#like my own personal rage bait. but i also have this incessant need to know about this shit

[rainingincale]

[chateautae]

flirt | pjm. (m)

➵ summary :  park jimin is a notorious flirt, but so are you. when you both meet at a party after weeks of back and forth, it’s a matter of time before somebody gives in

➵ pairing : jimin x reader

➵ genre :  college!au, sexual tension, smut, pwp

➵ rating : 18+

➵ word count : 4k

➵ warnings : super suggestive flirting, alcohol consumption (both parties able to consent), swearing, light dom and sub themes, soft dom!jimin, brat!reader, little bit of brat-handling, dirty talk, praising but also degradation? it’s hot i promise, use of slut, slight body worshipping, mentions of oral, jimin is hot and yes that’s a warning in itself, breast play, unprotected sex, penetrative + rough sex, bit of angsty sex, creampie cause i seem to not like it any other way

➵ a/n : and my first jimin fic is here!! dear god i love this boy to the moon and back so i got a bit carried with him lmao, hopefully this isn’t terrible cause i still need to edit it but your support and feedback are always appreciated!! <3

2 hours.

2 hours since you first came to this party. You’ve bumped into at least a hundred people, danced your legs numb, God knew how many and what concoction of drinks were inebriating your system and still, you hadn’t seen Park Jimin the whole night. 

The only reason you even dragged yourself to this party was because of him. You were initially bailing on the annual ‘one-last-hurrah-before-midterms’ party because you, like everyone else here had midterms haunting them Monday. It was Friday night and as the ever diligent student, you were planning to study over the weekend.

Though your nagging best friend Hoseok had other plans, threatening you to come with every piece of dirt he had on you until he finally sprinkled Jimin’s name into the mix. You couldn’t lie, it was the only reason you decided to hell with your education, wiggled into a barely-there dress and waltzed in with Hoseok ready to take the night on.

But when you hadn’t seen Jimin at all, you were left annoyed, pissed off and with a headache raking your brain.

Seeing him was a selfish desire, one you’d develop after realizing you had met your match when you first encountered Jimin. You were always fairly notorious for your flirtatious habits and touchiness, a sort of trademark of yours and the same was always said about a ‘Park Jimin’ unknown to you, sometimes described to be an even bigger flirt.

It automatically intrigued you, curious of what kind of rival you secretly harbored until one day, you chanced upon Hoseok who just so happened to be with Jimin. 

At first, you didn't think Jimin could be a daring flirt. He had this sweet smile and disciplined way of speaking that screamed innocent to you, his mannerisms and demeanor shy and introverted. He didn’t make big moves and so you wrote him off as just that. 

But it wasn’t until you started seeing him outside your class’ building, alone, and multiple times after that, enough for you to realize he was anything but shy or innocent.

You ended up observing that a) he was sex on legs, b) easily flipped between the persona of an angel and a demon and c) anything he did could seem flirting. 

You two hit it off without a hitch, your flirtatious tendencies meeting to form a relationship of mutual interest. It was clear as day, both your actions almost always held some sort of unknown intentions behind them, your every saying a double meaning. 

It became the norm between you two, anytime you met turning into a conversation riddled with innuendos, suggestive lip-biting or eyes that couldn’t help but wander. And you weren't stupid, you could tell he wanted you just as much as you wanted him. You two were dangerous, testing the limits of either’s control, hoping someone would give in and only left disappointed when nobody did. 

So when Hoseok mentioned this party, and graciously added Park Jimin’s name to it, you knew this was your chance. A party with buzzing bodies, loud music and copious amounts of alcohol was bound to set him off, especially if you were dressed scandalously and felt bolder with liquid courage pumping through your system.  

But it’d been 2 hours, and you hadn’t seen him all night. You were taking another shot in the kitchen, sulking by yourself and reflecting on the fact that you’d been duped by Hoseok. This party became useless to you, a mere waste of your time as you quickly discarded your cup and began stomping out of the kitchen.

You ventured further into the house to look for Hoseok’s 5’10 ass, tell him he’s the worst best friend for lying to you and that you were leaving this disappointment of a party.

You stepped around people mindfully, dodging them until you rammed smack dab into someone’s back, scrambling for an apology before looking at the unaffected victim.

Park fucking Jimin.

“Y/N!” Jimin beamed, holding a drink in his hand as he smiled widely.

“Jimin, hey! I thought you didn’t come tonight.” You attempted biting back your smile from finally finding him, shouting over the bass of the music as you met him on the dance floor.

“I just ran late. You know me, of course I’d be here!” Jimin raised his drink to his plump lips and sipped, stepping side-to-side in rhythm with the music. 

You couldn’t make him out that well, the disco lights of whatever lights system the only means of seeing him in the dark, but you swear the smirky grin on his face as he scanned you over wasn’t just a figment of your imagination, ecstatic that you already seemed to be reeling him in. “Do you want a drink?”

“No, I already had-” You didn’t get to finish your sentence as someone’s raging body stumbled into yours suddenly, sending you off balance until Jimin reached out for you cautiously.

“Woah, easy there.” Jimin’s arms quickly held you, flashing a scolding look at the person who bumped into you and pulling you towards himself. “Are you here with someone tonight?”

“Yeah, Hoseok! I was looking for him.”

“Why’s that?”

“I.. wasn’t having fun, so I wanted to leave with him.” You swiftly masked the real truth, your voice becoming less of a shout as Jimin encased you, just a few centimeters between your bodies as you peered up at him, cheeks flushed with heat and alcohol.

