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frostsinth · 1 month ago

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Your Heart's Got Teeth - Pt. 6

Part 1|2|3|4|5 - Masterlist

Here, have another part of this enemies to lovers-esque story. Come off the cliff hanger I left from the last update.

Thoughts and impressions appreciated. My thoughts? These two are idiots and I love them. Also, this is not close to done. So enjoyyy.

Language and innuendo warning. Viewer discretion is advised.

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“You pompous, arrogant, son of a-”

SNNAAAP!!!

I gasped as suddenly the air was forced out of me by the freezing waters and the sound of the storm was muffled by the river in my ears. Before I could even think, my head dipped below the surface, and I sucked down a mouthful of the icy liquid. Then my feet hit the bottom, and half on instinct alone I pushed off. Bouncing back towards the surface. But I was waterlogged, heavier than when I had fallen in. Even with the momentum, I barely crested the surface. Trying desperately to get my face out. Flailing and kicking. Still not sure if I was up or down but feeling the hint of cold wind over the top of my wet hair before I dropped back below the surface.

As suddenly as I had fallen in, I felt the suck of the water around me as I was yanked back out. Gasping as soon as the icy wind hit me square. Struggling to breathe. My chest clenching tight and preventing real air from flowing back into my lungs from the shock of it. Solid ground hit my knees, my hands. But I couldn’t fully feel them, couldn’t lock them in to hold my weight. And so I flopped to the ground. Gaping like a fish and instantly shivering so hard my bones rattled in my frame. Blackness dotted the edges of my vision, and I groped and wriggled slowly. As if I could claw my way out of the icy grip the winter had me in. Something around my waist, pulling my face from the snow. Then a heavy force hit my back with a thump. Once, then twice. At the third strike, my diaphragm kicked back to life. Spasming and leaving me painfully coughing. Gagging up the water that had found its way to my lungs.

Another shocking gasp as I left the ground again. Hoisted up, then smacked against something firm (though softer than the ground). The wind was a bit lessened in this new position, but I couldn’t feel anything other than that. I tried to wiggle my fingers, tried to draw in another breath. I struggled with both, my body just refusing to obey.

“Hold on!!” Came a familiar voice over the raging wind.

I tried to make sense of it all. Tried to remember what was happening. Where my hands were, my legs, my head. Trying to remember who I was. Where we had been. I knew dimly that I had fallen into the river. I knew that someone was carrying me now through the storm. But where could we go?? I had to get out of the storm. I had to get warm, and fast. Or I wouldn’t be remembering anything else ever again.

An echoing laugh danced in my ears. A memory, so long past I had almost forgotten it. I reached, clawing, tugging.

“C-Cave!” I gasped as loud as my stricken throat could manage. “E-Ea-sst-sst!”

I thought I heard a growl, or a grumble. Maybe I felt it in my cheek. I felt my head swirl, felt darkness quickly circling my vision. Felt myself grow heavier, and at the same time, felt nothing at all.

My ears rang with the sudden silence when the wind cut out, and I managed to find enough semblance of myself to shiver. Quake really, from head to toe. As if a rattle being shaken enthusiastically by every child who would ever think to shake it all at once. Then I was falling, but there was no crash at the end. Something hard and cold, and I ran my fingers over it. Stone? I was on my side now, I thought, and a clatter had me trying to look about.

A soft snap and hiss. Orange red light. Filling the void of my vision. Having me blinking rapidly. Shaking my head, though no one would notice since my entire body was in spasms of cold.

“Here. Quick.”

I felt tugging. Pulling. Fingers? Hands maybe. I was too numb to tell. Like ice sheets dragging across my skin. The crunch of something crashing into stone. Something new around me? No… wait, yes? Distinctly floating, then not again. Wrapped up, tingling numbness. Wet, maybe warm? Warmer. Still quaking, still shivering. That was good. Good to shiver. Meant my body was reacting to the cold. It was so cold, it burned. I almost cried for the pain of it. Twisting, trying to find my hands. My limbs. The burning singe at the tips of my fingers, the edges of my skin. Felt like they weren’t there at all. Then realizing my eyes were almost frozen shut. Forcing them open.

A dark beard, two long, thin braids trailing from it. A thick green neck that flashed as he breathed. Copper yellow eyes. Piercing and sharp. Staring down at me. A furrowed brow, thick lashes. Huge teeth, a wide mouth. I blinked stupidly, trying to figure out why it was so close. He shifted, and my nose was tucked against that green neck. Against the warm skin. It was warm. I could almost feel the warmth now. Even amid my lack of feeling, I could tell it was different than my cold.

“Listen, you little bitch,” Came the soft, rumbling growl, “You’d better not freeze to death on me. Or so help me I will kill you.”

I would’ve scoffed, if I had more presence of mind. My lips were still numb, but my teeth were clacking together now. I thought I might bite my tongue if I tried to speak.

“I-i-id-d-dio-ot-t.” I chattered.

It was worth the risk.

Arms around me tightened. He shifted the furs, shifted closer to the fire. “Keep talking.” He said softly. “Keep talking, vile woman.”

I felt my eyes start to close, felt my breath become shallow. I nearly gasped as he shook me, my head flopping about painfully.

“No. Don’t sleep. Don’t you dare.” He growled. “Talk to me.” He stymied another attempt to close my eyes with another little shake. “Talk to me!”

“F-f-fff-uck-k oo-o-ooff-ff-ff.” I stammered through clattering teeth.

A rumble of approval. “Better. At least you can follow directions.”

I felt my fingers curl into a fist. As if I might punch him. Punch that smug look off his face I was sure he had. I couldn’t find the strength to do more than that.

“O-oh, y-yy-yo-oou…” I tried, then sneezed. “… B-b-b-b-”

“You brilliant creature?” He offered. “Beloved chief? Beguiling rogue?”

“B-b-bbb-bas-tt-tard-d.”

He scoffed, shifting me again, pulling another stick over to the fire. “Sorry, didn’t quite catch that.”

I tried to shove at him. Sneezing again instead. His thick, powerful arms barely let me shift an inch.

“B-b-b-bas… Bas- b-b-b.”

“Becalming.” He suggested. “Bright. Brilliant. Beautiful?”

“Ba-Bass… B-b-bast..tard…”

A chuckle now. “Whatever motivates you. Stay awake.”

I blinked slowly, still shivering. My toes and fingers remained numb, but other parts of my body tingling painfully as if hundreds of needles were pricking them. I tried to look around, but felt his grip tighten. As if I might try to climb out of the warm cocoon he had me wrapped in. I scoffed quietly, letting my head drop back amid the furs wrapped around me. Feeling my breath shudder and shake as it spilled down his bare chest.

“… W-whe… w-w-where…?” I mumbled, shaking and trying to wiggle my fingers and toes.

“Cave.” He reminded me, and one of his hands came around to begin rubbing firmly at my feet. “Already had wood stacked in here… yours?”

I managed a small nod. Trying to pull my thoughts together better. He rumbled again, giving me a little squeeze. He passed me something, and when it fumbled from my hands he brought it to my lips instead. The warm liquid felt good on my throat, and I almost sighed when he finally lowered it.

“Not enough wood for the night. Not to keep it warm enough to melt your frozen heart.” He explained. “But enough to get you thawed out a bit.”

“C-c-Cold.” I managed.

Another dry chuckle. “Obviously. Taking a bath in the frozen river in the middle of a massive blizzard will do that.”

I managed to thump my fist weakly against his chest. “Y-y-you-ou… b-b-bas-bastard-dd.” I accused.

He grunted. “Sorry, can’t hate me until you can function properly again.”

