stay that way. Convincing himself that as long as there was a chance that she may wander back into his life, she deserved someone who was on the right track. Not a carbon copy of the mess he’d been when they first met.

“I didn’t come here for this. To fight with you. And I wasn’t suggesting that you were using. In the same way I wasn’t accusing you of anything or….”

Leaning back against the table, he crosses his arms over his chest. “Who’s with Millie?”

“Abeula and Nik. And there’s a couple of guys that stay on the floor and split up guard duty. She’s in good hands. She’s safe.”

Scoffing, he reaches behind him for the glass of water; lips poised at the rim. “Forgive me if I don’t have a lot of confidence in Nik right now.”

“She only did what I asked her to do. I asked her not to tell you where I was. Or why I left. I figured I’d get a chance to do all of that myself. But things were way more complicated and messy and dangerous than even I expected them to be. And then weeks turned into months into…”

“Five years. Five…fucking…years.”

“I never meant for it to get to this. For things to last as long as they did. And there’s really no excuse; I had a lot of chances to make things right. There were a lot of times I could have contacted you. Where I could have called and explained why I did what I did. Where I could have even come to see you. Talked face to face. Brought Millie to meet you and…”

“But you didn’t. All the chances but you never bothered. You couldn’t even let me know that you were alive. That would have been enough; knowing that you were okay. Even if you hadn’t wanted to come home. Work things out. I would have been able to deal with that. But you couldn’t even pick up a fucking phone and let me know you were alright.”

“It wasn’t that easy. Not at first. It wasn’t as simple as texting or leaving you a voicemail. Things were ugly for a long time and I couldn’t take the chance that you’d get hurt. Or worse. I didn’t want that on your doorstep. I didn’t want to bring that to you. You deserved better than that.”

“I deserved better than what you did. You just left. While I was gone. You didn’t even wait until I got back from Broome. I got home and you were gone. No explanation, no apology, no telling me that I’d fucked up and…”

“It wasn’t you. You didn’t ‘fuck up’. It had nothing to do with you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I got home and you were gone and I thought something happened to you. That someone had gotten a hold of you. You didn’t stop to think about that? That that’s what I’d think?”

“I thought when you saw the note…”

“That was a note? That was fucking bullshit is what it was. “I’m sorry”? What the fuck was that?”

“I didn’t know what else to say.” It sounds lame. Eve to her own ears. “ I couldn’t tell you; the reason that I left. I didn’t want you getting involved.”

“We bought a house together. We were talking about getting married. About starting a family. I was already pretty fucking involved, don’t you think?”

“It wasn’t your fight to fight, Tyler.”

“That’s horseshit and you know it. We made a life together, Esme. We were planning a future. It was up to me to protect you. To take care of you.”

“It wasn’t a one-way street. Our life together. I protected you and took care of you just as much as you did me. It wasn’t all you, Tyler. It wasn’t just you putting the work in. I stayed in Australia. I gave up my old life so I could have one with you. It wasn’t just you that made sacrifices and changed. We BOTH did.”

“Which means that whatever was going on? It was up to both of us to fix it. To fight to make things work.”

“I did what I did to protect you. I knew that if I stayed and they came for me, you would have done whatever you could to protect me. To keep me safe. That you would have back and…”

“You’re right. I would have done anything. For you. Just like I did in Dhaka. Everything we’d been through. Esme. From the very beginning. And you still couldn’t trust me? To keep you safe?”

“It had nothing to do with trusting you,” she argues. “I have ALWAYS trusted you. Which is why you’re even in New York City. I have never once doubted you. Or the things you could do. I know how strong you are. I know the skills you have. But it had only been eight months since Dhaka and you still weren’t a hundred percent and I couldn’t put you at risk. I just couldn’t. I didn’t want you getting hurt. Or worse.”

“Who the fuck was after you? The Russian Mob? The IRA? There’s not a lot of people I can’t handle. If I could somehow survive Mahajan and Asif and their bullshit…”

“You wouldn’t have survived this. Not these people. You wouldn’t have stood a chance. They were vast and they were powerful and they would have brought all kinds of hell down on us. On YOU. And I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t put a target on your back. Not when it came to them. I’m sorry, Tyler. But I did what I had to do. To keep you safe.”

“And it took five years? For things to settle down? Or did you just decide after a little while that I’d never been worth anything to you in the first place. I never meant a thing, did I. Not really. If I had, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. We would have had it a long time ago.”

“None of that is true. You meant everything to me. Our life together? That meant everything. I didn’t do what I did to hurt you. Or to punish you. You didn’t do anything wrong. I did it to protect you. To keep you safe. And I’m sorry; that I let it get this out of hand. That I never contacted you when things settled down. I wanted to, believe me. I wanted things to go back to normal. I wanted nothing more than to be with you. And I…”

“But you never did. You never did get a hold of me. Not even when you had a baby. MY baby. She is, yeah? Mine?” He regrets that years of simmering hurt and anger have led to even asking the question; the hurt that stiffens her body and darkens her face and brings tears to her eyes. It’s the last thing he wanted even in the midst of his own suffering. But it’s always been his weakness; hot-headed from an extremely early age and never able to stop himself from lashing out. And hurting those that he loved the most.

“You really have to ask that? You’ve seen her. She looks just like you.”

“How do I know you weren’t fucking some other Aussie that happened to look like me? Taking off might not have been the only thing you were doing that weekend.”

“You know what? I’m just going to leave things here. For now. Because obviously, you’re not in the mood to listen to a thing I have to say. And I get it; you’re hurt and you’re angry and you’re lashing out. You’ve always been like this. You get defensive and you snap and you say things you don’t really mean.”

“I have every right to be pissed. And hurt. I think I earned it. Deserve it.”

“You do. And I’m not trying to downplay how you feel. I’m owning my shit; acknowledging what I did and feeling horrible for it. But you’re not even attempting to listen to me, let alone understand. And for you to stoop that low and bring Millie into this…”

“I’m not bringing her into this. You brought her into it. How would you feel? If you found out you had a kid? That’s been kept from you? You wouldn’t be upset?”

“Of course, I would. And I’m not saying you shouldn’t be angry. I never meant for things to go on this long. But I have my reasons.”

He gives a derisive snort. “Excuses, you mean.”

“No. Legit reasons. That you won’t even listen to right now. And I get it; you’ve had a hell of a day and this is all still really fresh. But you had no right asking if she was yours. There is no reason you can deny her. Not one that isn’t fuelled by spite, at least. She IS yours. And there was never anyone else. There was only you. I never wanted anyone but you. And for you to even suggest that I fucked around on you…”

“You were quick to fuck me in Dhaka. How do I know you didn’t find someone else that brought that out of you?”

“I’m not even going to entertain that question. You know that I would never do that. Cheat on you. Not after everything I went through with Mark. Not after swearing I would never trust someone again. That I’d never let anyone get that close. And what happened? I met you and all of that changed. I didn’t want anyone else. And I certainly didn’t NEED anyone else.”

“I want to believe you.”

“Are you forgetting the simple fact we lived in the middle of bum fuck nowhere? In a fucking shack we shared with a dog and a chicken?! How the hell would I even meet someone? We couldn’t have anything delivered. The closest place to order food from was two hours away, we had to go into Broome just to pick up Amazon packages. Who I was going to fuck, Tyler?”

He shrugs. “Could have met someone online.”

“I can’t believe you’re even doubling down on this. To be so bold while knowing you’re so wrong. There was never anyone but you. And that is our daughter. YOUR daughter. You can say what you want about me, but she’s totally innocent. And she’s smart and she’s beautiful and she’s everything that was perfect about us. Don’t do that to her. She doesn’t deserve that.”

“She didn’t deserve to not have two parents either.”

“Alright…” Esme holds her hands up in surrender. “...this is going nowhere. You’re just interested in hurting me. I get it. And you know, I deserve it. I could have handled things better. Especially when the smoke cleared and the dust settled. But you could at least hear me out. And seeing as you’re not in the right place to listen and understand, I’m not going to push it. It’s all really fresh and it’s a lot to deal with and I’m going to leave it to you. Maybe once you sleep on things, we can actually sit and talk. Like rational human beings.”

She attempts to leave; arms crossed over her chest and she steps past him and heads for the door. At first he simply watches; observing the slumped, defeated shoulders and the way tucks her chin into her chest. Silently berating himself for stooping so low; for lashing out and hurting her and going against the promise he’d made to himself to stay calm and rational. It isn’t until she’s near the exit that he finally follows; crossing the room with long, purposeful strides and then standing behind her. And places his palm flat against the door just as she opens it; keeping it firmly shut, his front pressed against her back.

That simple body-to-body contact makes her noticeably shiver. Every hair standing on end and every nerve seeming as if it’s on fire. It’s been five years and it’s all still there. The love and the adoration and the often overwhelming, blinding want and need.

“Don’t go.”

“This isn’t the time for this,” she meekly protests. “It’s all still too fresh. You need time. Alone. To come to terms with everything. I know I’ve dumped a lot in your lap. Hiring you for this job and bringing you all the way here and then finding out about Millie and…”

“I don’t want you to leave. Not again.”

“Just let me go, Tyler. It’s better for both of us. If I stay, it’ll only make things worse. You need some time to…”

“I can’t let you walk away. I wasn’t there to stop you the first time. But I can stop you now.”

She turns to face him, back pressed against the door. “Do you really think it’s a good idea? Me sticking around? Because we’re just going to end up fighting. It’s all just so raw. You’ve had a hell of a day and I have really just thrown you to the wolves. If we’re just going to end up fighting….”

“I don’t want to fight. That’s the last thing I want.”

“You’re upset. And you have every right to be. But when you’re angry, you lash out. And when you lash out, I get defensive. All that’s going to do is cause more problems. It’ll be two steps forward, a hundred steps back. And I don’t want that.”

“You came here to talk. Let’s talk. No more lashing out. No fighting. Just talk.”

“I just want you to hear me out. I just want you to listen to what I have to say. I know I hurt you, Tyler. I know I could have handled things better; I made some really bad choices and some pretty shitty mistakes. And you really do have every right to be angry. To hate me. But…”

“I don’t hate you, Esme. I could never hate you.” There’s so much more he longs to say. I still love you, I never got over you. I’ve missed you.

A smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “Thank you. I needed you to say that. And I really needed to hear it.”

“Can we? Talk? I’d rather do it sooner than later. I don’t want to get into the job and have all this hanging over our heads.”

“I don’t want that either. I don’t want things to be awkward between us. We’ve never had that problem. Not even in Dhaka. And I hate that I fucked it all up. That I made things so awful between us. I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you. Or for things to drag on like this. Will you just hear me out? Please?”

He nods. Aching to do so much more. Starting with running his knuckles along her bruised and battered cheeks and tucking loose tendrils of hair behind her ears. But instead, it's her that reaches for him; trailing a fingernail along the scar that resides on the underside of his chin.