“Leave with him? Damn, didn’t know you two were like that.” Jimin flashed you a suggestive look, raising his eyebrows.

“Shut up, you know we’re just best friends.” You both erupted into a fit of chuckles as you hit his chest, your hand smacking against his jacket and now that you were close, registered what a meal he looked like tonight; ripped black jeans, plain white t-shirt underneath a distressed jean jacket, all pulled together sexily by his tousled hair, small hoop earrings and a Chanel necklace decorating his neck.

Dear God, how many times you’ve ached to kiss that pretty, pretty neck.

You internally groaned, habitually drawing closer to him as you enjoyed the warmth of his body, nostrils filling with the familiar scent of his intoxicating cologne.

“So I hear you wanna have some fun.” Jimin perked up, eyes amused and hands smoothing over your sides slowly after faltering from your arms.

“Are you suggesting I’ll have fun with you?”

“Of course, gorgeous, but up to you how we do that.” Jimin stepped dangerously closer to you as his voice lowered, your face tucked into his chest as his body blocked other people from touching you.

Excitement shot to your center at his use of a pet name, a common occurrence during your exchanges though his choices of which always an added thrill. 

“And what if I just want to leave and eat at a diner instead?”

“Then I’d definitely take you, food and you? A win in my book.”

You cocked an eyebrow, crossing your arms. “Adding me to the mix suddenly makes it a win? I’m not the one on the menu, Park.” 

Jimin’s eyes seem to blow out, leaning down as his plushy lips ghosted your ear as he spoke, tone darkened, “We can change that, princess.”

A thrill shot throughout your body, hyper aware of his lips mere inches from your face as your heart began to race, turning towards him expectantly.

You began advancing slowly to decrease the gap between your mouths, feeling him inch forward in response, letting him hover just above your lips for a tease before you stopped, “I’d like to see you try, Park.”

Then you abruptly turned out of his hold and walked away, making it through a few people into a hallway, allowing yourself to breathe. You loved teasing Jimin, it was an incredibly entertaining pass time but dear God, did it knock the fucking wind out of you. 

You were mentally recuperating from the fact that he almost let you kiss him, distracted as you stepped away until someone suddenly snatched your arm and pinned you against the nearest wall. You were honestly shocked to see Jimin, surprised he actually took your bait and stayed on your trail to stop you. His dancing eyes held nothing but greed, evident even in the darkness of the party.

“You know just how to test people, don’t you?” Jimin warned as he narrowed his dangerous eyes at you, holding your hot-skinned wrists against the cool wall. 

“Of course I do, it makes things fun and last time I checked,”  You brought your face to his and left only an inch between you two, “that’s just what I want.”

Jimin visibly grew less tamed, glancing down towards your lips as he tried breathing controllably, “Careful what you wish for, princess. It might come true.” 

“And if that’s what I want?” You titled your head expectantly, licking your lips as you watched Jimin bite his own. He eyed you the whole time, making it a statement to drink you in every inch of you. 

You could smell the alcohol on him, assuming liquor was the only driving force behind his actions but then contemplated his level-headedness, his coherent speech and clear judgment in this moment.

Jimin was choosing to chase after you, choosing to not let you go after weeks of incessant back and fourth and you knew you were finally getting closer to exactly what you wanted. 

Park Jimin giving in. 

“You’re fucking hot.” Jimin commented, eyes eating you up hungrily.

“You’re hotter.” You grinned and leaned back against the wall, cleavage unintentionally popping out for him and Jimin’s look immediately shifted, bringing his body closer against yours.

“You look submissive as hell right now, is that what you like? To be dominated?”

“Only if you like to dominate.” 

Jimin could feel the reigns on his control snapping, biting down to contain his raw desire to fuck you. He’s been holding himself back, knowing you seemed willing on your end of the interactions but never wanting to take the leap in case it was all just an act. 

But as he watched you go along with his every comment, staring back at him with the same devious eyes and practically offering yourself to him in his hold, he knew you weren’t acting at all. 

“You talk a big game, but can you put your money where your mouth is?” Jimin leaned his hips against yours, ensuring you could feel his growing hardness. 

“My mouth can do a lot of fucking things, Park.” You jutted your hips into his.

Jimin shut his eyes frustratedly before he re-opened them, a downright obsidian colour taking them over.

“Go the fuck upstairs.” 

“Wh-”

“I said, go the fuck upstairs.” Jimin demanded, looking at you with conviction so searing you in fact did become submissive. 

“W-which room-” You didn’t complete your question as Jimin’s deft hands encased you and lifted you off the ground, bridal-style.

“Jimin-!” You exclaimed.

“Say another word and I’ll make sure you feel me in your throat.” 

You immediately swallowed your mouth shut as Jimin cluthed you to him, core alighting with desire as he carried you up the stairs. Jimin arrived at the second floor and rushed towards the first room with an ajar door, shutting it with your feet after entering.

He made towards the bed and practically threw you onto it, stepping away to lock the door before leaning against it, arms crossed and serious. 

“You sure you want this?” His voice came out considerate, no haste or pressure.

“Yes, Jimin.” 

“You’re completely sure?” 

You nodded incessantly. 

“I need your words, Y/N.”

“Yes.” You affirmed, unintentionally becoming submissive as you awaited him, and Jimin couldn't resist you, not any longer. He made towards your smaller figure on the bed and immediately crashed his lips onto yours, knee sinking into the mattress as he leaned over you, splaying you onto the bed.  