His other palm was at my back now. Rubbing between the shoulder blades. Over my neck. Firmly rolling down my back. I felt my eyes droop at the pleasantness of his firm fingers. I gasped again as he shook me.

“No sleeping.” He ordered.

“F-ff-ffuck…” I tried, then sighed tiredly. My fingers slowly uncurling. Resting my cold palm flat against his chest. I felt goosebumps raise under my touch. He offered me another drink of the warm water, and I drank it obediently before settling back into his arms.

I lost track of how long we sat there in silence. His hands rubbing up and down my chilled skin. My fingers, my shoulders. My toes and arms. I blinked, trying to keep myself awake. Trying to make complete sense of what was happening. My mind swirling uselessly, my body shivering with cold and exhaustion. Another little sneeze escaped me, and I shifted a little against him.

“… Still awake?” He asked finally, his voice uncharacteristically soft.

I managed a tiny nod and a petering, affirmative sound.

“Good.” I felt him shift around me, and managed to look up in time to see him craning his neck towards the cave entrance. “We’re stuck here at least for the night.” He told me. “I’ll need to get more wood.”

“T-treessss.” I mumbled.

“What?”

“Y-y-you g-ge-get w-wood-d fr-f-from t-treesss.” I stuttered through shivering lips. “C-ca-case yo-you-you’ve n-n-never h-ha-had t-t-to b-b-bother be-before.”

He shook his big head, beads chiming in his braids as he did. “You’re a dead woman.” He grumbled.

“A-an-n-n ax w-worksss b-b-bes-”

“Oh, shut up.” He cut me off. “Even half frozen you’re still a bitch.”

I almost smiled, but wasn’t quite sure I had the muscle strength to do so yet. Still, I was starting to feel warmer. Starting to feel as though my body might obey me if I tried. I turned my face towards his warmth. Sighing again instead. Breathing in his musky scent. Feeling my heart skip a bit as his arms encompassed me. He was so warm, and despite his firm muscles and biting words, he held me very gently. Like a doll made of glass. I wondered suddenly what it would be like to wake up in these arms. Which brought stirring to the surface the memory of the last time we had been alone together. The taste of his warm mouth against mine, the press of our bodies…

Almost as cold as the icy river, I felt guilt slowly wrapping its fingers around me at the memory. Which made his once gentle touch burn as if he had dropped me in the hot coals instead. I shifted in his arms, starting to pull back clumsily. I felt his body tighten around me.

“P-p-put m-m-me-me d-d-d-”

“I didn’t drag you through a blizzard just for you to freeze to death in a cave.” He snapped before I could stammer it out. “Hold still.”

I shoved at him weakly, wondering how my elbows didn’t break from the attempt in their current weakened state.

“I-I-I ss-ssaid, p-p-put m-m-me d-down.” The order was weakened by my chattering teeth. But I shook my head stubbornly.

He wrapped his arms further around me. “Even if it’ll keep you alive, you still can’t stand the idea of an orc touching you.” His voice was quiet and dark, somehow filling the room as effectively as a choking smoke.

“I-I c-c-c-an’t… ” I tried to push away from him again.

I gave an unglamorous ‘Omphh!’ as he suddenly dumped me from his lap. Standing up and glaring down at me. His hands balled into fists, his teeth bared.

“Fine then. FINE! Freeze to death. See if I care!” He tossed his hands up, turning and grabbing his big battle ax before stomping out the cave entrance.

I stared after him for a long time, and shivered in the silence. Torn between my own shame of letting him touch me and now the growing guilt of his fresh disdain. The cave felt colder with his absence. Despite the fact that his huge body was no longer filling the tiny space, I felt like the walls had shrunk. Like it would all collapse on me at any minute. I sniffled, blinking back the anxiousness that settled like a shroud over me. Trying to push back the emotions that threatened to suffocate me, shifting a bit closer to the fire he had built in the center of the cave. Hearing the distant drip of water from somewhere amid the crackle of the flames. I noticed some jerky put to warm by the fire, and took a small piece to chew. Even the little bites sapped my energy reserves, and I felt myself droop as I waited for the warm food to hit my stomach. Shivering again.

I reached out from his big cloak which he had left around me, pulling out one of the last smaller logs and shakily placing it on the fire. The movement had a draft of cold sweeping across my skin, and I quickly re-bundled myself even as I quaked on the stone. Which made me realize… I had no clothes.

I glanced down quickly as if to confirm the fact. Then wrapped up his cloak even tighter around me and feeling what could pass for a hot flush in my current state rising to my cheeks. That whole time? That whole time, he had been rubbing his big, meaty hands up and down my naked body? Had me pressed directly to his bare chest?

I almost groaned, my throat suddenly burning. Feeling like I would have cried if I’d had the fluids left to do so. If I could be sure they wouldn’t break like ice at the corners of my eyes.

The Gods were punishing me. I shouldn’t have survived. It would have been better if he had just let me sink to the bottom of the river. This was worse somehow, knowing I’d let him… And even now, I was wrapped up in his cloak. It stank of him, and I felt my nose rub against the fur a little as I drew in a deep breath of it. Shivering, and not just from the cold. I shifted a little closer to the fire, feeling guilty for even that.

I tried to think of something else. Looking around the little cave. I felt a flood of memories come to the surface of my cloudy thoughts. The sound of my brother’s laughter. His smile. I felt my guilt turn to sorrow, which only doubled the ache in my heart. This was one of many of the caves that had been our hideouts. Adequately stocked for our excursions, packed to near bursting with memories. My brother had never been the strongest of constitutions. Often he would wait in one of these caves while I hunted nearby… I hadn’t been back to any of them since he had passed…

I wasn’t sure how long I sat there, wallowing in my guilt and sorrow. Watching the fire crackle. Half wishing I could just let it burn down to nothing. Just sink into darkness, and let myself fall asleep. My eyes did feel heavy, and a few times I felt them close. But the howl of the wind or the distant snap of a branch would waken me. And I stared at the entrance instead. Pulling the fur up over my damp hair. Rubbing at my fingers and toes. Wondering if Jou’kiel had decided to leave me here. Wondering if he was going to let the elements do what he had always wanted… Wondering if it would be worth the burns to pull some of the coals in and hold them against myself. Just to feel some real warmth again.

Finally, his lumbering steps announced his return. Dragging a small tree behind him and shaking the snow off his broad, bare shoulders. Reminding me I was currently wrapped in his cloak. Leaving him completely exposed to the storm’s biting winds. But I swear I could see steam rising off his body, and wasn’t sure it was all melting snow dripping down his huge, muscled back.

He glanced at me as he came in, as if unable to resist. Looking away as soon as he saw my eyes were open. Then brought the tree in as deep as he could. It filled the space, and deftly he began trimming down the branches. Filling the room with the scent of pine and sap. He moved down its length, then took his big ax and cracked it into the trunk itself. Careful not to pierce all the way through and damage his weapon on the stone floor. It was a battle ax, so not the most efficient thing for cutting up the wood. But it did more than well enough, and soon he had a new pile of wood sitting beside the old. Starting to dry out in the smoke of the fire.

“Given the blizzard, I’ll suffer you a little longer.” He told me haughtily, plopping down on the stone floor almost on the opposite side of the fire. Tossing a fresh log and rubbing at his arms as it sparked to life. “Soon as it breaks, you can get the fuck out.”

I didn’t answer, staring at the crackling flames. Watching them lick over the new log, snapping and creeping up its length. The fire and its warmth growing to fill the cave again. I blinked slowly, still shivering, and wondering if I just closed my eyes, if I’d be able to shut it all out. At least for a few hours. I rubbed at my runny nose with the back of my hand.

I saw him glance at me, then give a huff. Shaking his damp braids.