“You added a new one. To your collection.”

“I’ve earned a few. Since the last time you saw me.”

“You look good, though. Healthy. Life hasn’t been too hard on you.”

“It wasn’t easy,” he admits. “Especially the first year. After…”

“I kept an eye on you. Not literally, of course. But I asked about you. A lot. Nik kept me updated. So I’d know how you were doing. I heard how you quit for a bit. Took some time off. You must have needed it. A chance to get away from it all.”

“It was supposed to be a full-time thing. Being retired. Trouble always seems to find me, though. I always seem to get dragged back in.”

“Is it wrong that I’m glad? That you did? Because you wouldn’t be here right now if you didn’t. I wouldn’t have been able to hire you.”

“I don’t want your money, Esme. I don’t need your money. That’s not why I agreed to this. As soon as I saw you, I knew I was going to take it. And then I met Millie…”

“There’s no one I trust. Not in the way I trust you. That’s why I had Nik contact you. About the job. Because I knew I could trust you with the most precious thing in my life. I knew you could keep Millie safe. That you’d do anything for her.”

“I’d do anything for her mumma, too.”

“Even now? After all this time?”

“Even now,” he confirms.

Her palm cradles the side of his face; eyes locked on his as she runs the pad of her thumb across his lips. And he meets no resistance when he rests on the small of her back; escorting her back into the living room, and gesturing for her to take a seat on the couch.

“Want something to drink? I’ve only got bottled water. Or I could order something from room service. A tea or…?”

“Water is fine. Thank you.”

She watches as he journeys to the small wet bar in the corner of the room; noticing that the limp in his right leg is more noticeable than when they’d been together. And that his thighs and his calves are much thicker; denim tight against bulging muscle and the extra weight he now carries. At least thirty pounds heavier than when they’d first met and started their life together; shoulders and back and chest broader, arms bulkier, his face fuller. And she smiles as he returns, twisting off the caps on two bottles of water before holding one out in offering. She graciously accepts; enjoying the small and innocent moment of physical contact when he drops down beside her; close enough that his thigh presses against hers.

“You’ve been sober too? All this time?”

Nodding, Tyler takes a sip of his drink. “Not for lack of wanting to, that’s for sure.”

“That’s quite the feat. Staying on the right track. I’m proud of you.”

“I only have you to thank for it. Every time I wanted to drink or I wanted to swallow some oxy, I’d think about how disappointed you’d be; when you came back and found out I was a complete fucking mess again. And even when I finally did yank my head out of my ass and realized you weren’t coming home, I held onto it. What you’d think if you knew I was back on my bullshit.”

“Tyler…I….”

“It kept me from doing some damage. If I’d gone back to what I was like before you, I wouldn’t be here right now. So maybe that’s the bright side. Of you leaving. Holding out hope kept me on this side of the ground.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m glad that you are. And I’m glad that you’re doing so well. That life hasn’t been too rough on you. You deserve better than that. In the same way you deserve so much better than what I did to you. And I know you say you don’t hate me and that…”

“I don’t. I don’t hate you. I never could. How do you hate someone that you love this much? No way you ever could. No matter what they do to you.” Silence follows his confession. And she nervously nurses her water as he absentmindedly picks at the label on his bottle. The last thing she wants is to push him; knowing how hard it must be for him -in the midst of his lingering pain and anger- to be so raw and vulnerable.

*****

“Millie couldn’t stop talking about you,” Esme breaks the silence; opting for a topic of conversation less likely to trigger the lingering rage and hurt. “Or about your upcoming ice cream. Just went on and on and on; all through dinner, during her bath. Right up until she fell asleep.”

A smile plays on his lips. “What did she say?”

“What didn’t she say is probably the better question. She’s totally intrigued by you. She talked about how you’re tall like a giant and you’ve got big muscles and cool tattoos and scars and really ‘bitchin’ hair’.”

“She actually said that? Bitchin’?”

“That was an exact quote. I think she’s been spending too much time eavesdropping on teenage conversations while at the sitter’s. And she really loves your accent. Said she can’t wait to learn more ‘funny words’.”

“I promise I won’t teach her any of the really bad ones. I won’t have her calling anyone a ‘cunt’ before she turns five. Not even in an affectionate way.”

“I remember how shocked I was. When I first moved there and heard people just dropping that word left and right. Talk about culture shock! Call someone that here and you’re getting punched in the face. Over there you use it as a term of endearment.”

“You did alright though. Settled in nicely. Didn’t take too long for you to get used to things. Couple weeks in and you were already saying shit like Maccas, drongo, sanger.”

“Well, I guess it’s because I felt comfortable there. Like I was finally home. And I had a really good teacher, so…”

Another prolonged silence. Both hate the awkwardness that now exists between them. It’s foreign. Uncomfortable. Even during those initial moments after their first meeting things ever seem so strained.

“When is…” He begins.

“I just want to…” Esme blushes. “Sorry. Go ahead.”

“Ladies first.”

“Age before beauty,” she teases. “Besides, I think your right to answers trumps anything I have to say.”

“I was just going to ask when she was born. When her birthday is.”

“October. The seventeenth. Pretty close to your mom’s.”

“Just a few days separating them.”

“Millie was actually three weeks late. I guess she got a little too comfortable in there and decided she was going to set up camp. Permanently. I had to be induced. And even then she was reluctant when it came to being evicted. Took her thirty-six hours. Before she finally came kicking and screaming into the world.”

“Thirty six hours?”

“Well, close. VERY close. I tell you, she was stubborn right from the start.” She leans into him; playfully nudging his arm with her elbow. “Gets that from her dad.”

“I don’t know about that. You’re a hell of a lot more stubborn than I am.”

“Please! You’re the king of stubborn people! You are…hands down…the most pig-headed man…no….PERSON… I have ever met. Remember all those times the doctor told you to take it easy? When all his advice just went in one ear and out the other because, and I quote, ‘I know my body better than he does’?”

“Well, I do. I’ve only lived in for what? Almost forty years now.”

“And what good came out of pushing yourself? You were always run down, always getting sick because of it. Complications with your knee and your lung. But you never listened. Not to the doctor, not to me. You’ve always done your own thing. Regardless of who tried to talk you out of it. Remember what you used to get like? When I nag you? About taking care of yourself? You’d get all grumpy and pouty and defiant and…”

“Excuse you? Pouty? I do NOT pout.”

“You do. And it’s adorable. It’s one of the things that I used to love the most about you. The fact you can be so tough and strong and badass but so…human…at the same time. It was sexy. All those different sides of you. The ones that only I got to see.”

“You always had a way of bringing those out. All those things I thought were long dead inside of me. You always knew how to get to me. Right from the start.”

“Only because you trusted me. Because you let me see those sides of you. Even if some of those sides did drive me a little batty sometimes.”

“I drove you batty? If we’re going to talk about being pig-headed, I’m tossing you under the bus too. Remember Dhaka? Telling you to stick close to me? And what did you….?”

“I thought you were overreacting. I didn’t see a reason to have to be glued to your hip.”

“I was there to protect you. If anything had happened to you, it would have been my ass.”

“I was still in my rebellious ‘I listen to no man’ stage. I wasn’t letting you boss me around. I didn’t care how much bigger you were, you were NOT going to tell me what to do. But I learned my lesson, that’s for sure. When you tried to choke me out. Back at the hotel.”

“That is not what I was trying to do.”

“I know. You were trying to scare me off. Because you were having the ‘feels’. You liked me. You thought I was cute. You wanted to kiss me. You wanted to kiss me so bad it made you look stupid.”

“I didn’t just want to kiss you. That’s for sure.”

“You made that very clear. When you tried to put me through the wall. I have to admit, on my list of ‘first times with a new partner’, you’re at the very top. Hell, you have your own chapter.”

A blush creeps into his cheeks, slowly spreading to the tips of his ears. And when they both fall quiet, he returns to picking at the label on the water bottle as she lightly drums her fingernails against hers.

“She was born on a Tuesday,” Esme breaks the silence. “Millie. It was a beautiful fall day. It was bright and sunny; the sky was the most amazing colour of blue. And the trees…” She gives a wistful smile of remembrance. “...they’d just started turning; orange and red and gold. I was always a huge autumn in New York girl.”

“I remember how we used to talk about it. Visiting in the fall. You always used to bring up buying one of those townhouses. If we ever came into big money.”

“A brownstone. Gramercy Park. You’d love it there. It’s quaint and it’s quiet and it seems a million miles away from all the hustle and bustle. Maybe one day…” Her voice trails off.

“Tell me more,” Tyler encourages. “About Millie. Please.”

“She weighed eight pounds, eight ounces. She was the sweetest little chunk. The chubbiest cheeks I’ve ever seen. Like a little chipmunk, hoarding for the winter. And she was twenty-two inches long. All limbs. Like her dad.”

He smiles.

“She was so beautiful. She had this headful of blond hair and those gorgeous blue eyes and the longest lashes I’ve ever seen. I remember the nurse carrying her over and going on and on about how she must look like her daddy. Because she sure didn’t have any of her mom’s DNA.” Her voice cracks with emotion. “And Millie just snuggled right into me and she looked up at me with those eyes and I just…fell in love. Same way I fell in love with her dad the first time he looked at me.”

“Esme…”

“I had wanted to be a mom for so long. And then I lost the baby with Mark and my marriage became a total nightmare and everything just fell apart. I swore I’d never trust someone again. I told myself I’d never let anyone get that close to me. And if that meant I never got to have a baby, that’s the price I was willing to pay. Then you came along and you turned my world upside down and everything changed. For the better.”

“It was a hell of a way to kick things off. Everything that happened in Dhaka. Sometimes I wonder if it worked against us; it gave us some false sense of security. We figured we’d already been through the worst of it. What could possibly go wrong. Maybe we just got too comfortable.”

“I know you don’t really believe that. We were so good together, Tyler. Nothing that felt that right could ever be wrong. We just didn’t get the chance. To build on things. And we deserved better. So much better.”

“And Millie? Did you know? When you left? That you were having her?”

“No. I didn’t find out about her until after I arrived in New York. Three weeks later.”

“Why didn’t you call me? Or text me? I would have dropped everything to be with you. I would have gotten the first flight out and…”

“That’s why I didn’t contact you. Because I knew that you’d come here. I couldn’t risk that. I left Australia to protect you. And if you’d just shown up here…”

“I had a right to know. That you were pregnant. You didn’t make that baby by yourself. I deserved to know about her.”

“I wanted to tell you. As soon as I found out. Believe me, I wanted nothing more than for you to be there. Through the whole thing. It’s all I ever thought about; how different things would be if you were around. I didn’t want to be going through all that alone. Doctors appointments and ultrasounds and buying little clothes and picking names and decorating a bedroom. I WANTED you to be there. I didn’t want to be going through all that by myself.”