He held your wrists against the sheets, kissing you open as his plump lips worked tirelessly against your mouth. He continued to swallow you, opening up to catch all of you as he sank further downwards to feel your body arch into his.

His wet tongue glided over your lips and you welcomed him in lightspeed, letting his muscle entangle with yours hastily and you instantly loved the taste of him. 

Jimin’s kisses began deepening, exploring your mouth like he was dehydrated and your mouth was fresh water. His thigh began pressing against your core and you moaned into his mouth as Jimin disconnected from you, panting for air. 

“Don’t fucking do that.” He voiced frustratedly, his full lips swollen and pink as he tried to contain himself. 

“Do what?” 

“Fucking moan, it does shit to me.” 

“Sucks for you, I’m responsive as fuck.” You snipped as his sudden confession made you hot, squishing your thighs together. Jimin took notice and he flashed a look at your core. 

“Responsive, huh?” Jimin let go of your wrist, sliding his hand down your body before pressing his fingers to your heat through your dress. You instantly gasped, arching as you felt your walls clench around absolutely nothing. 

“J-Jimin.” you warned him weakly. 

“Mm?” Jimin paid no attention as he lowered himself to your neck and began kissing, tonguing, sucking at a spot that had you cowering and squirming underneath him. 

You groaned as your free hand tangled into his hair, hugging him to your neck as you basked in the glory of his plush lips devouring you. He was laving and nibbling at your skin, continuously kissing the area of your carotid all while rubbing his hand against your clothed cunt. Jimin began rutting his body against yours, the tip of his cock prodding you the more he moved.

“Fuck you, Jimin. This isn’t fair.” You moaned breathlessly

“As fair as it gets, princess. You wanted to see my try, yeah?” Jimin suddenly stopped his movements on your core and slid his hand up your bare thigh, only to shift your stained panties to the side and glide his fingers all over your bare pussy. You gasped Jimin’s name and tugged at his hair harshly, the alcohol hazing everything over with sensitivity and trying to sustain the sheer amount of pleasure he was rewarding you.

“N-nothing’s fair about this.”

Jimin smoothed the pads of his fingers over your slick core, eliciting your incessant gasps, “Fuck with my ego and I fuck with you, baby.” 

He was leaving purple marks all along your neck and chest, moving down to the valley of your breasts and you whined headily, hating that he had such an advantage in this position. 

You immediately grew bold enough to push him off by his chest, detaching him as Jimin looked at you confused. “Y/N, what the fu-” was all Jimin could get out before you stood up and gripped his cock through his pants, his breath immediately hitching. He looked at you with surprised eyes, growing weaker in your hold as you walked him back against a vanity in the room.

You had no clue who this room belonged to, but you could care less when you were minutes away from getting fucked by Park Jimin.

He let out breathy little moans as you palmed him, shutting his eyes in bliss as he turned harder by the second, leaning back against the counter. You planted your lips to his neck and mouthed fervently, making sure you embellished his skin with your desire for him. “F-fuck. Y/N, this isn’t fair.”

“Fuck with my ego and I fuck with you, baby.” You mocked him and began rubbing at his shaft, sucking hickies onto his pretty neck and licking over the areas your teeth grazed. Jimin continued groaning, hugging you close to him as he fisted his hands against your body, trying everything to cherish the pleasure he felt. 

The person he’s been desiring ever since he heard about you, his every nerve thrilled by your ability to counter him, match his energy of constant flirting and testing the waters, venturing further than him sometimes.

You were just so tempting and Jimin wanted every last bit of you. 

That sentiment increased when he felt your hands snake towards the belt of his jeans, unbuckling harshly with need so apparent he wanted nothing but to stuff your walls, now. 

“No, fuck off, getting inside you first.” Jimin denied your hands, capturing them in his hold.

You instantly whined, “But Jimin, want you to fuck my face.” You pouted into his neck, kissing along his collar bones as you rutted against him. 

“Fucking God, I’m destroying you for that.” Jimin wrapped you up in his arms and switched the positions, shoving you against the vanity, your ass on the edge of the counter as Jimin stood in between your spread out legs, lips meeting yours again. 

Jimin lifted the skirt of your dress up and over your backside, pooling around your waist as his hands slid over your fleshy thighs to the band of your panties. He pulled only to snap them back against your skin, the contact making you gasp.

“Why the fuck are you still wearing these?”

“And why the fuck are you still wearing clothes?” You chastised, hands greedily shoving his jacket off him even with your mouth attached to his.

Jimin didn’t allow the action to compromise your kiss either, practically ripping his jacket off and breathing hard against you as he threw it away. He then pulled his t-shirt over himself, revealing his toned, lean body underneath and only leaving his Chanel necklace hanging over his bare chest. You licked your lips at the sight of his smooth and pretty body, the outline of his abs like a work of art.

You reached out to touch him, his face and skin flushed with lust as he watched you. “You’re so hot, Jimin, so pretty.” You praised, eyes ogling him.

Jimin smirked proudly before speaking, “Your turn.”

He searched for the zipper of your dress and unzipped hastily, peeling away the top to reveal your naked breasts and now it was his turn to ogle at you.

“Fuck me, you’re prettier.” He huffed out, eyes blown out entirely.

“Probably not as pretty as your cock, let me suck.” You pouted playfully and pulled him closer to you with the back of your shins, hands greedily feeling up his bare chest.