“… Considering how much you apparently hate us, you sure have a knack for saving orcs.” He grumbled angrily. I peeked at him, and he made a point to look away.

I didn’t answer, sitting and shivering. Staring at the fire. I saw him sneak another piercing glance at me. Then a low growl formed in his throat. He pulled some more jerky from the pack and set it beside the fire to dry out and warm up.

“What, too good to speak to me now?” He demanded in an angry hiss.

“… I d-didn’t save ann-nyone.” I assured him after a long pause, my tones soft and bitter.

He dragged one of the branches over, slowly snapping the twigs off one at a time absentmindedly and tossing them into the fire.

“You saved Izu.” He ticked off one finger, still sounding angry, then tossed a stick to the flames.

“I-I just let hhhim go.”

Another scoff. “Hear him tell it, you fought off a horde to aid his escape.” He stared down at the latest stick in his big hands, twirling it deftly. “… And you saved me.”

I jerked a bit, looking up at him in surprise. His dark scowl flicked to me, then back to the stick. He tossed it into the flames with the others after a moment.

“… I broke the ice.” He told me quietly. “It was my weight that caused it to break. If I had fallen in, you would never have been able to pull me out. But you irritating, horrible little thing that you are… you shoved me out of the way.”

I huffed a bit, pulling his cloak tighter around myself and shaking my head a little. “D-d-don’t give mm-me that c-credit.”

His scowl deepened. “Gods forbid anyone discovered you saved not one, but two orcs.” He snarled. “You might just die of the shame.”

I closed my eyes, squeezing them shut. “… Y-you sh-should hhhave left m-me.” I mumbled.

He rolled his eyes, twisting and yanking the next stick off the branch. “I owe you a debt now too.” He grumbled. “I fucking told you I didn’t want to owe you anything.”

“Y-You don’t.”

“You don’t get to decide that.” He snapped again, copper yellow eyes darting up to fix me with a glare. “And even if you hate orcs, even if you might slit my throat, I will honor that debt.”

I felt my own brow furrow. I rubbed the back of one hand at my nose and shook my head.

“I th-thought yoou didn’t m-make promises.” I mumbled bitterly.

He scoffed, snapping a particularly large twig with a resounding CRACK. Tossing it into the fire to have the flames leap and lick at it eagerly.

“I don’t. That’s not a promise.”

I ran my thumb up and down the furs. Still staring into the fire’s center. Shivering a little, with a deep chill that felt like it was set in my bones already.

“Y-you’re an i-iddiot.” I told him around my mostly numb lips.

He bared his teeth at me. “Maybe I am. Getting caught up in you.” He tore his gaze away, looking around. “Getting stuck in this cave. I should have gone back with Izu. Made sure he was safe. Should have dragged you back like… ” He glared back down at the branch. Snapping off a few sticks angrily. “I should have just killed you the first time I saw you… And kissing you? That was my worst mistake. A stupid, stupid mistake.”

I wasn’t sure why that bothered me as much as it did. I felt a fresh guilt claw at my throat, making it burn. I blinked back icy tears, shivering and wondering again if the burns might be worth it. If I could sit in the center of a pyre, just so that I could feel warmer. Could feel anything. It was as if the chill in my skin sought to sink to my heart.

“… Ssorr-” I stopped my apology short, then huffed a little angrily. Looking down at the ground. “… I-it can’t hh-happen again.”

He snarled, shoving the branch off to the side angrily. “You frigid bitch. How dare you? How DARE you think you can order me around??” He slid closer so that he could jab a finger at my cold shoulder through his cloak wrapped around it. “You are the hostage here. No matter what Izu might think,” I winced a bit at the reminder, and his scowl deepened. “You will do as I say.”

I shot him a sour look, half buried in his cloak. “J-just leave me al-lone.” I mumbled bitterly.

He leaned across the gap between us, leering over me. “I’d love nothing more. But now…” He stopped, then adjusted his mouth, scowling again. “… Now I can’t. No matter how much you want me dead.”

I shifted, avoiding his eyes.

“… I d-don’t want you dead.” I told him quietly, then winced guiltily.

Another scoff. “Sure. You only insult and threaten the people you like.” His free hand went up to rub at his neck, where just a few hours previously my blade had been pressed. “Gods above, what did an orc ever do to you to make you hate us so.”

“Ass-side from d-decimating the village that r-raised me?” I said, half under my breath. A bit of ire rising in me at his jabs.

“You hated us long before we stepped foot here.”

“I don’t hh-hate-”

“Don’t lie to me, Calliope!” He snarled, his breath hot in my ear he was so close. I flinched, and he jabbed his finger at me again. “There! You can’t even bare to be near me. Can’t even…” He growled, a deep rumbling in his chest that filled the air around us, and I jumped as his huge hand suddenly grabbed my chin. Forcing me towards him. “Just look at me, damn it!”

My ire fully sparked and burned, and I shoved his hand away. Glaring at him. Matching his scowl with my own.

“You don’t know me!” I snapped. “You don’t know an-anything about me! You sss-spoiled, arrogant-”

He grabbed my chin again, a little more firmly this time. Bringing himself even closer. His copper eyes as hot as the coals in the fire beside us.

“You kissed me back.” He reminded me, and I brought both hands up to try to tear myself from his grasp without avail. “For a minute, just one solitary fucking minute, you didn’t hate me. Now you’re repulsed by me, even more than before. And I find myself trying to figure out what made me kiss you in the first place. How I could crave such a bitter little hateful bitch so much that I thought I wanted to fuck her.”

“Let me go!” I cried, twisting in his grasp, the cloak slipping down my shoulders a bit as I did.

“Why??” He growled. “Does my touch burn? Does it bother you that I wanted to fuck you? That was until I realized what a raging, odious bitch you really were.”

“You dumb, m-mindless oaf!” I snapped again, punching at his arm weakly. “How can you be so f-fucking thick hh-headed!”

“No better than a monster, right? Isn’t that what you think of orcs?” He asked angrily, his tone crackling hot with his rage, his volume raising to be thunderous in the cave around us. “No better than fucking a mindless beast. Do I really disgust you so??”

“I DISGUST MYSELF!” I shouted back at him.

A final shove amid his surprise and he released me at last. Dropping his hand away and staring at me. I gasped, collapsing a bit and wrapping my arms around myself. Shaking again, and not from the cold. My eyes felt hot, my throat burned. The echo of our shouting seeming to bounce about the stone walls in our sudden silence.

“… For wanting me.” He reasoned after a few quiet moments, his deep baritone a barely discernible rumble at its current soft volume.

“You ssself-centered bastard,” I scoffed, “It’s not about you! It was n-never…”

I stopped short, then shook my head viciously. Trying to take back the confession even as it welled up inside me. I turned away, pulling the cloak as far up around myself as I could without disappearing into it entirely.

“I-I…”

Another rumble from somewhere deep in his chest as I dropped off. “… Don’t tell me you’ve lost your nerve now.” He pressed. “What else am I supposed to think? How could it not be-”

“It’s my f-fault.” I whispered, shivering again.

He stopped short, staring at me. “… What’s your fault?”

“You are.” I squeezed my eyes shut. “Being here. All those… Everyone’s dead…” I gushed. My voice shook, and I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. “Because of me. Because I let Izu’lemi go. Because…” I choked, shaking my head again. Burying my face in the furs as I shook with the weight of my guilt. “You should have let me d-drown. O-or freeze… You should have buried me…” A single tear escaped my defenses. “I deserve it.”

There was a long, drawn out silence. I hid my face, refusing to look at him. Drawing in one deep, agonized breath after deep, agonized breath.