“You didn’t have to. You could have just called me. We could have found a way, Esme. To make things work. Whatever was going on? Whoever was after you? We would have dealt with it. Together. You didn’t have to do it alone. And you goddamn well know that.”

“I couldn’t put you at risk. I just couldn’t. If I kept you safe, it meant that you’d still be able to meet Millie. Further down the road. If I brought you into everything and something happened to you, she would never have gotten a chance to know her daddy. That’s why I didn’t tell you. I did it for BOTH of you.”

“I want to understand this. I really do. I don’t want to be this angry. Not at you. But it’s hard. It is so fucking hard. You’re the one person that I trusted. With every messy, broken fucking piece of myself. You’re the one person who knew how fucked up I was and didn’t look at me like I was some piece of shit. You knew about Austin. You knew what I did. When he was sick. You knew about all of that guilt and regret and the hate I had for myself. That I still do.”

“You were never broken. A little bent, maybe. You had a lot of dents and scratches, but you were NOT broken. I never thought of you that way. I still don’t. I didn’t keep Millie from you to hurt you.”

“We talked about having kids. You knew that I was willing to give you what you wanted. A family. Even though the idea of being a dad again scared the shit out of me. I was ready for that. To have another kid and do things right. And you never even gave me the fucking chance.”

“It wasn’t about you. Not in the way you’re thinking it was. You didn’t do anything wrong. It wasn’t something you did or something you said that made me leave. I didn’t want to go. I wanted to stay. I wanted a life with you. I didn’t leave because I didn’t love you. I left because I did.”

He places his elbows on his knees; sighing heavily as he runs his hands through his hair and over his face.

“I know you’re hurt. And I’m not trying to take that from you. Because you deserve to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. But I just want you to try and understand. Please. Can you just try? Just hear me out?”

Tyler nods.

“When you were gone with Koen, an adjudicator with the High Table showed up. There were new powers in charge, and one of the first things they decided to do was review old files. Investigate people that had been ex-communicated; find out what they did wrong and punish them if they saw fit. My name was on the list and my file was one of those that got re-opened.”

“The High Table? That is some serious underground shit. What…?”

“It was the circles I was working in. Before I met Nik. It was dark and it was dangerous and it wasn’t a past that I was proud of. Which is why I never talked about it. I wanted to forget that part of my life; being involved with people like that. I had moved on; I was given a way out. And then I started working for Nik and I never thought of all that again. I thought it was finished.”

“How the hell did you ever get on their bad side? It takes a lot to piss them off. As long as you follow their rules…”

“That’s the problem. I didn’t. I did someone a favour. I did work on Continental grounds. And I would have gotten away with it but the wrong person found out about it and told the High Table what I’d done. The only reason I wasn’t punished even worse was because both Winston and John Wick went to bat for me and the High Table agreed to only excommunicate me. I could no longer set foot on Continental grounds, or do any work for -or with- anyone associated with it. They let me just walk away. Make a new life.”

“Why did you never tell me about any of this? That THAT’S what you used to do? I knew you were involved with some heavy duty shit, but…”

“I didn’t think it mattered. That part of my life was over. It was behind me. Just like the things you’d done on the job before we met never mattered to me. There was before us and after us. I didn’t think it needed to be brought up. Would it have made a difference? In whether or not you’d want to be with me?”

“No. Of course not. I just thought something like that would have gotten brought up. At some point.”

“I never had a reason to talk about it. They weren’t a threat. They were a part of me that didn’t exist anymore.”

“Until they showed up.”

“The adjudicator said I had forty-eight hours. To get to New York City and surrender myself to the High Table. Or they were going to come back and physically take me there.”

“You should have let them. You should have called and told me what was going on. I would have come home and I would have…”

“What would you have done, Tyler? Fight back? You still weren’t a hundred percent. And I know how strong you are and I know what skills you have, but none of that would have mattered. It wouldn’t have been just one or two people. Or even six. It would have been a whole army of them. They’re vicious and they’re ruthless and they would have stopped at nothing to get their hands on me. I couldn’t take the chance. Of losing you completely. I just couldn’t.”

“How did you even get here? To New York?”

“I got a hold of Nik.” She notices the way his jaw tenses and his eyes darken) “I know she’s not your favourite person right now. But I didn’t know who else to call. I needed someone I could trust and…”

“You could have trusted me. We could have taken off. We didn’t have to stick around and wait for them to show up. If you'd just called me and told me what was going on…”

“I didn’t want you involved. I didn’t want a target on your back. So I called Nik and she got me out of Australia and to New York City. And from there, John Wick got me to a safe place. He let the High Table know I was back in the States, but he wasn’t turning me over until they gave his word that they’d spare my life.”

“And why would they do that? And why would he help you?”

“It was John that I did the work for. While on Continental grounds. He felt guilty for what I was going through and promised he’d do anything he could go to protect me. He was going to wage war against them; with the Bowery King. It’s a long and twisted and very complicated story. That’s HIS to tell. But the time he negotiated with The High Table for my safety, he was ready to go to battle against them. I never ended up having to face them.”

“And you found out about Millie. During all this.”

“About three weeks later. I hadn’t been feeling well for a while. I was sick when you went with Koen to Broome. We thought it was stress; we’d just bought a house and we were moving in two weeks and we were trying to get everything packed up. But then I got to New York and each day I felt a little worse and I then realized I’d skipped two periods so I took a test and…”

“And there was no way you could have told me? Found a way? To keep it on the down low and….”

“It was too much of a risk. I’d know you’d come here. And I was trying to avoid something happening to you. I know it’s hard to swallow and I know it seems incredibly selfish, but I didn’t do it to purposefully hurt you. I really did do it to protect you.”

Briefly closing his eyes, he pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger) “What about after? When things calmed down? Why didn’t you contact me then?”

“I wanted to. I was going to. Millie was eight months old, by then. A lot of time had passed since we last talked, let alone saw each other. I chickened out. I was afraid. That you’d be so angry at me and hate me so much that you wouldn’t want anything to do with me. Or Millie.”

“That never would have happened. It wouldn’t have mattered how much time had passed. If you’d called me, I would have been there. On the next plane. I would have given up my entire life for you. For her. No hesitations, no questions asked.”

“It was stupid of me. And selfish. Incredibly selfish. I didn’t mean for it to go on this long. To hurt you like this.” She reaches out; afraid to touch him at first. But the simple brush of her fingertips against the back of his neck has both his jaw and his shoulders loosening; eyes closing once more as he releases a long, almost content sigh. It encourages her to continue. Scraping her fingernails along the bottom of his hairline before dropping her hand to his shoulder; softly and repeatedly squeezing. “I’m sorry, Tyler. I am so sorry. I know you’re angry and hurt and this is a lot to digest. But I really am sorry. I didn’t leave you because I didn’t love you. I left you because I did. And I still do.”

He blinks at her admission, then turns her face into her palm when she places her hand upon his cheek. In that moment, it occurs to him just how much he’d missed her touch; far more than he’d ever admitted to even himself. Those soft and gentle hands that tended to wounds and wandered and explored his body during intimate times. Soothed his hair away from his flushed forehead or rubbed his back after a nightmare. He had missed HER. The sound of her voice and her laugh; those enormous dark eyes and the smile reserved just for him. He’d seen in that afternoon; when they’d come face to face in her suite. He’d felt it then, that intense draw to her. The want and need. The adoration and love. Still there after all these years; fighting to get past all of the hurt and the pain. even now in the midst of all the hurt and the pain. He boldly presses his forehead against hers; filled with a sense of calm as he finds himself accosted by the feel of her skin and her familiar smell. His lips briefly brush against her brow when she pulls away; sniffling as she swipes at her errant tears. And he gently pushes her hands away from her face and in order to tend to her; fingertips clearing away the droplets that glisten upon her cheeks and the sides of her nose.

“Does Millie know anything?” He inquires. “About her dad? Does she ever ask or…?”

“Lately she’s been asking a lot. All of her little friends have dads, so why doesn’t she? I knew it would happen eventually; she’d get to an age where she’d hear and notice things.”

‘What have you told her?”

“I told her that her dad lives far away. And that he’s a very good man; he’s strong and brave and resilient and has a heart bigger than his body. I told her that we were happy; we didn’t have a lot but we had each other and we were making all kinds of plans for our future. And I also told her that something bad happened and I had to leave him. So that he wouldn’t get hurt. I promised that one day when the time was right, I’d take her to meet him. And I said that I missed him. Every second of every day. For five years. And I loved him; with everything I was and everything I had. That I still do.”

Laying a hand on the back of her neck, he presses a kiss to her brow and then pulls her into him. Holding her as tightly as her tiny body will allow; her entire body shuddering violently against him as she sobs. There could never be hate; loving her with an intensity and a passion he’d never experienced before. Even now it’s so powerful; capable of taking his breath away and bringing him to his knees. And in turn, she clings desperately to him, hands tightly gripping his t-shirt.

Running a palm over her hair, he places a kiss on her temple. “It’s alright now. Everything’s going to be okay.”

“It’s not okay. It’s so far from okay. I never wanted to hurt you. I didn’t want to leave. I’m sorry, Tyler. I’m so sorry.”

“I know, Esme. I know you are.”

“I hope one day you can forgive me. That you won’t be so angry.”

“I’m not angry at you. At everything that happened, yeah. But not at you.”

“ I did what I thought was best. To keep you safe. And then I found out about Millie and I had to keep her safe too. She’s the most important thing in my life. My entire world. She’s all I had of you. And on those days when things got really bad and I was lonely and wanted nothing more than to be with you, all I had to do was look at her. I’d see you every time. And it made things better because I at least had a piece of you to keep me going.”

“I’m sorry, Esme. About everything that happened. That you had to do it all by yourself. I wish it could have been different. I wish I could have been there. You know that I would have, yeah? I would have been there…with you…in a heartbeat.”

Nodding, she pulls away and wipes at her tears. “It’s going to be okay,” he assures her. “I promise.”

“Things would have been so different. If I never had to leave. We’d be happy and raising Millie together and….”

“She’s got a lot of years left. She’s got a long life ahead of her. Just a little girl still.”

“I just want to start over. I just want to do things right this time. We deserve a second chance.”

“We do. And we’ll talk about that. When we’re out of New York and I’ve got you and Millie somewhere safe. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of time. To figure it all out.”

“I should go. It’s late. I’ve taken up enough of your time.”

“We’ve got four years to make up for.”

“You need sleep. It’s been a hell of a long day. Especially for you. And you’ve had a lot dumped in your lap. I am sorry, Tyler. That it ever had to come down to this. I didn’t want it to be this way; you meeting Millie like this.”

“Sometimes fate just intervenes. Whether we like the way it does it or not.’

He walks her to the door; a protective and loving hand on the back of her neck. And she turns to face him; a gentle and grateful smile curving her lips as she smiles at him, a sparkle in her tearful eyes.

“Thank you. For hearing me out. And thank you for her. Especially for her.”