“Only good girls get to suck my dick.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, you’re a fucking brat and a half.” Jimin started kneading your breasts, licking his lips as he watched you spread your legs wider for him and lean your head back out of pure bliss.

“I am not a brat, you just fucking take 10 years to get it on.” You snapped back, moaning in between at the way he groped your breasts, rolling the buds of your nipples with his fingertips.

“Sorry I was a fucking gentleman, didn’t know you were such a cock-hungry slut.” Jimin bit as he planted his thick lips to your perched nipple, eliciting curses from you as his tongue began swirling around, sucking teasingly.

“You just can’t fuck, isn’t it? All bark and no bite?”

Jimin scoffed darkly at that, sucking harder on your sensitive nipples before letting go with a pop. “I’ll fucking break you is why I kept holding off, you’ll regret this, princess.”

“Break me then, Jimin, please. Fuck me like you say you will, I need you.” Your arousal became unbearable as you grew hornier, rocking your hips against him for friction while he laved at either of your nipples.

“I will, baby. Get these off and I’ll fuck you so good.” Jimin tugged at your panties and you lifted your ass for him to discard them.

You unhooked Jimin’s belt and shoved into his pants, pulling his boxers and jeans down until you finally freed his leaking length, thick and throbbing to be treated.

What you always thought was right, his cock was pretty just like him. You graciously pumped him, spreading his pre-cum over the head as you watched him lean his head back, kissing under his jaw.

“So pretty, Jimin, just like you.”

Jimin stopped caring about any and everything and instantly grabbed one of your legs, spreading you wide open for him and situated himself before your entrance.

He brought a hand over yours pumping his member and moved you quicker against his hot flesh, looking down at the lewd scene and your pretty pussy aching for him.

“Look at you soaking, baby, so much prettier.” 

You moaned needily, the back of your shins urging Jimin closer to you again as you whined. “Jimin..”

“Raw?” he breathed impatiently. 

“Fuck yes, birth control.”

Jimin didn’t even take a millisecond before he was pushing against your hole, placing the hand that was pumping his member now against your pelvic bone, pressing down to feel himself sink inside of you.

You instantly careened, moaning out so loud that if there wasn’t music blaring in the house, everyone would know how stuffed Jimin made you feel.

“Fuck-Jimin! Stop doing that, it feels too fucking good..!” You nearly cried, the pressure of Jimin’s hand making you feel any and every ridge, vein and hardness of his thick cock, your walls drinking him in.

“Fuck you, this is what you get.” Jimin blurted as he buried himself to the hilt, groaning satisfyingly at your warm walls hugging him before plunging to make out with you.

Jimin began fucking you with conviction, determination to drive you insane for him as he spread you open. He thrusted fast and hard from the get-go, neglecting to set a pace knowing how much of a cock-loving brat you were. His thumb resting just above your clit dipped down to lightly play with your bud, tease it, all the while licking into your mouth and thrusting into you.

You gasped hard, so much that Jimin’s name was the only thing coherent within them and he swallowed all your sounds with his lips. Your body was on fire at the drag of his cock, shocked at how wet you were when he hadn’t even fingered or eaten you out, his cock doing all the work, leaving you only thinking of Park Jimin’s sheer power.

You wanted all of him so badly, wanted him to ruin you, destroy you like he said he would, fuck you open like he always insinuated he would.

“Jimin, please, harder! Fuck me like the brat I am, teach me a fucking lesson.”

“Princess likes it hard, huh? Want me to fuck this pussy up? Make it all mine?” Jimin’s words were so filthy they had you clutching onto him tightly, arousal gushing from you as Jimin impaled you harder, snapping into you.

His thumb continued its onslaught, your walls convulsing to his every stroke as you gripped his shoulders and kissed him, biting his plushy bottom lip as he fucked you harder.

“Mm, Jimin, fuck!” Your tits bounced as he pounded into you, taking his every thrust like a champ and he damn well shook the entire vanity, continuously drilling your hole as he gave no room for mercy. Your hands snaked into his hair and tugged, making him groan in approval and he only pushed you open wider in response.

“You pretty brat, look at you getting what you want. Fucked like the cock-loving princess you are.” Jimin breathed against your mouth, his skin slicking with sweat as he worked tirelessly against your opening, battering your pussy with an unforgiving speed.

“You would’ve gotten your dick sucked, but apparently-” you shuddered breathily, “I w-wasn’t a good girl.” You felt weak from his repeated onslaught, the bubbling pleasure in your gut keeping you going. 

“Yeah, so fucking behave and maybe I’ll let you choke on my dick.”

“Y-you stop playing games and maybe I’ll let you eat my pussy.”

Jimin only ticked his head to the side as he chuckled darkly, starting to propel his thick cock into your gut and raging at your clit so roughly, you gasped as you carved your pleasure into his skin. Jimin did the same as he bore his fingers into you, a hand squeezing your thigh harshly as he held your leg and your walls fluttered around him, moans growing higher in pitch.

“Jimin! I’m gonna-“ you didn’t even complete your sentence as your walls clamped around him, orgasm washing over you so quickly you barely realized it came. You clenched him like a vice and panted hard against his mouth, Jimin finally coming undone as well, spurts of cum painting your insides and filling you to the brim, certain he’d leak out of you for hours.

You felt stuffed, so full of him you were hazed over with post-orgasm bliss, mind unwinding from any trifling matter on Earth. Your forehead slacked against his shoulder as you both panted for air, sweating as Jimin held your weak body in his arms.

His cock remained shoved inside you, the throbbing letting up on both of you as your highs settled down.