“… Izu didn’t tell us about your village.”

My head snapped up, and I looked at him with wide, red rimmed eyes.

“What??”

He shook his head. “Izu didn’t tell us. One of the soldiers did.” He grunted, shifting a little to cross his legs and almost absentmindedly put another log on the fire. “Some bastard who tried to sell his own people for a little coin. Izu actually tried to stop the order to attack.” He didn’t look at me, poking at the fire with a long stick until it crackled back to life. “So if that's what all this is about, you’ve been beating yourself up over nothing.” A smirk started playing across his lips. “And you have the nerve to call me an-”

He gave a shout of surprise as I whacked him across his shoulders. Looking over at me with his previously abandoned branch clutched between my hands. Tears still in the corners of my eyes. I brandished the branch again, scowling at him.

“You bastard!” I snapped. “You self-indulgent pig! You didn’t ever think to-”

Now it was my turn to shout as he snatched at the branch even as I swung it to hit him again. A firm yank, and I came toppling forward. Stubbornly refusing to release my hold. Resisting weakly as he pulled me even closer. He had my arm now, and twisted it so that I dropped the branch. Bringing us perilously close together.

“Don’t push me, woman,” He snarled in my face, his nose almost brushing mine, “I can still bury you!”

I brought my free hand out and smacked him soundly across his cheek. “So much for your debt!” I shot back as I did. “You stupid, arrogant, son of a -”

He gave a quiet roar. Lunging at me. Knocking me on my back and pinning me there. The cloak half twisted around me. I wriggled beneath him for a moment, and he shoved his big head back in my face. Crouched over me on all fours.

“You irritating! Frigid! Stubborn-” He started, his voice as thunderous as his brow.

Then we froze, almost as one. I felt his hot breath against my face. Saw his copper eyes smolder, his jaw shift. I swallowed a lump in my throat, closing my mouth after realizing I had left it gaping. Panting a bit from my exertion as he hoovered over me. Half of my cold skin exposed before him, which sent goosebumps racing down my bare flesh. Staring at each other.

I felt suddenly weightless, as if his hands were the only thing keeping me from floating away. Felt my heart pump with the most ease it had in months. Felt the heat burning in me like a rushing river where once there had been a dam. I wasn’t sure I could stand it. I was certain I would drown beneath the waves of heat. Though I couldn’t tell if it was anger or desire, and my breath fluttered in my throat.

Based upon the intensity in his copper eyes, I knew he could sense the change in me. I watched his nostrils flare, saw his fat tongue come out to lick his thick lips. We both shifted, nearly at the same time. As if a string were tied between our bodies, lashing us together. The heat between us growing tenfold in the spans of a breath.

My head cracked back against the stone with the force of his kiss. I fed him the gasp, and he dropped his huge body over mine. Only the strength of his massive arms keeping him from crushing me completely. My own arms came up instantly. Wrapping around his neck. Pulling him deeper into me. He gave a deep, pleased chuff somewhere inside him that rippled directly against my skin pressed to his chest. His mouth was hot, almost feverish, in pursuit of mine. His tusks crashing against my face, his braids a curtain around us. Burying me in his scent, which had me shivering almost as much as his hot body half writhing against my own. I brought one leg up, wrapping it as far as I could around his hips, which had him growling against my lips.

He pulled back just enough to trace his mouth along my jaw, down my neck. Burying his face there for a moment until his thick tongue worked out a soft sound of pleasure from my own lips.

“You bastard.” I breathed, running my hands over his huge shoulders. Over his arms. Touching every part of his body I could reach.

He came back to my mouth a moment later. Smashing us back together. I traced my tongue out and found it met his in the middle. Hot and feverish, desperately in need to taste and press and roll around each others. He shifted slightly, sliding one arm along the ground so that he could bring his hand to my face. Pushing my hair back, tracing down to my neck, Wrapping his fingers there and resting his thumb upon my throat as I swallowed.

All of a sudden, he drew back, and I looked up at him in surprise. My breath coming in shallow pants. A smirk twisted his lips.

“I thought we can’t let this happen anymore?” He reminded me, his breath husky.

“Oh, shut up, you pompous-” I hissed.

I had more insults lined up. But he forced them back into my mouth with his. Though I realized it was not as feverish, not as rough. He slowly lowered his body beside mine. Shuffling to pull the cloak a little further around me. As his kisses slowed, I pulled back a bit, still breathless and weak.

“You need to rest.” He grumbled, and I thought he sounded a bit bitter despite himself. “Can’t fuck you silly if you’re still half frozen.”

I almost shivered at the suggestion, bringing my hands out to his broad chest. Feeling it rumble in amusement as I did. Then he fully settled himself beside me, neatly cupping me between his body and the fire. He stretched and curled, reaching up one massive arm to draw a few logs closer. Tossing one lazily onto the fire. Then his hungry eyes returned to me, and I saw them drift down my body.

“… Your tits are showing.”

I thumped a fist into him. Turning as if to roll back up fully into his cloak. I heard a low growl, and his arm snaked out. Wrapping around my middle and pulling me into his chest. Tucking me against him and shuffling to pull the cloak over us both. Well, partially, at least. I was certain I was far more covered than he was.

“You’re an ass.” I mumbled, shifting against him and finding his body so pleasantly warm I couldn’t help but melt into him.

“And you have a nice ass.” He returned, taking up a palm full of it beneath the makeshift blanket. I slapped the offending hand and he drew in a sharp breath before laughing lightly. The sound making my heart skip. He buried his face in my hair. “I look forward to making it bounce.”

I shoved my elbow into his ribs. “Don’t even think about it.” I said, my voice weak with my exhaustion but still bitter. “I’ll smack you raw.”

“Promise?” He purred in my ear, nibbling at it.

“Get off.” I grumbled, but without much force behind it I merely felt him chuckle around me.

He did relent after a moment, sighing heavily and wrapping me up in his arms. Resting his chin on the top of my head. I settled against him, not thinking too hard about how bare and exposed I was, tucked against his hot skin. I felt warmer now, with only the barest lingering pins and needles at my distant extremities. Which had the exhaustion of the whole ordeal catching up with me. I felt my eyes growing heavier, no matter how intensely I stared at the crackling flames.

“… As easy as that?” He asked me quietly, then I heard the smirk form on his lips. “You like me now?”

“Not in the least.” I grumbled tiredly. “You’re still a stupid, pompous-”

His hand came up, cupping over my mouth. Smothering the last of my insults into his palm. I wriggled weakly against him, and his lips kissed my jaw, then nibbled at my ear. I managed to rip my mouth free as he distracted himself tasting my chilled flesh.

“Don’t get any ideas in your head that we’re friends.” I mumbled half-heartedly. “I still haven’t decided if you piss me off or…”

He chuckled as I dropped off hesitantly, and I felt him shift. Bringing his lips down to trace along my neck, then my shoulders. I sighed, feeling myself relax even more at his touch. Feeling him press a warm kiss between my shoulder blades. Then he have a rumbling ‘hmmm’ against my skin.

“Fair enough.” He murmured against me. “Not sure I trust you won’t kill me in my sleep.”

I scoffed tiredly. “Smartest thing you’ve ever said.” I shrugged his mouth off my shoulders. “Now shut up and go to sleep.”

“Yes dear.”

His grunt as I dug my elbow into his ribs was satisfying, Then he sighed, wrapping me up a little tighter. Throwing yet another log on the fire, and settling down behind me.