He grazes his knuckles across the top of her cheek, then along her jaw. Fingertips lingering on the bottom of her chin before leaning down to press his lips to hers. She initially hesitates and then eagerly responds; standing on her tiptoes as her hands settle on his hips. And what starts as long and soft and sweet turns into something far more intense and needy; hearing and feeling the long, content sigh that escapes as his tongue pushes its way; into her mouth; her body leaning into his as her nails dig into his sides. The hunger and want and need for each other suddenly is too much to resist; his fingers hooking in the waistband of both leggings and underwear and aggressively yanking them down; pushing them down her hips and over as ass as her hands make quick work of his belt.

It’s fast and unceremonious; a half-naked, quick and uncomplicated fuck right where they stand. Eerily reminiscent of Dhaka; when two broken and lonely people had found solace in one another after years of mental anguish. Even five years later, he remains fascinated and amazed at how much punishment her little body can take. The fingers of one hand pressing into one of her ass cheeks while the others dig into her throat; sloppy kisses exchanged while she breathlessly pleads for ‘harder’ and ‘faster. Giving him the opportunity to take all of that anger and the hurt and turn it into something more constructive; enjoying the way she yanks at his hair and her legs wrap around his waist as he unleashes brutal, punishing thrusts.

When it’s over, he remains buried inside of her; her mouth peppering his neck with kisses and nibbles as he carries her across the room. Both completely spent and sated when they fall onto the bed; their limbs trembling as sweat glistens on their foreheads and gathers at their temples. And even in the midst of post-orgasmic haze he worries about protecting her; palms flat against the mattress so his outstretched arms can support his weight.

She’s quick to protest when she feels him begin to pull out; mewing in disappointment and pulling him down on top of her. “Stay,” she pleads, hands pushing through his hair; placing a line of kisses along his jaw before her lips find his ear. “Right where you are. I want to feel you inside of me. Just for a little while. I’ve missed that. So much. I’ve missed YOU.”

He kisses her in response; soft and deep and languid. Lips brushing against the tip of her nose before he rests his brow against hers and closes his eyes.

#Tyler and Esme series #Tyler Rake #Extraction #Tyler Rake fan fiction #Extraction fan fiction #Chris Hemsworth #Chris Hemsworth Extraction #Tyler Rake fan fic #Extraction fan fic #Tyler Rake x OFC #Extraction 2 #Rake Lives

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kazoosandfannypacks · 2 years ago

Text

"State Fairs and Butterflies" by kazoosandfannypacks

Pairing: Captain Swan, Snowing

Rating: General

Word Count: 7K

Summary: When her best friends, Mary Margaret and David, invite her to join them at the state fair, Emma braces herself to spend the day third wheeling. But when they suggest she bring a friend so she feels less left out, she invites her long-distance best friend, Killian Jones.

Tags: au, fluff, fair, carnival, state fair, captain swan, snowing, one shot, modern au, one shot saturday

Author's notes:

Decided to give you guys something soft and sweet today (to make up for my most recent update of Wishing it Wasn't 😉) This one's one of those loosely semiautobiographical fanfics, so I hope y'all enjoy it!

shoutout to @booksteaandtoomuchtv for betaing this one!

Taglist:@zahara@kmomof4@jonesfandomfanatic@booksteaandtoomuchtv@jrob64@tiganasummertree@anmylica@teamhook@undercaffinatednightmare@gingerchangeling@lonelyspectator@caught-in-the-filter @ultraluckycatnd @cs-rylie @silver-the-phoenix @pawshapedheart [if you’d like to be added to or removed from this list, hmu in my dms or askbox!]

Also on Ao3!

Feeling left out around Mary Margaret and David was a recent development for Emma. It didn't used to feel that way. When their friend group first got together at a summer camp job last year between semesters, it was great- but things were different then.

Back then, none of them were dating. Back then, they'd all slipped away together to stargaze in the evenings and snuck off campus to get good coffee on the mornings that they could.

And back then, there were four of them.

This summer hadn't quite felt right- something about their group felt off-balance when it was just the three of them. Sure, it wasn't like they were paired off last summer. Emma and David had never seen each other as anything other than friends, except maybe siblings, and the other two members of their group had significant others.

But maybe that's why that group felt so right. David and Mary Margaret became close friends out of shared interests, not mutual attraction- which was the perfect foundation for their new relationship. And coming off a bad breakup last year, Emma hadn't needed a relationship anyways, just a solid guy best friend to remind her that solid guys still existed in the world.

And Killian Jones was definitely a solid guy.

Her friendship with him ended up lasting longer than that summer. They'd somehow stayed in touch pretty well during the last year through text messages and video chats. Killian had been a long-distance study partner as well as late-night advice giver and frequent meme-sender.

In fact, Emma had been one of the first people he'd called to talk about it when he had to break things off with his girlfriend.

Ever since that phone call, things felt different. When he and Milah had been together, Emma had her girl code to keep herself from falling for him. Besides, if she let herself catch feelings for him, the best case scenario would be what, anyways? Reciprocation of feelings leading to a relationship? Becoming the girlfriend of a guy she'd then know would leave his girlfriend if he found someone he thought was better? The field was a game she knew she couldn't win.

Besides, she really didn't need a relationship then anyways, not after the one she'd gotten out of. She wasn't sure if that story had been one of victors or villains or victims, or maybe even just people, but she knew she didn't need a repeat of that.

Emma had only met Milah once or twice, but after spending a summer hearing about her from Killian, she felt like she knew her pretty well. From what she gathered, Milah was fiercely supportive of Killian, but she could also often take his sometimes overwhelming charisma down a peg or two- a skill Emma was only just mastering. The breakup had been mutual, at least, as far as Emma could tell. Neither resented each other. Killian and Milah had simply realized around the same time that it was a sinking ship- and they bailed out before they went down with it. Emma almost wished she'd been that prudent in her last relationship- it would've been much more painless that way.

And maybe that's why she resented the feelings she denied were there between her and Killian now- neither of them needed to board another shipwreck.

---

Emma wasn't sure what to do about Mary Margaret's recent invitation. On one hand, going to the fair was on Emma's proverbial bucket list- she could stand for some greasy food and maybe a ferris wheel ride. She'd never gone to the fair as a kid, not even the county fair that set up a block away from one of the group homes she'd stayed at, so it seemed like a good experience.

But there was no way she was going to the fair with Mary Margaret and David. Sure, they were her best friends, and, sure, she got along great with them, but she'd felt like a third wheel around them all summer, even before they'd started dating- and it was even harder now that they'd made it official, especially as she watched them make eyes at each other across the lunch table.

It wasn't that she wasn't happy for them- she'd known Mary Margaret for a decade, and David for half of one- and there wasn't a relationship she'd ever seen that was as perfect as theirs. David was everything Mary Margaret needed in a partner, and she complimented him perfectly too.

"But that doesn't mean I want to third wheel them across the State Fair." Emma thought. The last time she'd gone out with them, she ended up standing around bored out of her mind while they took half an hour in each boring store they stopped in at the mall. There was no way she'd repeat that.

But Emma knew that when Mary Margaret was set on doing something, she'd do it, and before long Emma would find herself wasting a Saturday afternoon following them around the fair.

"Why don't you invite a friend to join us for the fair?" Mary Margaret suggested.

"Yeah," David said, "the last thing we want is for you to feel bored or left out."

She hadn't realized her annoyance with them last time was that evident. She'd tried to hide her emotions, and was usually so great at it- but Mary Margaret and David knew her better than anyone else.

Almost anyone else, that is. There was at least one friend she had who knew her better than they did- almost as well as she knew herself.

"I wonder if Killian would want to come up and join us." Emma suggested, as casually as she could, trying to convince herself and her friends that she was bringing this up in a purely platonic way.

"That'd be great." David said. "I haven't seen him since last summer."

"Me either." Emma said.

"Oh, it'd be great to get the whole group back together." Mary Margaret said. "You should see."

"I'll text him later," Emma said.

"Great idea." David and Mary Margaret smiled at each other, almost as if passing a secret in their stolen gaze.

---

Honestly, Emma hadn't expected Killian to be available that weekend. His summer job as work crew at the college he was at didn't give him many weekends off- so she was surprised when he said he'd not only have that day off, but that he was planning on being in town for a friend's graduation anyways, and would love to get the gang back together for a day at the fair.

---

Mary Margaret stayed with Emma at her mom's house the night before the fair so the guys would only need to make one stop on the way. Now they stood in the kitchen, wrapping tuna salad sandwiches in tin foil.

"Are you forgetting anything?" Mary Margaret asked.

"I don't think so." Emma said, packing the sandwiches into a little cooler. She'd taken it upon herself to make sure they'd have everything she thought they'd need for a day at the fair. "I've got a fully charged power bank, road trip snacks, wipes, water bottles, a couple umbrellas, and more than enough tuna sandwiches to go around."

Maybe she was over-prepared, but she knew she couldn't rely on the two lovebirds to remember to bring anything other than each other.

"Alright." Mary Margaret said. "David and Killian should be here any minute. It'll be so nice to all be together again."

"Absolutely." Emma said, zipping the cooler shut.

"And it'll be nice to see Killian again," Mary Margaret said, a tone of voice almost like she was hinting at something, "how long has it been?"

"Almost a year?" Emma offered, noncommittally. "It's been a while."

"It really hasn't been the same without him." Mary Margaret smiled.

Before Emma could make further comment, they heard a car pull up in the drive.

"Emma!" Ingrid called out from the other room. "Mary Margaret! Your ride's here!"

"We're on our way!" Emma said, grabbing her backpack of supplies and the little cooler. "Bye, mom!"

"Have fun, honey!" Ingrid said, as Emma and Mary Margaret both hustled out the door.

The guys were standing outside the car when they got out there, and David opened the trunk so Emma could put the cooler in it.

"I've got the lunch," Emma said, "all the sandwiches are labelled, there's snacks and wipes in my bag…"

"Emma."

She'd heard Killian's voice over video chat a lot in the past year, but hearing it in person was almost sweeter. She could almost feel herself calm a little when she heard her friend's voice- especially the way he said her name, like he'd been waiting to say it for so long.

She set down the cooler in the trunk and turned to Killian, who had his arms out for a hug.

"Hi, Killian." Emma smiled. "Long time no see."

She stepped a little closer and wrapped her arms around him as he gently enclosed her in his embrace too. Just a friendly hug, just like they'd done at the end of last summer- but somehow a little bit softer this time.

They both let go and Emma set her backpack in the trunk as well, then closed it and opened the car door.

"Oh, Emma." David said. "The seatbelt on that side's broken. You'll have to sit in the middle seat."

"No problem." Emma said, sliding into the middle of the backseat.

As she buckled her seatbelt, Killian sat next to her and buckled his seatbelt as well. Emma tried to slide over, at least a little bit, not needing to be squished right up next to him, giving him at least a little space. But she could only slide over so far while buckled in, and found her leg barely a centimeter from his, and their shoulders pressed next to each other.