“You..” Jimin swallowed dryly, breathing. “took me like a good girl. Maybe you can suck me off next time.”

“Next time?” You breathed labourly, turning your face towards his.

Jimin peered down at you resting against him, biting back a grin. “Of course, there’s always a next time with flirts like us.”

[anodyne-sunflower]

Love me like you do (Part 21)-Balem series

A/N: Guys…it’s now 6:10am and I just finished this. Kill me. I haven’t slept. Why???? Because, I once I get going I get going…and stopping is not an option dammit. I’m so wired. But, I finished and I’m accomplished and I’m feeling all the feels with this chapter and I don’t care if any of you hate it because my heart is ripped out by my own doing. And I was writing this while listening to my choice of mood music and it broke me. Guys, it broke me. *dies* Also, this chapter is almost 5,000 words lol

MOOD MUSIC: 13 beaches by Lana Del Rey

***

Over the centuries pain was something any man would become accustomed to. Both physically and emotionally, to Balem it didn’t matter. He had trained his mind in dealing with these issues, something he could place credit on his family for. It was just one of the many reasons his heart had darkened over the years. An easy thing when all you’ve known is betrayal and misery.

So it was no surprise when he felt that dagger push into his side, over and over again until he was kneeling down on the floor in the arms of his guard. He choked out an unintelligible curse, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth as he gripped the man’s armor. His fingertips slipped off the metal, his blood already coating the guard head to toe.

“Forgive me, my lord…” The guard let out a remorseful apology, helping Balem to the floor as he fell back in pain. But, his words meant little to the Primary, who was still conscious enough to send him a glare that conveyed his rage and confusion.

“F-Fool…” Balem growled out, gasps of agony spewing from his lips as he tried to crawl to any form of safety. He stopped just feet away, clutching at his abdomen and attempting to stop the flow of blood. Not that it helped him, he could feel the wave of dizziness that came from blood loss, his heart slowing down with every move he made. Even if he could make it to the healers there was no guarantee he’d live. So he halted his actions, grunting as he turned onto his back and laid on the marbled floor. His eyes took in the sight of his ornate gold ceilings, the smallest of details etched into the stone and marble keeping him focused on staying awake. For all the times he’d been close to death, this felt the most intimate. Never before had he felt the emptiness of his world begin to consume him, and all he had worked for. And all he had yet to accomplish…if he held the strength, he would’ve laughed. What an end for such a powerful man, he couldn’t help but think. For all his glory, all his riches, he’d succumb to such a weak person kneeling before him. “You won’t make it,” Balem grumbled, body stiffening in pain when he tried to move. “Out alive…”

His guard looked up at him from his spot on the floor, fear and regret clear upon his features. He tugged the black helmet of his uniform off, blond hair falling into his eyes when he threw it bitterly to the side. The metal clanked off the wall, coming to a stop just at the large stained glass windows.

“I had to do it.” He uttered, setting his hands on his knees as he felt the full weight of his actions fall on him. The consequences were simple to comprehend, he knew that and if working for Balem all these years had taught him anything it was the Primary never showed mercy. Even to those who may have deserved it. “You took my wife from me,” He choked back, wiping away the few tears that formed in the corners of his eyes. “Sold her off to your brother like some common whore.”

“You’ll have to be more specific.” In spite of his wounds, Balem never faltered in his demeanor. Showing your weakness to those below you was a mistake for any entitled. If a man could take a dagger to your chest and be your equal, then anyone below would soon follow. Kalique and Titus undoubtedly knew this, and for a moment he regretted not taking their heads when he had the chance. “I’ve given far too many women to my brother.” He chuckled darkly, tightening his hold over the injury as he sat up. He kept his eyes trained on the guard, ready for any other fight he attempted to put up. Though he had little energy to thwart off another attack. He reserved his strength for provoking the guard instead, needing him to come near enough to finish the job.

“I loved her!” The guard screamed in anguish, slamming his fist into the ground before making his way closer to his boss. He gripped the blade in his hand again, tossing it around and debating what he should do. The more he stalled though, the deeper his self pity went. “He promised me, if I did this he’d bring her back to me. Said she was safe, said she missed me.”

Sinister laughter filled the empty hallway, the Primary’s morbid sense of humor now growing when the guard allowed his confusion to show. If he had it in his heart, Balem would’ve pitied the man. Unfortunately, he didn’t waste his time sympathizing with those who choose fruitless ambitions.

“You really are a fool.” Balem tilted his head back, sighing when the pain began to ebb away and left him with this oddly euphoric sensation. “You allow Titus to convince you of treason, all for the chance to see a woman who so easily found her way into my bed-”

“Enough!” The guard held the dagger up, lips set in a deep scowl as he tried to find the courage to finish the Primary off. He couldn’t understand how someone in Balem’s predicament could still inflict such suffering, almost as if the entitled was baiting him on purpose. Finding the reasons was a task he didn’t have time for though, and getting out of this alcazar and planet was urgent. “I will kill you, and when this is done Titus will give her back to me, and we’ll start a new life-”

“Enough of your incessant sniveling.” Balem criticized, eyes following every movement of his current assassin. He watched the man grow nearer, hesitation in his eyes as he shook the dagger in his hand. It was a pathetic sight, even a bit of disappointment was felt at his siblings lack of care in choosing his killer.

“You don’t have the power here!” The guard trembled with anger, his entire conduct showing the opposite of his words. “You forced me into your servitude, had me take this oath of giving my life for yours if need be. And then you lure my wife into your arms! She was all I had after you harvested our planet. You took everything from me…and now Titus promised to give it all back.”