UPDATE: Part Seven HERE

#terato #exophilia #monster lover #monster x human #slow burn #monster boyfriend #monster romance #orc #orc boyfriend #orc lover #orc x human #your hearts got teeth #update #original story #enemies to lovers #disclaimer; do not rub the skin with hypothermia or of mostly frozen person. can do much more harm than good. but i liked the aesthetic her #suspend reality for me to make spicier

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00fairylights00 · 1 year ago

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I Guess You Just Don’t Love Me Anymore

GIF from @glowing-starlight on Tumblr

I was so taken by @ash-arts-but-sinful's post which mentions P being jealous of the cat and @oldworldghost’s post which contains the idea of him becoming more mischievous and sassy as he becomes human that I just had to write a little something, I hope it’s alright that I drew on your thoughts for some inspiration!

As a disclaimer, I haven’t finished my first play-through yet so this is more of a character study based off of what I’ve experienced in-game and what I’ve been seeing on Tumblr instead of delving heavily into the world-building and established story that exists within the game. So hopefully no spoilers and it’s very likely that this won’t at all line up with the in-game timeline.

Big thanks to @cupidsredcollar beloved for proofreading <3

For as long you had known Pinocchio you had never known him to be a jealous individual, in fact, when you’d first met that bleak, overcast morning in Hotel Krat you had been almost unsettled by his uncanny nature.

His features were perfectly human, aside from the metal prosthetic he’d been fitted with. He had freckles and soft hair, a face that looked fashioned from a real person instead of the smiling caricatures Krat’s puppets were usually fitted with.

But despite his boyish features, his face barely moved, he nodded along to Sophia as she gave him the task of locating his father, Mr. Geppetto, and tilted his head in question as Lady Antonia explained the concept of lying but his brows didn’t so much as pinch, his lips didn’t quirk and his eyes looked straight through you as you had wished him safety on his travels.

So watching in real time as he came into his own was something you cherished greatly, you continued to watch him grow and change, become something new. Pinocchio chose to spend a lot of his down time with you, he said he found you interesting, that you had a way of explaining humanity that made sense to him and over the last couple of weeks something had started to shift in him.

No, Pinocchio had never been a jealous individual, for as long as you’d known him.

Until today.

Your morning had started normally, woken up by the cool feeling of P’s lips against your forehead, human hand smoothing back your hair. He mumbled something about needing to go out, you tried to convince him to come back to bed, he tried to convince you to get up (he always wins).

P drags you down to the kitchen, you eat and he watches, something that was initially a little awkward but you’ve come to really look forward to, then you farewell each other at the rear entrance of the hotel.

He holds you close to his chest, resting his lips to your hairline and making you promise to look after yourself and your companions while he’s away, you make him promise to be careful though you know he’s not always able to, often catching glimpses of Sophia muttering blessings and incantations under her breath in the foyer.

“It’s just Ergo hunting today, I’ll be more than careful.” He whispers, human arm winding around your shoulder. You breathe him in, hands to his chest feeling the odd sensation of his heart, not quite a tick but not quite a beat.

You lean up to kiss against the slant of his jaw, his mechanical pulse jumping in response. He looks down at you, you catch the fondness in his blue eyes without mistake, he captures your lips in his, holding on for a second longer than he knows is necessary (it’s not like you mind though).

Lounging against the doorway, watching him walk towards the entrance of Elysion Boulevard, he turns and gives a last longing look over his shoulder before stepping through the wrought iron gates and disappearing from view.

You sigh, making your way back inside to start on your usual round of chores, helping where you could to take the load off of Polendina who needed more time to focus on Lady Antonia and her illness. You had just returned to the puppet butler for more tasks when you noticed movement on the top of the shelf behind the front desk.

Sitting tall and proud was Hotel Krat’s resident sweetheart, Spring, tail swishing steadily as she kept watch of the foyer from her perch. The white and orange cat jumped down to the desk as she noticed you, laying down across the dark wood and turning over in gesture for belly rubs; which you gave happily.

“She’s been very noisy today,” Polendina explained, stroking the cat, “I wonder what she’s trying to tell us?”

“Probably trying to manipulate us into giving her more treats, isn’t that right?” You accused lightly, you were sure that if he could, Polendina would be smiling.

“There is another load of laundry that needs folding, could I have a hand?” He asked politely.

“Of course Polendina.”

And it seemed you had found yourself a shadow, Spring making an unreasonable amount of noise as she followed you and Polendina around the hotel. She wound between your legs, chirruped in response to your voices and bumped her head against whatever part of your bodies were within her reach.

It was no surprise that Spring was loved by the inhabitants of the hotel, and it was very apparent that she loved them back, well everyone except for P. Not for lack of trying of course, he followed your advice of trying to build trust between him and the animal but she wouldn’t so much as let P touch her, hissing her disapproval for all to hear.

You’d often watch as P would recoil from Spring, the feline swiping and spitting at the puppet. You couldn’t tell from his expressions if the cat’s dislike for him bummed him out but sometimes as he lay next to you in bed he would lament quietly that Spring hated him, which would award him a sound of humoured pity and a kiss for the cheek.

It wasn’t clear what it was about P that set Spring off so aggressively. In all the time you had spent at Hotel Krat she’d never behaved in such an unfriendly way, even complete strangers who would seek refuge for short periods of time were welcome to interact with Spring freely.

She would bask in the attention. You hoped that she would eventually come around to the puppet, given it looked like he would be around for the long haul and you just knew the two would be the best of friends if she would stop being so nasty.

But P was patient, far more patient than you were and it showed as you folded and unfolded the same piece of linen for the third time without realising, Polendina placed a gloved hand over your own, silently relieving you of duty.

“Apologies, my mind seems to be elsewhere Polendina.”

“You worry for the boy, it’s only natural that your mind wanders.” You sometimes forget how long Polendina has been around, having been a close companion of Lady Antonia’s for decades. You had a feeling he knew more about human emotions than he let on, somehow he always knew what to say when it came to your thoughts surrounding Geppetto’s Puppet.

“I just can’t help it, and with him figuring out who he is, I fear he’ll get himself hurt by being too kind.” You wring your hands in your lap, focusing hard on the lines in your skin as you try to keep yourself from thinking of anything too awful.

“He has met humans who have given him trouble before and he has a good head on his shoulders. I would wager that you have nothing to worry about, but I understand that may not put your mind at ease.”

“It doesn’t but thank you.” Your hand went to Polendina’s shoulder with a smile. “I think I’m going to find something else to do, try and get my mind off of things.”

Polendina nodded once, going back to folding the linens, “I’ll send the boy your way when he returns.”

You smiled in earnest, appreciative of Polendina’s knowing kindness.

Spring, who had been lounging between you and Polendina, got up, stretching herself out and scampering over to your side. She meowed frantically to grasp your attention.

Her interruptions continued as you made your way around the kitchen. It wasn’t particularly dirty given how little it was being used now, however, the repetitive action of wiping down the countertops and sweeping the floor were just the distraction you were looking for.

Your ears perked up at the heavy steps of boots on marble floors, the jingle of P’s belt was something you could identify in your sleep. He stood tall in the doorway, all sweet smiles and fidgeting hands. Happy to see you, always happy to see you.

He was shockingly clean as he approached, resting his forehead to yours as his hands found their place on your waist, all the scolding about tracking oil and muck through the hotel was finally paying off.

You ran your hands over the intricate designs embossed onto the lapel of his coat, smoothing the fabric down before hooking your hands behind his neck.

“Welcome home, pretty boy.” You cooed, brushing your nose against his.

He liked the small intimacies you shared, bunny kisses you’d come to find were a favourite of his.

“You can go and relax if you want, I’m just cleaning.” You offered, but he shook his head.

Spring had also gotten bored of waiting on you, brushing up against your legs. So there you stood, sandwiched between your two favourite beings.