"Sorry," Emma said"

"For what?" Killian asked.

"It's just a little cramped." Emma said. "Have to take up a bit of your personal space."

"Your apology is accepted but entirely unnecessary." Killian said. "It's not your fault David's car has a broken seatbelt."

Emma made eye contact with David in the mirror. He'd usually jump at the opportunity to defend his precious car, as well as the opportunity for some friendly banter with Killian. But this time he said nothing, not even the obvious defense of "how could that be my fault I don't even sit in the back seat?"

It was odd behavior for David, but Emma brushed it off, especially as Mary Margaret put on a playlist of some of their favorite songs.

---

The group stayed together at the fair for a grand total of the seven minutes it took them to figure out how to read the map and decide where and when they'd meet up at the end of the day if they got separated. Mary Margaret and David had then been adamant about seeing the live exhibit of birds of prey- which Emma couldn't care less about.

"We could check out the lepidopterarium." Killian suggested.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right after I check out a dictionary."

"The butterfly house, Swan." Killian smiled. "They're still your favorite, right?"

"Yeah." Emma said, "how'd you know?"

"I'm not sure," Killian said, as they walked towards the butterfly house, "but that butterfly necklace you always wore last summer, and the hat, and the doodles in your session notes- I guess I'm just a good guesser."

"A good noticer too." Emma thought.

On the way into the butterfly house, they were handed cotton swabs, and told, among other things, to dip them in the citrus trays so they could feed the butterflies off them.

Emma dipped her swab in a tray of an orange juice, then held it out to a little brown butterfly perched on the wall.

The butterfly flew down and landed on her cotton swab.

"Killian, look." Emma smiled and turned to show the butterfly to Killian, only to see him with his phone out, and evidently taking a picture of her.

"You know I don't like having my picture taken."

"That's why I waited until you were distracted, love." Killian said. "I can't get a good picture of you if you're scowling and covering the lens with your hand, now, can I?"

Emma glared at him a little.

"If you want me to delete it, I will." Killian sighed.

"It's alright." Emma said. "That's what we're here for anyways. Making memories."

The butterfly flew off her cotton swab as Killian put his phone away.

"Besides," Emma said, pulling her phone out of her pocket, "that gives me the right to take pictures of you when you least expect it."

"Oh," Killian said, as he got a little bit of the citrus juice on his cotton swab, "I hope it's of my good side."

A butterfly flew down and landed on his cotton swab.

"Oh, look at this one." He said.

Emma snapped a picture of him as soon as he turned to her.

"Well played, love." Killian said.

"I learned from the best."

She then examined the butterfly as he held it up between her face and his, noticing how the flecks of blue in its otherwise black wings perfectly complemented Killian's eyes.

"It's quite the specimen." Emma said.

"She sure is." Killian said, almost not looking at the butterfly, almost looking past it at Emma- no. That was foolish to even consider. Killian was just a solid friend, and that's all he needed to be.

---

"Have you ever tried funnel cake before?" Killian asked as they walked past a food stand.

"Not that I remember." Emma said.

"Well, you'd remember if you had." Killian smiled. "So that's about to change."

She followed him to the stand, where he ordered a funnel cake for them to split.

"I can pay you back." Emma said.

"My treat." Killian said. "You brought us delicious and nutritious tuna sandwiches today. It's only fair I return the favor with delicious- and obviously very far from nutritious- deep fried confections."

"If you're sure." Emma said.

The lady behind the counter handed him a paper plate with the funnel cake on it.

"I insist." Killian told Emma. He nodded a thank you to the employee, and he and Emma found a low ledge to sit on while they ate.

Killian tore off a small piece of the powdered sugar covered dough and handed it to her.

Emma closed her eyes and took a bite- overpoweringly sweet, but not bad at all.

She then noticed that Killian had gotten out his phone and pointed it at her again.

"Well, what do you think?" Killian asked.

"I think it'd be a lot better if you got that camera out of my face." Emma covered the lens and tried to take the camera from him, but he held it at arm's length.

"It's pretty good." Emma nodded.

She glanced over at Killian's phone, where he was adding a caption to the video he'd just taken of her.

"State Fair with some friends: Swan's never had funnel cake before"

She watched as he added it to his Snapchat story, then put his phone away.

"Oh, look at that." Emma pulled out her phone and pretended to open Snapchat, then said in a joking tone, "Killian added to his story."

"Really?" Killian joked back, and she showed him her phone screen- which was actually open to the camera, and she took a selfie with him, his mouth half full of funnel cake.

"That was a cheap shot, Swan." Killian said.

"I take what I can get." Emma smiled, then broke off another bite of the sugar coated treat.

"What do you want to do after this, love?" Killian asked. "The world is our oyster, as they say."

"I wonder," Emma said, "can I crush you in go-kart races as well as I can in Mario Kart?"

"We'll have to find that out next," Killian said, "but probably not." He popped another bite of the funnel cake in his mouth.

"Sounds like a challenge." Emma said.

"It's only a challenge if there's something on the line." Killian said.

"Loser buys the winner an ice cream?" Emma said.

"You're on."

Emma tore a bit more off the funnel cake, which was now almost completely consumed- the piece she broke off to eat was almost bigger than what remained, which she left for Killian.

He didn't take the last piece though, and offered it to Emma instead.

"Really?" Emma asked.

"I insist." Killian said.

Emma shrugged, then took the last piece and ate it.

"Besides," Killian slid down the ledge they were sitting on, then held out a sugar covered hand to Emma and helped her down, "you're gonna be treating me to ice cream later after I crush you on the go kart course anyways."

Emma gasped and playfully shoved him, and he responded in kind, then took the paper plate to a nearby trash can. Emma took off her backpack and set it on the ledge so she could dig through it for the package of wet wipes.

"Here," she pulled out the wipes and handed one to Killian, who was already trying to wipe off his hands on his shorts.

"Thanks, love." He said. They both wiped their hands, and Emma put the package of wipes back in her bag- but before she could put her backpack back on, Killian grabbed it.

"What are you doing?" Emma asked.

"It takes too much time for you to take off your backpack and dig through it to find what you need," Killian said, and he slung the bag over his shoulders, "it'll be so much faster if I just wear it for you, and then you can dig through it while I'm wearing it."

Emma had always been annoyed with Killian's often old-fashioned mannerisms, but he was getting better at finding excuses for his acts of chivalry.

"So this is just to save time?" Emma asked, arms crossed.

"Naturally." Killian said. "I pride myself on my innate efficiency."

"Says the guy who can't place above eighth in Mario Kart."

"Sure, on Nintendo, I may be slow," Killian said, "but in the real world, I'll place above second."

"In your dreams, Jones." Emma smiled, and they headed off for the go karts together.

---

Emma beat Killian in four of the five races they challenged each other to, only losing in the first because she was still trying to figure out how the kart worked. After that, it was smooth sailing, ehr, smooth driving, and they soon found themselves standing by the ice cream stand so Killian could purchase Emma her prize.

"An ice cream for the lady." Killian said, handing a dollar bill to the man running the stand.

"What flavor?" he asked, handing Killian his change.

"Rocky Road." Emma said. "And a Queen of Hearts for him- my treat."

"Swan," Killian said, "we agreed the loser buys."

"We agreed the loser buys for the winner," Emma said, "we never said the winner can't buy one for the loser."

He smiled and shook his head. "You're really taking the fun out of this."

"Alright," Emma said, "if you don't want it.…"

"Now now, you know me, Swan," Killian said, "if you see me turning down a queen of hearts ice cream, it's probably a cry for help."

"Thought you might say that," Emma said, "so I'll need my wallet out of my backpack.

"Right," Killian nodded and turned around so she could get into her backpack.

She dug around for her wallet and got it out, then handed some money to the ice cream man and took the change.

"He'll have a queen of hearts." Emma said, as she took the rocky road cone from him.

"You got it, ma'am."

She put her wallet away and zipped her backpack. The man then handed Killian his ice cream cone.

"Thanks." Emma told the young ice cream man.

"Thank you," he said, "enjoy the fair!"

"We will." Killian said.

Emma looked up at Killian as they walked off, trying hard not to stare. She wondered if that ice cream guy had thought she and Killian were together, or something, or if the funnel cake lady had thought that they made a cute couple, or if random passersby thought Killian had brought her to the fair on a date.

"But it's not a date," Emma thought, "If it was a date, we wouldn't've brought Mary Margaret and David."

But they hadn't seen either of them for hours- it had been just Killian and Emma since shortly after they entered.

"But if it was a date, he'd've paid for everything."

Which he had, except for his ice cream, which he probably would've paid for too if Emma hadn't been so adamant.

"But if it was a date, we'd be smiling at each other stupidly and holding hands."

And as she looked up at Killian, she couldn't help but find herself smiling, watching him attempt to keep the ice cream from dripping all over his hand in the summer heat- and she fought hard against the urge to take his other hand- it just felt natural.

"But if this was a date, we'd like each other as more than just friends, and I, for one…."

And just then, he glanced over at her- she hadn't realized she was still staring at him until his eyes met hers.

"Oh no," Emma thought, "this is a date."

"What're you thinking about, love?" Killian asked

"Nothing." Emma replied, quickly looking away before she said something stupid.

"You can't think about nothing, Swan," Killian said, "I know you better than that." He took another lick of his ice cream before continuing: "You're thinking about everything."

Was she really that easy a read to him?

"You got me," Emma said.

There was a moment's pause in the conversation as both took a few more calculated licks of their ice cream.

"What are you thinking about?" Emma asked.

"Me?" Killian asked, then heaved a little laugh. "I'm at the State Fair having ice cream with my best friend. I'm thinking about how this is the best day ever."

Emma almost blushed a little. Killian had never outright called her his best friend before- and who but Killian Jones could say it so brazenly, and yet, so casually?

But at the same time, Emma was pretty sure what "best friend" meant, and that certainly wasn't "girlfriend material."

"Maybe this isn't a date after all." Emma thought, unsure whether that was a good thing or a bad one.

---

"Swan, look," Killian said, pointing at the prize display on a nearby carnival game, "a swan for miss Swan?"

"You'd never win it anyways." Emma said, deflecting the fact that she really would appreciate it if Killian tried to win her the plush swan, "these games are rigged."

"That sounds like a challenge, love." Killian said. "And look at the sign- winner gets six tickets, runner-up gets three, the swan is twenty-five- we play against each other three times, then pool our resources, and we can get that swan in three plays.

"At three dollars a play per person," Emma pointed out, "almost twenty bucks? We could pick up the same thing off the clearance rack at Wal-Mart for five."

"But that takes all the fun out of it." Killian said. "Unless you're afraid it'll break your winning streak."

Leave it to Killian to lure her into doing what he wanted by making a competition out of it.

"You're on." Emma smiled.