Balem clicked his tongue in mockery of the man’s speech, knowing fully well Titus had no intentions of giving anything in return for this exchange. Such was his younger brother, a master of manipulation that could sway even the sharpest of minds. But, the guard’s problems were not his own, and he held no remorse for the actions of the past.

“Look around you,” The Primary forced out his words now, gritting his teeth as he pushed down on his wounds. “I’ve had the gates to Jupiter sealed for days now, not one ship leaves this place without me knowing of it.” He pointed out the window, towards the Jupiter gates with a pleased smirk. His eyes lit up with satisfaction when the guard turned around, a concerned expression on his face. It was obvious to both men now, no one was coming to save him. “Titus isn’t coming for you. You were only ever a means to an end. A pawn in the greater game of the universe that he seeks to control.”

“No,” The guard whimpered out, sobbing slightly as his head fell forward in his hands. The recognition of consequences was beginning to dawn on him, and in spite of Balem’s words he still looked back towards the gates in hope of salvation. But, no one came. “He promised.”

“My brother promises a great number of things,” Balem sank back into the wall, carefully observing the guard when he bent forward in his grief. The dagger was hanging limply from his trembling hands, no longer posing an immediate threat to Balem’s life. “Stop this now, and if I live…” He spit out the blood pooling in his mouth, licking across his lip before offering the man some hope. “I will let you leave this place.”

The guard gazed up in shock, eyes wide as he looked his boss over with uncertainty. He couldn’t gauge the amount of deception behind his assurances, but they were the words of an already dying man. If truth ever came out, it was in those last moments before giving in to death’s grip.

“Give me the dagger.” Balem held his hand out, taking shallow gasps of air as the effort to live grew difficult. He awaited the guard’s decision, noting the hesitation and slivers of faith in his eyes. He only needed him to grow closer, to reach out and allow him the dagger so he may end this now. “The dagger, now.”

The guard glanced back one last time at the gates, finding no signs of help. It was a striking blow to his dreams, another reason to find the Abrasax family loathsome. “I have worked for you, for many years…”

“And that is the reason I will pardon you of this treacherous act.” Balem promised, urging him to lend him the dagger before all else failed.

“I have your word, my lord?”

“You have my word…”

With the last bits of reluctance gone, the guard handed the blade over, eyes downcast when Balem finally held it in his hand. The worse seemed over, and Balem eyed him up and down before once again holding his side as he made to get up.

“Help me up.”

The guard nodded solemnly, rising to his legs and grabbing Balem by the shoulders. He raised the Primary back to his feet, making sure he was steady before pulling away. He was ready to be rid of this place, only curious as to the plans of the entitled. He couldn’t imagine what story they’d concoct to sweep this all under the rug. He just assumed Titus would be apart of it.

“What will-” The guard’s words constricted into a mess of gagging noises, his hand quickly rising to cover the blade now buried into his throat.

“How you made it into my guard,” Balem scoffed, plunging the dagger further into his neck with a sneer on his lips. Blood dripped over the handle, trailing over Balem’s knuckles and onto his clothes. “I will never know.”

The guard stumbled back on his boots, choking through his words as he wished to gain answers for this betrayal. However, the Primary’s stare alone was enough to fulfill that question. Promises and oaths, it was all just words to men like Titus and Balem. That’s what kept them in power, knowing the right tales to spin and promises to make. You could convince just about anybody if you know what you’re doing.

Balem watched as he fell to the ground, now in the place he was only minutes ago. It was poetic justice in his eyes, and he took the greatest pleasure in watching the guard writhe in his death throes. But, every pained breath was a reminder of his current state. With a loud groan he shoved himself from the wall, fingertips coasting over the marble and smearing blood along the intricate designs. He limped along the way, jaw set tight in determination to get somewhere where help could arrive. He was losing blood fast, and at any moment he felt he could fall over and find his long life at an end.

He came upon the shrine in the middle of hallway, the one erected to his mother after her death. He protested against its formation, but at the behest of his siblings he allowed the work to be done. If he had known Kalique and Titus would soon build their own in their respective alcazars, he would’ve torn this one down ages ago. The only thing that stopped him was the statue of her, Seraphi. His dear, dear mother. The woman who taught him how to pursue this business until everyone would prostrate before him. If love could be equated to one emotion, it was hate for him. How he loathed that woman, for all her ambitions and her cruelty. He could recall how kind she could be to him, only when it was conditional in nature. He admired her for it, she played people so well he grew up wanting to be everything she was.

“We are the same person, aren’t we…?” He chuckled out, no longer caring for aid as he pushed open the door to her shrine. He fell at the feet of her statue, blood splattering on her dress as he gazed up towards her likeness. “How fitting that I should share the same fate as you, dear mother.”

He laid at the foot of the sculpture, head resting on her legs as he lifted a hand to no one in particular. His fingers curled down into his palm, eyes drifting closed as he watched the candles in the room flicker in the soft breeze coming through the windows. In the midst of his acceptance of death, his mind drifted to one thing: You. You with all your fiery beauty, and constant protests of his every decision. It was always an endless argument with you, wanting him to be a better man he could never be for someone like you. You never had to directly say it to his face, because he could see the disappointment in your beautiful eyes whenever you gazed at him. He spent his whole life becoming the person he was today, a reputation that no one in the universe could rival. In the grand scheme of it all, you could not possibly understand why. He had accepted that, but deep inside his heart…he didn’t want to. He needed you to realize why he was this way, why it had to be this way. With a soft exhale he turned around, nails scraping over the foot of the statue as he regarded her with a great disgust he had come to harbor over the years.