And two shadows wouldn’t be so bad if they would stop getting under foot, you laughed as Spring and P fought for your attention while you made your way around the kitchen.

P hovered close, slinging his arm around your waist as you tried to pass him. You stopped short as he pressed his face into your neck, leaning back against his chest and resting your hands over his wrist. You could feel him smile against your skin, a careful, small smile that only he could manage.

At that moment Spring took it upon herself to jump up onto the counter in front of you, hissing and swiping at P, he scowled and pulled you closer.

“Beast,” he scowled, you gaped at P, smacking the back of your hand at his chest.

“Don’t be horrible, she’s just protecting her territory,” you chided,

“I haven’t done anything to her, yet she spits at me.” He complained, you thought your ears might be playing tricks on you at the distinct sound of a whine in his tone.

“You love her.” You reminded smugly, a truth he was unable to escape.

“Yeah, unfortunately,” he mumbled, you pushed against his hold, trying to signal your want to move and he hesitantly loosened his grip. Hand ghosting over your waist as he watched you go, you threw a smile over your shoulder which he returned in kind.

You gave Spring a kiss on the head, letting her nuzzle her face against yours before scooping her up and putting her down on the floor where she went back to curling around your legs.

“Ah, so the cat gets a kiss but I don’t?” P asked. You snorted, flinging the rag you’d been using to polish the countertops over your shoulder.

You lent your hip against the counter and crossed your arms over your chest, “you never asked for a kiss, how was I supposed to know that’s what you wanted?”

“I feel like it was obvious.” He placed both of his hands on the counter, stretching his arms out straight as he pushed against the granite.

You rolled your eyes in jest, unable to keep the fond smile from creeping onto your face, playfully exasperated you closed the short distance between the two of you. Lifting up on your tip-toes to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth, he was quick to move his head once you’d pulled back. Hands to your waist and pulling you against him, sealing his lips to yours so quickly it pulled a sound of shock from your throat.

“What’s up with you today, you’ve been awfully touchy.” You teased, twisting the ends of his hair between your fingers. “Not that I’m complaining of course.”

“Missed you,” he murmured, pressing his lips to your forehead tenderly.

“I missed you too, always miss you when you’re gone.” You placed a hand on his cheek, thumb rubbing gently under his eye.

He pulled the rag from your shoulder and threw it behind you unceremoniously, taking your hand from his cheek to drag you out of the kitchen, a laugh bubbled out of your throat that P was happy to mischievously return.

He led you to the library, seating you at the piano and turning away to rifle through the sheet music stacked in a crate on the floor. He’d been getting better day by day.

His body wasn’t exactly built to do delicate actions but that never seemed to stop him, in fact, he was inexplicably drawn to all the soft parts of being human even if initially he was afraid to get it wrong. The last thing he’d ever want to do is hurt anyone close to him and for that reason he was acutely aware of the raw strength he possessed.

Though his conscious effort to be gentle made all the difference.

Spring decided she’d had enough of being ignored, jumping up onto the piano bench and brushing up against you, pressing close and then curling down next to you. P turned around, the particular book of sheet music he was searching for held up in his hand, his expression dropped almost comically as he noticed Spring’s position next to you, taking up what was going to be his spot.

“Move her,” he says simply, you throw your head back with a hearty laugh but P’s serious expression doesn’t change.

“No,” you start with a laugh, “Spring got here first, you’ll have to pull up a chair.”

P continued to stand his ground, you wondered if he hoped his very presence would annoy Spring enough that she’d disappear of her own accord, but the cat only opened one eye. She regarded P from her curled up position before nestling her chin back down into her tail.

It was like Spring knew she was in his spot and was smugly showing off to him, purring loudly.

“P, I’m not moving the cat. Just come and sit on the other side of me.” You insisted, watching as his unappreciated love for the animal won out and he stalked off to get a chair. You chuckled under your breath and passed your fingers through Spring’s soft fur.

“You are so mean to him, you know? He’s quite fond of you and I think you two would be very good friends if you gave him the chance.” You whispered to the cat who ignored you, continuing to purr unabashedly.

Unbeknownst to you, P watched your interaction with the feline from the doorway, his chest feeling warm in a way he wasn’t quite used to yet. Touched by your words that you thought were falling on deaf ears.

He gave in to your fondness for the cat, pulling his chair up next to you, fingers gently flitting across the keys as you hummed softly, head resting comfortably on his shoulder. He decided he didn’t mind this so much.

Late in the evening, however, he decided he did mind.

You were curled up in your bed a book in hand and Spring dozing lazily in your lap, he entered the room and his shoulders physically dropped.

“What’s the matter?” You asked, thumb placed between the pages of your book as a makeshift bookmark.

“Nothing,” he mumbled, sitting down unceremoniously on the edge of your bed to take off his shoes.

You placed the now forgotten book on your bedside cabinet, the act of sitting up a little difficult with the cat in your lap. You reached for his shoulder but he shrugged off your hand, trying to hide the action by stripping off his coat.

He stood and draped the coat over the back of your desk chair and moved to unbutton his waistcoat, all while staring down Spring with a scowl.

It clicked.

“Are you jealous of the cat?” You wanted deeply to believe that your Pinocchio was not jealous of a cat, but you couldn’t come up with a more sound explanation.

“I don’t know what that word means.” He lied, avoiding your gaze entirely, unbuckling his belt and dumping it on the desk, Gemini didn’t say anything so you assumed he mustn’t be awake.

“Yes you do,” you rolled your eyes, “I remember very clearly the conversation we had about it.”

He didn’t respond, turning his back to you and focusing his attention on rifling through the dresser drawer full of his clothes. The sleep clothes he was looking for were folded at the end of the bed.

“It’s okay that you’re jealous of-”

“I am not jealous.” Quick, concise and with no room for argument, he spun back on you. His snapping didn’t phase you.

“Uh huh,” you teased with a smirk, turning all your attention back to Spring who’d been ignoring your exchange.

Perhaps what you were doing was a little mean, given that before you hadn’t been ignoring him on purpose, but it was too fun an opportunity to pass up. P let out a disgruntled huff, shuffling around in your peripheral.

“I guess you just don’t love me anymore.” He offered with his arms crossed over his chest, your jaw dropped and a shocked laugh fell out of your open mouth.

“You take that back, immediately!” You snapped playfully, sitting up fully and annoying the cat enough for her to get up and move.

“Make me.” The challenge he’d levied would mean conceding to his childish behaviour but after all he’d been through, you thought it only fair.

You pulled the sheets back and stood from the bed, crossing the room to him. He tried to act as though he was uninterested, tried to pretend that your hands on his chest didn’t affect him, tried to ignore the speed of his heart as it hammered under your palm.

Your hands travelled the beaten path they always did, from his chest to his collarbone, then hooking behind his neck. Trying to pull him down was useless, like trying to topple a brick wall with bare hands, but you caught him staring out of the corner of his eye.

“Look at me.” Your whisper was a command, and he had always been faithful to a fault. “I love you.”

He tried to hide the oncoming smile, dropping his chin to his chest, but you were quick to guide his gaze back to yours. There was no way you’d be missing that careful grin. His eyes were soft and gentle when they met your own, there was hesitance in them that you didn’t want to see, so you kissed him.

He melted against you, arms winding around your back and pulling you against his chest, you hummed and he couldn’t stop the full blown grin from forming on his lips; breaking away to look at you like a giddy school boy.

“Are you going to take it back?” You asked, brushing your nose against his in a bunny kiss.

“Will I still get to kiss you if I do?” He joked, you rolled your eyes albeit in good nature, hands cradling his cheeks as he continued to smile.

“I think that can be arranged,” you mused, leaning in to kiss him again, the two of you falling into familiar rhythm with one another.