Killian ended up winning the first two rounds, and Emma beat him in the last one at the last minute- and with their pooled winnings, they had enough for the swan with two tickets to spare.

"You should pick something out from the other two, Killian." Emma said, clutching the plushie they'd won for her.

"How generous," Killian smiled, looking through the basket of cheap prizes, "Looks like my two-ticket options are a whistle, a smiley-face rubber ball, or…"

He pulled out a pink plastic ring.

"I'm getting the butterfly ring!" He announced, sliding the ring onto his pinky and handing his tickets to the man running the booth.

"Really?" Emma giggled.

"Absolutely." Killian said. "I need some souvenir of our day at the fair."

Emma shook her head and rolled her eyes.

"Thanks for the swan." Emma said, as they walked off.

"My pleasure." Killian said.

It wasn't a very large stuffed animal that Killian had helped her win, but there was something about walking around the fair with a plushie- almost something like a symbol of status, like wearing a ribbon or medal around the fair, one that showed you did something well.

Killian stopped walking in front of one of those strongman high-striker games where you hit a target with a mallet and try to ring a bell. Emma felt like it was a pointless game, but she knew Killian would try it anyways- something about that game seemed a status of manhood, and if there was anyone in this whole fair who wanted to show off, it was probably Killian Jones.

"Here," Killian said, taking off her backpack and handing it to her, "hold your backpack for a minute- I'm gonna ring the bell."

"Sure." Emma smiled, shaking her head, knowing he wouldn't be able to, but finding his enthusiasm endearing.

And besides, she certainly wasn't about to object to spectating. She watched as Killian stretched a bit to warm up, his t-shirt almost seeming a little snug on him. Then he took the mallet, lifted it over his head and muscular shoulders. He paused a moment to glance over at Emma, who tried her best to look like she wasn't checking him out as he did this- but he smiled as if he knew she was- and he brought the mallet down on the target point.

The marker travelled up the pole, climbed it slowly, but quickly, as it made a sudden stop at fifty out of five hundred on the tower.

"These games are rigged anyways," Emma said, hoping Killian's ego wasn't too crushed.

"I don't need your pity." Killian shook his head as he took back Emma's backpack, flexing a little as he put it on.

"But you did win this." The man running the booth said, handing Killian a flower from a nearby bouquet.

"Just what I always wanted," Killian joked, though there was no denying he smiled a little as he took it from the worker.

Emma watched as he twirled the red flower between his fingertips.

"Would you like a flower?" Killian asked, holding it out to Emma.

"What, you don't want it?" Emma asked.

His joking smile returned. "It doesn't quite go with my ring."

Emma laughed a little and rolled her eyes, but she stopped when Killian stepped in front of her, pushed her hair back from her ear, and tucked the flower behind it.

His fingers grazed her cheek a moment as his gaze grazed hers. Emma tried so hard to remind herself that they didn't like each other, that they were just friends, that he probably didn't feel about her the way she was undeniably beginning to feel about him.

Emma blushed a little and averted his eye contact, breaking free of their deep blue ocean and losing herself instead in the deep blue emotion beginning to stir in the pit of her stomach.

But she brushed it all off as they continued across the fairgrounds together, trying to find herself the perfect blend of enjoying her day with him and not enjoying it too much.

---

Emma tried to convince Killian that he didn't need to pay for the hot dogs they got for dinner, but he was all the more insistent- and since he had her backpack, there was no way she could've gotten to her wallet before he finished paying for them.

As they ate, and even for a little bit afterwards, Killian related some stories about some stuff that'd happened his past year at college- some of the stories she'd already heard, but she didn't mind hearing them again. She wasn't fully focused on what he was saying anyways, a little caught up in her own thoughts.

"He needs to stop being so sweet," Emma thought, "like, right now. Doesn't he realize how charming he's being, how close I am to falling for him? What does he think he's doing?"

"It's almost sunset," Killian said, "we should try and get to the other side of the park before it gets dark."

"Why?" Emma asked.

"Just trust me." Killian said. They both got up, and she quickly followed him to the part of the fair where they'd gone earlier for bumper cars.

"They're just starting to turn on the lights on the rides," Killian explained as they stood in line for the ferris wheel, "a lot of people like going on the ferris wheel when it's all lit up, but a true connoisseur knows that this is the opportune moment."

"Why's that?" Emma asked.

"Just trust me."

Killian opened the door to the ferris wheel car and motioned for her to enter first. She took a seat, and he took a seat next to her.

"I've never been on a ferris wheel before," Emma said, a little worried when she noticed the box wasn't set up with seatbelts.

"Just keep your arms inside and keep your eyes open."

He pulled out his phone and opened the camera.

"Let's get whatever pictures of each other we're gonna take out of the way now," Killian said.

"Sounds fair." They took a selfie on his phone, then on her phone, then he took a picture of just her.

"Perfect." He said, taking one last look at her picture before putting his phone away.

"I hope you're not afraid of heights, love." Killian said.

Had she been a different woman, she might've been- or she might've pretended she was, and consequently pretended to be scared so he'd put his arm around her to comfort her, to protect her- thank God she wasn't one of those people, right?

"Not since third grade." She said.

"Good," he smiled as the wheel began turning, "because check out that view."

They slowly rose into the sunset, which illuminated the sky in brilliant hues of coral and pink.

"It's beautiful." Emma said, closing her eyes only a moment to breathe it in.

"Breathtaking, if you ask me," he said. Emma turned to look at him, and almost wasn't surprised to see him looking at her, the sunset half reflected in his eyes.

She set her hand down on the seat, between them, and noticed him do the same, setting his hand next to hers, so close he almost scraped her pinky with that silly plastic butterfly ring.

Their box stopped at the top of the wheel for just a moment, and Emma could see almost the whole park and beyond from up there. The only thing that could've made that moment more perfect was if he was just a little bit closer to her, emotionally or physically- both were out of reach anyways.

And as they stopped at the top of the ferris wheel, she almost thought she felt his pinky curl itself around hers- though as soon as she looked down at his hand, he quickly pulled it back, as though it had been an accident.

But she wanted to tell him that it didn't have to be an accident, that he didn't need to be scared of how she'd respond if he took her hand- that she might not even stop him if he leaned closer and kissed her right now.

But then the ferris wheel did what all ferris wheels do. It steadily began its decline. What goes up must come down, and Emma reminded herself that this needed to come down too. She didn't need to sit here raising her hopes- those have to come down eventually too- and if she fell for someone who didn't even care enough to make the first move?

She wasn't gonna let herself make that mistake again.

---

Overall, the whole group was in great spirits when they finally met back up at the main exit, then piled back into David's car for the long ride home.

By the time they left the park, it was already past midnight, and they had a three hour drive to drop off Mary Margaret, and another ten minutes after that to drop off Emma.

"And then it's goodbye again for Killian and I." Emma thought. Sure, they could stay in touch over video chats and dm's, but it wasn't nearly the same as walking around the fair with him, him thoughtfully carrying her backpack, sitting next to each other on the ferris wheel, or sharing funnel cake.

Gosh, she'd miss these moments. Sure, she had the stupid pictures they'd taken together, not to mention the photo booth photo strip they'd gotten before they left the fair, and, of course, the little swan plushie that was tucked away in her backpack.

She almost wished it wasn't in her backpack, because, as it were, she was starting to nod off and would've loved some kind of pillow. From the middle seat, she couldn't exactly rest her head on the car window- which is never smooth sleeping anyways- and her options boiled down to the back of her seat- or Killian's shoulder.

There was no way she was about to fall asleep on Killian's shoulder, least of all on purpose. Maybe though, if she could fall asleep, she might find her head accidentally on his shoulder- no one in their right mind could blame that on her any more than they could rightly blame the broken seatbelt on David. Surely that would be alright, right?

But it was the falling asleep that was the tricky part. She tried to tune out the rumble of the road, the bump against every pot hole, and Mary Margaret's low whispers in an attempt to keep David awake as he drove them all home.

After about half an hour of these futile attempts, Mary Margaret spoke just a little louder than she had been.

"Sounds like they're asleep in the back."

"I'm not asleep," Killian said, admittedly a bit groggily.

"Yeah, neither am I." Emma said.

"It's hard to get comfortable back here." Killian said.

"Yeah, and if I fell asleep, I'd end up using Killian's shoulder as a pillow."

Emma almost wondered if she shouldn't've said that, if maybe she'd crossed a line- until Killian replied, "I was thinking the same thing about you."

Emma was glad the car was dark, that he wouldn't see her blushing- and surely, all this was just the exhaustion talking.

After a moment's silence passed, Killian spoke up again.

"If you wanted to use me as a pillow, you can."

Surely, this was all platonic, him being a solid dude, a gentleman, a good friend.

So maybe it was platonic, just being a good friend when Emma replied,"you can use me as a pillow too."

And then, nothing happened.

Emma waited for him to make the first move, for him to rest his head on her shoulder, for him to decide it was alright. She waited so long she was almost embarrassed of her waiting, and then waited even longer. Surely, any minute now, he'd rest his head on her shoulder and she'd feel alright to do the same.

But after half an hour of stubborn defiance, she reasoned that someone had to do something- it was almost two a.m., and the responsible thing to do would be to get some sleep, and she wouldn't be able to do that until….

She was almost sure Killian was asleep by now, and, not about to wake him, she slowly, carefully, ever so gently, laid her head on his shoulder. He wasn't the most comfortable pillow in the world, but she didn't mind at all.

She almost thought she heard him take a short breath, something between a gasp and a sigh, but then felt his head nestle itself upon hers. His head was heavy, and she would definitely have a sore neck by the end of this ride, but it was worth it. He was worth it.

She figured it'd be more comfortable if she stretched out a little, so she put her feet up on the empty seat next to her, and pressed her arm a little closer to Killian's- this might be more comfortable if she could wrap her arm around his, but she wasn't gonna push it, no matter how badly every ounce of her being wanted to.

Even still it took a while to fall asleep- she knew as soon as she fell asleep, these precious moments together would be over. She didn't know when the next time she'd see Killian again would be, but she secretly knew it wouldn't be soon enough.

But after spending all day fighting her emotions, she soon tired of fighting off sleep, and sooner than she would've liked, she succumbed to it.

---

She woke up as the car pulled into a driveway and groggily assessed her surroundings. They were dropping off Mary Margaret, so they were about ten minutes off from Emma's house.

She also quickly realized that in her sleep, she'd managed to wrap her arms around Killian's arm, and was clinging tightly to it. She almost wondered if she could pretend to be asleep still, just so she wouldn't have to put up her barriers and let go of him.

She heard David in the front seat ask Mary Margaret if he could walk her to the door- and she hoped for one of their traditional long-goodbyes, wanting to spend every groggy minute she could with Killian.

A moment after their car doors closed, she felt Killian's head leave hers, then heard him gently whisper.

"Hey, sleeping beauty." He teased, but Emma pretended not to hear.

Killian tapped her shoulder, then shook it very gently.