“You win, mother…” Balem muttered in contempt, forehead settled upon the stone as he tried to find tranquility in his ending. So he let his thoughts run aimlessly to you. The only peace he ever felt in his thousands of years of life. It brought a smile to his face, a sense of complacency that he cherished. He brought his hand up, pressing it into the stone as he felt sleep taking him.

“Balem…?”

The Primary opened his eyes once more, breathing ragged as he looked over his shoulder to find you standing at the entryway. In his hazy state he couldn’t perceive the reality of your presence, but the closer you came the clearer his vision. He could see those eyes he adored so much, those sultry lips he longed for every night. It seemed cruel to him now, that in the time of his death he should find such perfection in every part of you. Your only fault now was having fallen for a man like him. He was no fool in that respect, he saw it the moment you screamed at him for that serving girl’s death, and again in the hallway earlier. Every fragment of denial and objection outlined clearly on your face. The turmoil you felt, he thrived on it all this time…until he found himself taking that journey with you. A downward spiral into emotions he could not and would not deal with.

“Oh my god, Balem!”

He felt the touch of your palm on his back, pushing him gently over as a scream erupted from you in your shock.

“What happened?!” You weren’t worried about him at first, thinking in his rage he had stumbled in here. This shrine was normally closed off to others besides him, and it was only once before you had found him in here. Sitting amongst the pews with a reserved expression on his features. He looked too upset to disturb that time, so you let him be. Thinking it was for the best, but having passed by just now you got this sense of dread in you. One that couldn’t be ignored when those doors were shoved wide open. It wasn’t until you saw the blood adorning the figure of his mother that you set into motion.

“You’re okay!” You fussed in your panic, turning him over so you could assess the damage to his body. The blood pooling at his side was massive, and nothing you did could stop it from flowing. How he even managed to get in here was a miracle in itself. “Balem…what…” Words escaped you, the very sight of him in this weakened state enough to shake the strength in you.

Balem choked back his pain, head cradled in your lap as you looked down at him. His eyes, despite his wounds, didn’t seem panicked. It was as if he always expected this moment to come. Where he no longer had the control to reign on this side of the universe. Where everything he had worked so hard to build crumbled slowly before him, and it all started with his death.

“Balem…” It took all your willpower to fight the tremble of your voice, to ignore that tightening feeling in your chest. But, how could you even begin to evade such an emotion? This man may have caused you so much heartache in your time here, but he also brought you a sense of happiness you didn’t think possible before. He was your conflict, one that you would eagerly try to solve for the rest of your days if it meant his survival.

“Balem-” Your tone cracked through your shock, hand shaking as you laid it down on his wound. His blood seeped through your fingers, coating your hand completely. In this moment though, you didn’t care. You just wanted to be close to him, to feel his presence for as long as you could. Because, breaking down right now did him or you no good.

“Little-” He tried to spit out his words, eyes fixed on your worried features as he attempted to get up. His body was not having it though, and he fell back into your lap with a strained noise. Balem laid there, breath shallow and life draining from his eyes. But, in his throes of pain he brought his hand over yours, paying little mind to the blood as he laced your fingers together.

“Balem, please…” You fought back more tears, gripping his hand tightly in yours now. He was gritting his teeth, attempting to ease his own pain until proper helped arrive. “Balem….”

It was all you could think to say, hoping that chanting his name would somehow heal him. Somehow bring him back to you. But that was a foolish notion, and you knew that. So you leaned down, licking your dry lips and hoping he could still hear you well enough. “I need you here.” It was a desperate cry you wanted him to answer, hoping he could find some reason to keep fighting even if it was for the sake of you. There was little hope in that feeling, but you would do anything if it meant he could stay alive. “I need you…please…”

The Primary stared up at you, surveying every detail like this would be his last time having that privilege. He lifted his hand towards you, skimming his fingertip over your cheek and wiping at your tears. Something he found himself completely undeserving of.

“Someone help!” Your screams went unanswered, heart now dropping at the idea of losing him. “Someone…”

“Let it go, little bird…”

You glanced back down at him, eyes welling up with more tears when he nestled his face into your lap. It hurt to see him this way, and for all his tenacity he could only cling to life for so long. In spite of his words, you called for help again, screaming frantically between sobs until you heard the rush of footsteps coming down the hall.

***

Hours had gone by, hours of you waiting outside his chamber doors on any word of his progress. It was torture, but you allowed the healers to do their work uninterrupted. When Mr. Night came running down the halls with soldiers you felt the worse had been over. But, the looks on all their faces wasn’t promising. His trusted advisor had never looked so grim in all the time you had known him. Which didn’t bode well for your own faith in his survival.

You sank back into the wall, dropping down to the floor and contemplating what to do. Losing him was not an option you could entertain right now. The pain that followed those thoughts was too overwhelming to put up with.

“Yes, thank you.”

Mr. Night’s voice captured your attention, and you glanced up to see him exiting the room with one of the many healers. They discussed something privately in low voices, making you lean over to listen to the conversation. You couldn’t make much of it out, just faint whispers of a guard and Balem’s blood loss.

“Lord Balem will no doubt reward you all for your services once he wakes up.”