Spring slinked out of the partially open door, tail held high, she had seen more than enough.

#I started writing this in October when I had barely scratched the surface of the game #Still have not finished it though lmao #Also sorry for all the @’s I just wanted everyone to be properly credited and what not if that’s annoying lemme know and I’ll make sure it’#Do I know anything about anything? No #Also P talks a lot in this one #Controversial I know :o #I’m kidding #I realised after writing all of this out that the game takes place over like 3 days #So just suspend reality for me if you would #I am no stranger to lengthening the timeline to fit my selfish needs I will do it again in fact #And you will not complain because I wrote the puppet boy kissing YOU 🫵🏻#pushing my bunny kisses agenda once again #Lies of P x Reader #Pinocchio x Reader #Lies of P #Don’t ask me where the puppet is on the humanity scale because I do not know #jan 2024 #Pretty Boy series #🦋 let your conscience be your guide

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iaintkissingnofrog · 2 years ago

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There are a lot of great moments and panels in HGSN but my absolute favourite would have to be

He's not trying to think rationally, he doesn't try to play dumb or brush it off. All he can think of is this echoing question and all he can feel is fear. It's kill or be killed, this is going to change his reality in a way he's not ready for and he cannot take that chance. He's just a boy, why can't he just be a boy for a little while longer?

#The Summer Hikaru Died #like I could feel my heart racing too #Have you ever been asked if you're gay by someone in school when it's just you two and you're scared for your life that you've been caught #and it'll spread round the school and you'll get suspended and your parents will find out and your reality will be shattered #And you were so careful it's not fair you've done everything right #WAH #Manga Talk #hikaru ga shinda natsu

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antomander · 11 months ago

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The thing about Imodna is that, fucked up as they are, they demonstrate the realities of the dynamics of so many wlw relationships. For better or worse, really. And for two women married to men who bring them to life I think that that is kinda beautiful. Sometimes love is more significant than health and that’s fucked but, baby, if it ain’t human, baby, if it ain’t real.

#critical role #cr #marisha ray #imodna #laura bailey #bells hells #imogen temult #laudna #trauma bonding #suspend your disbelief because believe me this is reality suspended

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h-y-p-h-e-n-a-t-e · 5 months ago

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The fauxcest is almost always big sisters cock this, big sisters cock that. Where's my love for little sisters cock! Big sister making sure her little sister isn't inexperienced, knows how to treat her girlfriend right (little sister is too addicted to her big sister to ever find a girlfriend). Little sister getting so frustrated she needs to use her big brother's holes as stress relief. Big sibling teasing their little sister's cock and telling her not to make a sound or else they'll get caught.

#this post is absolutely because I'm the older one by enough that I can't suspend my sense of reality for it #fauxcest #t4t fauxcest

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wannaeatramyeon · 2 years ago

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Jake Kim x Reader: Betting on love

Big Deal's gambling arc 2.0 but make it fun

It was Jason that noticed the longing looks, Brad that cringed at Jake's increasingly corny lines, and Lineman that started the bets.

It was also Jerry who caught Lineman trying to solicit money from the other members of the crew.

"What's that?" Jerry looks down at Lineman, trying and failing to hide some paper behind his back.

"Morning Jerry! Weather's nice today, huh? May I say your bald head is looking gloriously shiny-"

Cobra-quick, Jerry swipes the sheets, eyes scanning over the page, one hand holding a flailing Lineman back.

Jerry furrows his brows at the list of dates, names and figures before him. Everyone is betting on when Y/N and Jake would get together?

He considers this.

"50,000 won. Put me down for 2 weeks time."

Listen, it didn't have to come to this. If you and Jake could stop pussyfooting around one another and make the whole of Big Deal feel less like a third wheel, that would have been preferable.

But you couldn't, and they might as well make a quick buck out of it.

Jake, shrewd and clever, would have usually noticed the escalating amount of shenanigans if he wasn't too busy following you around with heart eyes.

It begins with a book of pick-up lines left on Jake's desk.

(This reeks of Jason's handiwork, trying to work things to his advantage but thinking he could take the high road by being subtle.)

Jake's brows knit together as he flicks through the pages. Huh, some of this stuff is pretty good. A bit cliched but...

Like a puppy, Jake bounds over to you the next morning, greeting you with his usual cheesy grin. His arm comes round your shoulder, and you feel the heat of him like a brand.

You wonder if today is finally the day he asks you out. You're not dense, you know you're practically attached at the hip. Jake's flirting is obvious, your flirting is obvious. (The collective groan from Big Deal can be heard for miles.)

Instead,

"Hey Y/N! So God Dog, Hostel and Workers walk into a Big Deal bar-"

(The collective groan gets louder. Jason is the loudest.)

"Lovers' lunch offer?"

With pockets full of lint, you and Jake are never one to turn down a deal.

(Brad knows this too. Big Deal allowances are not generous. He has arranged this especially and feels like a goddamn mastermind.)

Lovers? Well it's certainly not an unwelcome thought. Jake sneaks a glance at you as you peer into the store window. He knows you like the back of his hand, he knows how well you would both fit. But the jump from friends to lovers seems gargantuan and completely terrifying.

"Come on!" You grip his wrist, dragging him in and breaking him out of his reverie.

Candles? Tablecloth? Friggin rose petals?

"They're really going all out here," Jake comments, smoothing down his shirt. It's just another place on Big Deal street, yet he feels oddly giddy. Fidgety. Like he wants to reach out and clasp your hand between his.

You raise your eyebrow in amusement at Jake's odd demeanour before examining the menu.

It's all prepackaged ramen.

Which, you guess is fine. If it's cheap.

...You gawk at the cost.

There is zero percent, absolutely no chance in hell, you are paying these prices. Did the owner think people were idiots? The markup is astronomical.

"This place sucks." you say, standing to leave.

"It does suck," Jake agrees and joining you, having seen the prices for himself.

Later that night:

"Brad, you idiot!"

"Fuck you Lua, you know I can't cook. You want me to serve them some burnt turd instead?"

"Then why the hell did you overcharge them so much?"

"You think candles and rose petals are FREE?"

"Who's been littering here?"

Jake frowns at the spread before him. Usually everyone knows to leave the street in a good condition, but sometimes stray teenagers still linger around and try to make the most of the pier and the ocean.

Lovers and troublemakers. Jerry does a good job of scaring them off.

It all looks a bit too organised to be litter. "I think they just left their stuff," you remark.

Crouching down and looking into the wicker basket, Jake sees everything still pristinely wrapped. It does look organised. Very fancy too. Some cheeses, unopened wine, a whole goddamn baguette. Whoever left this here must have gone in a hurry.

You squat down besides him, "Huh, all these things look untouched."

He recognises the look you give the food. He's seen you look at him like that sometimes too.

Either way, just because Jake is strapped for cash doesn't mean he doesn't have his dignity. He's not eating or letting you eat someone's trash that's been sitting out in the sun for god knows how long.

"Y/N," Jake pulls you away as you start to pout, "We're not eating that, that's pretty gross."

Upon seeing the Big Deal Leader bin all his precious food and ruin his meticulously set up picnic, Lineman cries on Lua's shoulder.

"That food was expensive as shit," he wails, "That's my whole week's allowance!"

You don't get to be Big Deal's No.2 without being able to pull a few strings.

It would send most people on a power trip, Jerry isn't most people. He's kind and patient and fair. So what he usually asks, he usually gets.

If he wants the Big Deal street to be empty and like a ghost town, it will be done.

You spot a tumbleweed, "Jake? Where's everyone?"

"Beats me."

Jake scrolls through his phone, just in case there was an event he's currently missing. Nope, nothing, nada.