"Emma, love," he said, his tone barely above a whisper, "wake up."

Begrudgingly, she sat up and quickly let go of his arm, as if she hadn't realized until that moment that she was holding it.

"Sorry," Emma said.

"You're good, Swan," Killian said, "I just. I have a dumb question to ask you."

If there was one person who was good at asking stupid questions, it was Killian, and if there was one time Emma didn't want to try to answer them, it was immediately after waking up.

"What is it?" Emma asked.

Even in the low lighting, Emma could see Killian fidgeting with the plastic butterfly ring.

"Do you know why butterflies remind me of you?"

"Because I wore a lot of butterflies when we worked at camp together?"

"It was a good excuse." Killian laughed a little. "But that's not why."

"Why, then?" Emma asked.

"Butterflies make me think of you," Killian took a deep breath, "because I've had butterflies in my stomach since I laid eyes on you today, and since I found out I could see you again today- since you sent me a text message two weeks ago that just said, 'hey, Killian.""

"What's he saying?" Emma thought, trying to fight off the butterflies flip-flopping in her own stomach.

"I have butterflies in my stomach every time I think about you," Killian said, "and a stupid smile that doesn't go away, and some kind of yearning- being here, with you, today- you've no idea how wonderful it's been for me- but…."

She tried to read his expression, and their eyes met in the darkness.

"Oh, Emma," he said, "I'm about to do something stupid."

"What is it?"

"I'm about to jeopardize the most important relationship in my life- it could cost our friendship just to say this."

"What?" Emma asked, piecing together for the first time that Killian regarded his friendship with her with utmost importance.

"I like you, Emma Swan," he said, "I like you a lot, more than you realize."

Emma almost couldn't believe it. Was Killian saying her feelings were mutual?

"I like you, too." Emma said.

"I don't just mean I like you." Killian shook his head, "I almost think I love you."

Emma's heart skipped a beat, then another, then skipped a third as she replied, "Me too."

"Really?" Killian asked.

She placed her hand on his leg, and he took her hand in his.

"You've been giving me butterflies all day too," Emma said.

Maybe she was still a little groggy, maybe she was just tired, maybe it was the rush of falling in love again, but either one, she found herself leaning over, and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Do you wanna do this again sometime?" Killian asked.

"The fair?"

"Doesn't have to be," Killian smiled, "we could go bowling, or to the movies, or mini golf, or out for dinner, or whatever your heart desires."

"All of the above," Emma said, "and maybe even more."

"Sounds like a date, love," Killian laughed a little, "sounds like a lot of them."

"Yeah."

The butterflies returned to her stomach as Killian tucked her hair behind her ear, then ran his hand down her neck, then pulled her a little closer, and looking in her eyes, he asked her plainly, "May I please kiss you?"

Emma could barely find the words to answer him, just nodding and whispering a "yes," one that would be been followed by a "please" if he hadn't already brought her lips to his

Emma almost felt like they were back on the ferris wheel again- like they were on top of the world, but none of it mattered- because in this moment as they kissed, all that mattered was each other- they may as well have been the only ones in the world.

---

Unfortunately, they weren't the only ones in the world, and the kiss was cut off short as the front door of the car opened and David got into the car.

Emma and Killian quickly pulled away from each other and tried to act natural- as natural as they could still holding hands, with Killian's arm wrapped around her shoulder.

"If either of you want to move up to the front seat, you can." David said.

"Much appreciated, but no thanks, Dave." Killian said, looking down at Emma with a smile, "I think we're quite comfortable back here."

David looked back at them over his shoulder and smiled with only a hint of confusion.

"Uh, pardon my asking," he wrinkled his brow, "but are you two, together, or something?"

Emma looked up at Killian and smiled. "I guess we are now."

"Indeed." Killian smiled.

"Took you guys long enough!" David said. "We've been waiting all day to hear that."

"You have?" Killian asked.

"Oh yeah," David said, as he backed the car out of the driveway, "but if you guys do need more space back there, feel free to slide over."

"What?" Emma asked.

David looked at them in the rear view mirror and smiled, then answered her confusion.

"The seatbelt was never broken."

#once upon a time #ouat #ouat fic #captain swan #cs ff #killian jones #emma swan #fanfiction #once upon a time fanfiction #kazzy writes #kazzy writes cs oneshots

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teddybat24 · 2 years ago

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我在 2022 年張貼了 243 次

那可是比 2021 年還多了 183 more posts呢！

29 篇貼文創作 (12%)

214 篇貼文轉格 (88%)

我最常轉格的部落格：

@burningsheepcrown

@fangirlshrewt97

@ssabriel

@modmad

@stanleykubricks

2022 年我標籤了我的貼文中的 79 篇

#rrr - 23 篇貼文

#rambheem - 21 篇貼文

#jairava - 16 篇貼文

#dhruya - 13 篇貼文

#charak - 13 篇貼文

#rrr fandom - 10 篇貼文

#ram charan - 7 篇貼文

#siddhara - 6 篇貼文

#jr ntr - 4 篇貼文

#taoat - 4 篇貼文

最長的標籤：71 characters

#just see how you choose the word could also understabd your personality

我最熱門的 2022 貼文：

Charak Photo Pairing Game

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50 則迴響 - 張貼於 2022年9月23日

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53 則迴響 - 張貼於 2022年10月29日

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56 則迴響 - 張貼於 2022年8月11日

So @ssabriel preached the dynamic between Veera (ASVR) and Siddha (Acharya) to me, and I’m down with it so bad. Here are some of the thoughts for now.

Veera remembered that he was not impressed by Siddha's idea at the beginning. From the moment he saw this man, he was attracted by the indomitability in those eyes, which was completely different from the anger he concealed in his heart.

He held the old man's wrist and carefully guided him off the train. He landed on the ground first, then turned around and raised his arms for the latter. He recalled the mud in his hometown, as if the dust to cover the sky came to his face, but it did not affect his sight. He looked at Sidhha. His hand put on his shoulder and the body that could not be well healed from the old wound, bumped into his chest because of unstable footsteps, there were two voices struck in his heart at the same time.

* Too skinny/I want to protect you*

Veera looked at the gentle eyes that were different from his elders, patted his shoulder with a smile, signaling him to let him down.

He saw a worn-out and immature self reflected in Siddha's eyes. He grabed the clothes in his arms, dragged the dazzling yellow scarf, gathered them around his chest and tightened his embrace.

He remembered that the villagers had asked him the meaning of revenge.

When he was packing his bags, they asked him what he wanted. Veera just wanted to break the vicious cycle. Killing and hatred would not solve the problem, so he left his hometown and arrived at the unfamiliar area, came to the forest further west, rumored to have nurtured many monks and wise men - Padagatan.

The knowledge he possesses was useless in this vast land, so he let his smartphone ruthlessly lied in the corner of the luggage. He tried to do as the locals do, he asked the merciful mother goddess, but over time, the earth was exploited bit by bit. He couldn't get the answer he searched for, thus he continued on his way to Dharmasthali, and as he crossed the Jeevadhara River in a small boat, he saw the tide pooling, surging and breaking into little waves, which disappeared before his eyes in a while. He seemed to realize something, but when he let the water flow through his fingertips, the sticky touch of the scarlet liquid splashed on his hands that day still made him irritable.

Maybe the tiredness finally drained him out, he lost his way in the Siddhawanan Forest. Before he ate up his last drop of water and solid food, he came to a beautiful lake. Even the wooden house beside seemed to appear in a fairy tale.

He saw him there, wearing worn but clean clothes. He stood in front of the door like a painting, with a crutch in one hand and holding firewood in the other. He just stared back at him with those pairs of piercing eyes, and in that particular time, Veera knew he found his moment of truth.

(continued)

tag list, if anyone wants to be added or removed from the tag list, feel free to tell me👌:

@fangirlshrewt97 @stanleykubricks @tulodiscord @bromance-minus-the-b @ssabriel @burningsheepcrown @rambheem-is-real @rambheemlove @jrntrtitties @sally-for-sally @ramcharantitties @yehsahihai @ma-douce-souffrance @budugu @stuckyandlarrystuff @nyotamalfoy @veteran-fanperson @kookiries @pine-breeze @ronaldofandom @hissterical-nyaan @milla984 @sukitaee @bitchy-bi-trash @yonderghostshistories @whoareyouallofasudden @filesbeorganized @thewinchestergirl1208 @dumdaradumdaradum @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @rambheemisgoated @doodlesofthelastpage @jjwolfesworld @yashuika @mesimpleone

60 則迴響 - 張��於 2022年10月5日

我的 #1「2022」貼文

Charak Meme Time

I guess I’m probably the last one in the world to acknowledge this “baby mode, sexy mode” meme. Yet since NOW I knew, I definitely need to do something, right? Here we go~

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107 則迴響 - 張貼於 2022年9月27日

來看你的 Tumblr 2022 年年度回顧 →

#tumblr2022 #年度回顧 #我的 2022 年 Tumblr 年度回顧 #你的 Tumblr 年度回顧 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

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levinkgeever · 2 months ago

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Cheap Imitation Jewellery in Thrissur: A Guide to Affordable Elegance and Style

Jewellery has always been an essential part of Indian culture, deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. For centuries, it has adorned women on special occasions, adding a touch of grace, beauty, and status. However, with the soaring prices of gold and other precious metals, the demand for affordable alternatives has surged. This is where cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur has gained immense popularity, offering a perfect blend of elegance, affordability, and variety.

Thrissur, known as the cultural capital of Kerala, is a city rich in tradition and famous for its opulent weddings, festivals, and grand celebrations. Jewellery, particularly gold, plays a significant role in these events. But today, as more people seek affordable options without compromising on style, imitation jewellery is becoming a go-to choice for many. In this blog post, we’ll explore the rise of imitation jewellery in Thrissur, what makes it such a popular choice, and how you can find the best and most affordable pieces for any occasion.

1. Understanding Imitation Jewellery

Before we delve into why cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur is such a hot trend, it’s essential to understand what imitation jewellery is. Unlike real gold or diamond jewellery, imitation jewellery is made using non-precious metals such as brass, copper, or silver, which are then plated with gold, silver, or other materials to give them a lustrous finish. These pieces often incorporate artificial stones, beads, pearls, and even crystals to mimic the look of expensive gems.

Imitation jewellery has come a long way in terms of design and craftsmanship. Today, many imitation jewellery pieces are indistinguishable from their real counterparts, making them a desirable alternative for those who want to make a fashion statement without breaking the bank.

2. Why Choose Cheap Imitation Jewellery in Thrissur?

Imitation jewellery is not just a budget-friendly option; it has several other advantages that make it a popular choice, especially in a culturally rich city like Thrissur. Let’s explore some of the key reasons why cheap imitation jewellery is in high demand.

a. Affordability

The most obvious reason why people gravitate towards imitation jewellery is its affordability. Gold, diamond, and other precious jewellery come with a hefty price tag, making it difficult for many to invest in such pieces, especially for one-time events like weddings or festivals. Imitation jewellery provides a cost-effective alternative, allowing people to purchase beautiful, ornate designs at a fraction of the cost of real gold or diamond jewellery.