The healer nodded with a smile, bowing to Mr. Night in thanks before moving off down the hall. You waited for a moment, making sure everyone was out of earshot before assaulting the splice with your concerns.

“How is he?”

The advisor moved to look at you, hands clasped behind his back as he sighed in frustration. “I’m surprised you’re still here.”

“I’m not leaving, so you might as well tell me.”

Mr. Night’s lips dipped into a frown, but he shook his head and relayed what information he could. “They have closed his wounds, and have done what they could for his rather great loss of blood.” He could see the worry grow on your face, and for once in the time he’s known you he gave into the small sliver of kindness he had. “They say he will make a full recovery.”

It was all you needed to hear before you jumped up and went inside his chambers. Ignoring the advisor’s objections, you let the doors slide closed as you made your way to his bedside. In his repose he looked so peaceful, a rarity for a man like him. It brought a small smile to your face, knowing that at least in his sleep there was some form of solace for him. You moved to his side, taking a seat on the bed as you observed his injuries. The bedsheets were wrapped around his waist, barely covering the stab wound he sustained from the attack. You lifted the edge of them, eyes widening when you found nothing but scars in their place.

“That’s incredible.” This world’s technology would never cease to amaze you, but this time you were grateful for it. In the back of your mind you knew if this had been earth he would’ve succumbed to his wounds, something you couldn’t have lived with.

You put the sheets back in place, smoothing out the wrinkles as you gazed down at his sleeping form. The specifics of the attack weren’t known to you, but if you had to venture a guess you just knew his siblings were the cause of it. If his own sister could attempt to poison him, then you imagined Titus or Kalique had tried again to end their older brother’s life. You couldn’t imagine the deeper issues in all of them to cause these horrible circumstances, but knowing Balem had to deal with them for centuries was a distressing thought. It was no wonder he found it hard to open up to others.

“I don’t think you’ve ever really known what love is, hm?” You spoke aloud, forcing a smile as you looked longingly at him. You laid your cheek in your hand, crossing your legs to get more comfortable on the bed. It was a question you couldn’t possibly ask when he was conscious, knowing he’d just scoff and ignore the topic in favor of silence. A sigh of dismay left you then, and you turned to look out the windows towards the Jupiter gates.

“No, I wouldn’t say that I do.”

You glanced up from your palm when his deep voice cut through the silence, his bold features set in an expression of agony when he lifted himself up. He rested his back against the headboard, sighing in relief as some of the pain subsided from his abdomen. Balem was never one to show his misfortunes to others, but if he ever had to choose someone to slip momentarily in front of, he was satisfied with it being you.

Balem noted the way you anxiously looked away from him, often avoiding his gaze when the situation grew too intimate in nature. Mainly in the emotional sense, because the fact was having you lay beside him, watching over him as he found his strength back…that was a gesture no one had ever graced him with. For once in his life, he was at a complete loss for logic. And he felt like rethinking your previous question, because perhaps in the time that he grew fond of you, love had become a concept he was growing all too familiar with.

“Why are you here?”

You blushed at his inquiry, biting down on your lip in embarrassment and turning away from his questioning gaze. It was bad enough for him to have heard you, but now being scrutinized under his glare was too much. You could’ve told the truth, finally freeing your heart of the emotions that had gradually started to grow for the entitled. But, lying seemed easier, safer even. If only to protect what little dignity you held about this topic.

“I don’t know…” It was far from convincing, but you said it anyway. Because, his impassioned glare was becoming hard to ignore. Especially being so close to him. You couldn’t even remember the last time you lay in bed with him since your falling out, it was almost surreal being back here.

Balem considered your behavior, detailing the way you shifted around when under his inquisitive eyes. He thought back on the shrine room, the way you held him in your arms as he felt the closeness of death. To the way you cried for him, begging him to stay by your side, saying you needed him. When in reality he didn’t believe that you did. Not even a little.

“My little dove,” He cooed out, leaning forward and surprising you when he laid his forehead on your shoulder. It had your heart racing in your chest, that familiar warmth developing in your body whenever he was near. Only this time it felt so absolute in its existence.

“Balem?”

The First Primary closed his eyes, brows furrowed as he took in the scent of your perfume. That desirable bouquet that reminded him of every detail of your relationship with him, each one too captivating to let go of. He’d forever cherish them, he couldn’t allow himself to take them for granted anymore…because for now, they would be all he had left of you. He took your hand in his, still cradling his head against your shoulder so he wouldn’t have to look at you. It was a strange behavior to see from him, you thought. But, for a man who was far too close to dying it was no surprise really. For a second, you allowed yourself to believe Evianna was right in her words. That somehow this solitary figure, cold hearted and detached could somehow come to love you of all people. The very concept of it made your soul stir with longing for him, and you returned his gesture, gripping his hand tightly in yours as he rested into your body.

“Balem, I-”

The Primary stopped your flow of words, knowing then that a confession would shortly follow. One he could not accept, or return in anyway, because he wasn’t a man capable of that. For all his torments towards you, he offered a chance of happiness he could not give you otherwise. It took him over fourteen thousand years to find you, the person who could love him for all he was. It was real, genuine in all its innocence. From the simple way you looked at him, to the way you touched him. With all the fragility of your heart that he so yearned to feel everyday. It was maddening how desperate he was to have you for himself, but he couldn’t do that to you. He couldn’t guarantee anything when it came to matters of the heart.

“I cannot give you what you want…”

Even though he knew with unwavering certainty, that he loved you too.

***

A/N: Guys..guys. My heart. 💔