In Thrissur, where grand weddings and traditional events are common, imitation jewellery enables brides and their families to save on costs while still achieving a stunning, regal look.

b. Variety of Designs

Imitation jewellery offers an incredible variety of designs. Whether you’re looking for traditional Kerala-style temple jewellery, modern statement pieces, or minimalistic daily wear, there’s something for everyone. The ability to mimic real gold and diamond designs means that you can find cheap imitation jewellery that looks just as elegant and sophisticated as high-end pieces.

In Thrissur, a city known for its diverse cultural and traditional practices, this variety allows people to choose pieces that complement their unique styles and the occasion they’re celebrating.

c. Safe to Wear

Another significant advantage of imitation jewellery is its safety. Wearing real gold or diamond jewellery in public or during large gatherings can sometimes be risky, with concerns about theft or loss. With imitation jewellery, you get the peace of mind to wear stunning pieces without the fear of losing valuable assets.

This is especially useful in Thrissur, where large events like weddings, festivals, and temple visits often attract crowds, making safety a concern. Imitation jewellery ensures that you can enjoy the event without constantly worrying about the safety of your jewellery.

d. Perfect for Experimentation

Fashion is ever-evolving, and jewellery trends change just as frequently. With imitation jewellery, you can easily experiment with different styles, trends, and designs without feeling guilty about spending too much. Whether you want to try bold, chunky necklaces, colorful statement earrings, or delicate layered chains, imitation jewellery allows you to explore these styles without a massive investment.

In a culturally rich place like Thrissur, where traditional and modern aesthetics coexist, imitation jewellery allows people to blend old and new styles seamlessly.

3. Types of Imitation Jewellery Popular in Thrissur

Imitation jewellery comes in various styles and designs, catering to different occasions and personal tastes. Here are some of the most popular types of cheap imitation jewellery available in Thrissur:

a. Temple Jewellery

Temple jewellery is one of the most iconic styles of traditional Kerala jewellery. These pieces are characterized by intricate designs featuring deities, elephants, peacocks, and other religious symbols. Temple jewellery is often worn during weddings, festivals, and temple visits.

Cheap imitation temple jewellery in Thrissur allows people to own beautiful, traditional pieces without spending on real gold. These designs are often plated with gold or silver to give them an authentic look, making them perfect for special occasions.

b. Bridal Jewellery Sets

Imitation bridal jewellery sets are a favorite among brides in Thrissur. These sets usually consist of a necklace, earrings, bangles, and maang tikka, designed to give the bride a royal and opulent look. From traditional gold-plated pieces to more modern, diamond-studded designs, imitation bridal sets offer something for every bride’s taste and budget.

With weddings being such grand affairs in Thrissur, imitation jewellery sets help families save significantly while still ensuring the bride looks stunning on her big day.

c. Statement Necklaces

For those who love making a bold fashion statement, imitation jewellery offers a wide range of statement necklaces. These chunky, elaborate pieces often feature colorful stones, beads, and intricate designs that can elevate any outfit. Whether paired with a sari, lehenga, or even a modern dress, statement necklaces are perfect for weddings, parties, and festivals.

In Thrissur, where traditional attire is often complemented by bold jewellery, these necklaces offer a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

d. Earrings and Bangles

No traditional outfit is complete without matching earrings and bangles. Imitation earrings come in various styles, from classic jhumkas to modern chandelier earrings. Bangles, too, are available in traditional gold-plated designs, colorful glass bangles, or even sleek metal designs for a contemporary look.

In Thrissur, where accessorizing is key to completing an outfit, cheap imitation jewellery offers endless options for earrings and bangles that match any style or occasion.

e. Daily Wear Jewellery

Imitation jewellery isn’t just for special occasions. Many women in Thrissur prefer wearing light, delicate imitation jewellery for their everyday needs. Simple chains, stud earrings, and bangles that mimic real gold or silver are popular choices for daily wear. These pieces are affordable, lightweight, and easy to maintain, making them a practical choice for everyday fashion.

4. Where to Find Cheap Imitation Jewellery in Thrissur

Thrissur is home to many shops, markets, and suppliers that specialize in imitation jewellery. Whether you’re looking for bridal sets, temple jewellery, or casual pieces, here are some of the top places to find cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur:

a. Kunnath Gold

Kunnath Gold is one of the most trusted names in Thrissur when it comes to imitation jewellery. With over 30 years of experience, Kunnath Gold offers a wide range of high-quality imitation jewellery, including gold-plated, temple, and bridal designs. Their pieces are known for their durability, intricate craftsmanship, and affordable prices, making them a go-to choice for many in Thrissur.

b. Local Jewellery Markets

Thrissur has many bustling markets and bazaars that sell imitation jewellery. Places like Kuruppam Road and Round East are known for their jewellery shops that offer a variety of affordable options. These markets are perfect for finding unique, one-of-a-kind pieces at competitive prices.

c. Online Retailers

Many people in Thrissur now turn to online shopping for their imitation jewellery needs. E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and other specialized jewellery websites offer a vast selection of imitation jewellery at cheap prices. Online shopping allows you to browse through thousands of designs from the comfort of your home and often provides discounts and deals that are not available in physical stores.

d. Wholesale Shops

If you’re looking to buy imitation jewellery in bulk, wholesale shops in Thrissur offer some of the best deals. These shops provide cheap imitation jewellery at discounted rates, making them ideal for weddings, parties, or even resale purposes.

5. How to Care for Imitation Jewellery

One of the concerns people often have with imitation jewellery is its durability. While imitation jewellery is not as long-lasting as real gold or diamond pieces, proper care can extend its lifespan and keep it looking as good as new. Here are some tips on how to care for your cheap imitation jewellery:

a. Store Properly Store your imitation jewellery in a cool, dry place, preferably in individual pouches or boxes to avoid scratches and tangling. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture, as these can cause tarnishing.

b. Avoid Chemicals Perfumes, lotions, and other chemicals can damage the plating and stones in imitation jewellery. Always apply these products before wearing your jewellery and avoid spraying perfumes directly on your pieces.

c. Clean Gently Use a soft cloth to wipe your imitation jewellery after each use to remove any dirt or oils. For a more thorough cleaning, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush, but avoid soaking the jewellery in water for too long.

d. Handle with Care

While imitation jewellery is affordable, it is often more delicate than real jewellery. Handle your pieces with care, especially those with intricate designs or stones, to prevent breakage or damage.

6. Conclusion: The Rise of Cheap Imitation Jewellery in Thrissur

As the demand for affordable and stylish jewellery continues to grow, cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur has become an essential part of every wardrobe. Offering a wide range of designs, from traditional temple jewellery to modern bridal sets, imitation jewellery allows individuals to embrace elegance and luxury without the high cost. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, festival, or simply want to accessorize your daily outfits, imitation jewellery provides the perfect solution for affordable fashion.

With numerous suppliers, local markets, and online retailers offering high-quality imitation jewellery in Thrissur, there’s no shortage of options for those looking to make a statement without breaking the bank. So, explore the world of imitation jewellery and add a touch of affordable elegance to your jewellery collection today.

FAQ

1. Where can I buy cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — You can find affordable imitation jewellery in Thrissur in popular markets such as Swaraj Round, Palace Road, and various street vendors. Many stores and online platforms based in Thrissur also offer budget-friendly options.

2. What types of cheap imitation jewellery are available in Thrissur? — Cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur includes a wide range of products like earrings, necklaces, bangles, rings, anklets, and bridal sets. Both traditional and trendy designs are available to suit different preferences.

3. What is the price range for cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — The price of cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur typically ranges from ₹50 to ₹500 for individual pieces, depending on the design, material, and craftsmanship. Bulk purchases or special deals may offer additional discounts.

4. Are there any wholesale options for cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — Yes, many stores and markets in Thrissur offer wholesale imitation jewellery at lower rates. Buying in bulk is an ideal way to get cheaper prices, especially for resellers or event purchases.

5. Can I find traditional Kerala designs in cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — Yes, even in the affordable category, you can find traditional Kerala designs such as Palakka, Nagapadam, and Kasu Mala, which are popular for weddings and festivals.

6. What materials are used in cheap imitation jewellery from Thrissur? — Cheap imitation jewellery is usually made from materials like brass, copper, and alloy metals. These pieces may be gold-plated or adorned with faux stones like cubic zirconia, glass, or crystals to give them a more luxurious appearance.

7. Is the quality of cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur reliable? — The quality of cheap imitation jewellery can vary. While the materials are less expensive, many suppliers offer well-crafted pieces that are durable for casual or occasional use. It’s important to shop from reliable sources or inspect the items for quality before purchasing.

8. Where can I buy cheap imitation jewellery online in Thrissur? — Many Thrissur-based jewellery stores offer cheap imitation jewellery online through their websites or popular e-commerce platforms. These stores often display their collections with detailed pricing, making it easy to shop from home.

9. How can I care for cheap imitation jewellery to make it last longer? — To prolong the life of cheap imitation jewellery, avoid exposure to moisture, perfumes, and chemicals. Store it in a dry, airtight container when not in use and gently clean it with a soft cloth after wearing.

10. Are there any seasonal discounts or sales on imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — Yes, many jewellery stores in Thrissur offer seasonal sales during festivals like Onam, Vishu, and Diwali. Off-season discounts or clearance sales may also help you find imitation jewellery at even cheaper prices.

11. Can I buy cheap imitation bridal jewellery in Thrissur? — Yes, Thrissur offers a variety of budget-friendly imitation bridal jewellery sets. These sets provide an affordable alternative to gold jewellery while still offering intricate designs suitable for weddings.

12. Are cheap imitation jewellery sets suitable for gifting? — Yes, many cheap imitation jewellery pieces make great gifts, especially for casual or festive occasions. You can find beautifully designed sets that are both budget-friendly and attractive.

13. What is the difference between cheap and premium imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — The main difference lies in the materials and craftsmanship. Cheap imitation jewellery uses more affordable base metals and stones, while premium imitation jewellery may have higher-quality plating, better stones, and more intricate designs.

14. Can I find both modern and traditional designs in cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — Yes, Thrissur’s markets and stores offer a wide selection of both modern and traditional designs, ensuring that you can find affordable jewellery to match your style, whether it’s for daily wear or special occasions.

15. How do I choose a reliable store for buying cheap imitation jewellery in Thrissur? — To find a reliable store, check customer reviews, ask for recommendations, and visit stores that are well-known for their quality and pricing. It’s also a good idea to inspect the jewellery in person to ensure its durability and appearance.

#fashionaccessories #kunnathgold #thrissur #bridaljewelry #imitationgoldjewelry

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