"Y/N. I was thinking the other night... how would you rather die?" Listening round the corner, Jerry feels like he might die on the spot. With his limited experience, even he knows this topic is a romance killer, "I thought drowning might be peaceful but the water in my lungs..."

"Jumping to your death might be fun?" You tap your chin thoughtfully, "It needs to be super high up though-"

And if Jerry wants the Big Deal street to be crowded and absolutely rammed, then so be it.

"Is there a festival or something?" you ask.

Jake scrolls through his phone again, just in case there was a festival he's currently missing. Nope, nothing, nada.

Jerry watches from a nearby building, feeling like an all powerful puppetmaster.

Ok, so his initial idea of giving you two privacy was a bust. Now he has pivoted to forcing closeness.

You would get jostled about with lots of accidental touching, leaving both of you a blushing mess. Maybe someone would trip you up, and Jake would catch you in his arms. He would gaze down at you, the spark between you-

"EVERYONE!" Jake's voice drifts up to him, "I HAVE NO IDEA WHY IT'S SO BUSY. BUT IF YOU BUMP INTO Y/N AGAIN, I WILL KILL YOU. GOT IT?"

A chorus of "Yes, sir!"

Lua watches it all unfolding next to Jerry. "Cheer up Jerry. It was a pretty shitty plan, to be fair."

For the day Lua bet on, she was blessed with divine intervention.

The heavens parted and rain descended, catching you both stranded in the downpour. Doesn't every romance have a kiss in the rain?

You shiver in your t-shirt, arms hugging yourself. "Jake, take off your coat for us to use as an umbrella!"

With strength even Jake didn't know he possessed, he does not look at you. He cannot. The shower has started to soak through your top, making it almost transparent and baring your- Jake gulps.

He would be lying if he said he never imagined you and your body (almost every night, though that's completely besides the point). This though? This is indecent. Like he is taking advantage of the moment.

Jake starts to shrug off his own coat, deciding to let himself get soaked and to preserve your modesty until -

Look, Jake knows he has a great body. He keeps himself in excellent shape. Girls swoon over him, guys swoon over him, and don't think he didn't notice how your eyes rove over his chest and abs and tattoos. You thought you were being discreet? Discreet, his ass. And speaking of ass, he's seen you checking that out too.

But the thought of now revealing his body to you. Knowing that his shirt will be soaked through, and you will both be standing like you're topless. Not because he's been training, not because it's an unusually hot day, not because of some other shit.

This. This is unfairly intimate. Like it's the start of something. Something that leads to other things.

An extremely alien feeling of self-consciousness and demureness hits Jake. Is this what it feels like to be shy?

He want this. He would love this. Yet it feels like a first-time of sorts with you, and it really deserves more prestige than this situation allows.

Jake chooses to run off instead, taking his jacket with him.

"Come on Y/N! Let's just run home," he shouts back.

Hmph, you think, soaked to the bone and chasing after him. Chivalry is dead.

Big Deal is not without its problems.

And one of the big fucking huge problem is that everyone is a gangster, or at least a gangster in training.

Sugarcoat it all you want, sure there is passion involved and you're protecting the street. Typical dangers still lurk. It's a fact.

With trembling hands, you apply the bandage Jake around his chest. Round and round it goes, until the stitches and wound are completely hidden.

It's not the first time you've done this, and it won't be the last. You know what being in Big Deal means.

Nevertheless, it upsets you every time.

"Shh, Y/N. Don't be like that," Calloused fingers come up to wipe the tears from your cheeks. You didn't even realise you were crying.

"You should be so lucky," Jake's ever comforting smile comes into focus, "Getting your hands all over me."

Your laugh is wet, but you do laugh. Jake always makes you laugh.

And then you reach out, pressing your hand to his heart, feeling it thrum beneath your fingers, the thump-thump-thump calming your own nerves. Needing to feel Jake's own beat to ground you.

You're always the first port of call when Jake gets into trouble, somewhere along the way it just happened. And every time without fail,, your stomach drops and you feel sick as you sprint towards his side.

Jake places his hand over yours, "Thanks for always being there for me."

As you peer up at him from beneath your wet lashes, he thinks about what it means to regret something.

In his brief years of being alive, there are already many. But if he didn't do this, it might be the biggest regret of them all.

With his other hand, Jake tilts your face towards him. He doesn't notice the tear tracks on your cheeks, or the slight quiver of your lips.

All he can see is the love in your eyes, certain that it reflects his own.

Jake presses his lips to yours, and you can feel his smile.

" YEONHUI!" Sinu bursts in, almost knocking the door off its hinge in his excitement, "Jake and Y/N finally got together!"

"Huh?" Yeonhui tilts her head at this development, "I thought Jake was injured?"

"Whatever," Sinu flaps his hand in dismissal, "He's fine."

"So those brats made the jump huh? At least it didn't take them ten years."

"Yeonhui..." Sinu whines, curling himself round her back and smooching her cheek, "You still going on about that?"

"Hmph."

"At least we won the bet. I'll treat you out to dinner?"

"You better, we still have ten years of dinners to make up for!"

#i had this fun idea in my head #writing this: this is not fun at all #each situation is... again #please suspend all belief #reality and common sense. thank you for your cooperation #lookism #lookism headcanons #lookism x reader #lookism hc #lookism fic #lookism webtoon #lookism manhwa #jake kim #jake kim x reader #kim gimyung x reader #kim gimyeong x reader #wannaeatramyeon

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eternal-work-in-progress · 10 months ago

Text

hehehheheheheh I have been writing obsessively recently so have an Unnamed Ruined Reality Alternate Universe Oneshot

this is a concept I made and outlined with my friend and I have finally actually translated it into proper written word??? Unimaginable

also woopsies general AU stuff before you read: Filii/Filiae/Filius/Filia all take the place of the species Steve! The different Filii use different languages so their subspecies name is translates (ie. yellow -> Galben in Romanian, aquamarine -> Aquamarijn in Dutch, violet -> Violetto in Italian)

Griffin ran from the room, away from his mother, away from the horror he felt while looking at her. Caliban watched him go. In disbelief, she muttered, “No… Why would you run…?”

She stood still, staring out the open door to the hallway, her cell’s only source of light. Something moved to her left and her head snapped toward it immediately. And she saw… Athena. The glorious, loyal, deadly, traitorous Athena. The poor woman looked exhausted. She turned to Caliban with no hate in her eyes, which Caliban did not deserve.

“Because he knows what’s best for himself,” Athena spoke softly but intensely. “And so do I.” The general turned to leave the room.

Caliban could not allow that. She… She wanted Athena to stay. Stay with her. Why wouldn’t anyone stay? Why wouldn’t anyone listen?! She’s not insane! She’s not dangerous! She shouldn’t be stuck down here! They’ll leave her here to rot. No, no, no, the queen of nightmares will not rot before her traitors do. This traitor will not leave.

The Queen stepped forward and her restraints tensed immediately, chain pulling against chain. Her head rolled forward, as though she had little control of her own body, as though she was possessed. The Queen was a caged animal. With a sudden and very raw anger, she screamed.

“ATHENAAAAA!”

The general stopped, bracing her weapon, but did not turn to the animal.

“YOU ARE NOT SO PURE.”

From the moisture in the air and the water sunk into the bricks, the general summoned a fist of water and ice to encase her right hand. It seemed she was preparing for a fight.

“YOU ARE A MONSTER! YOU ARE A MURDERER! YOU ARE A WARRIOR WHO HAS LOST HER FAUX GLORY. YOU HAVE KILLED THOUSANDS AND YOU ARE PRAISED. YOU ARE GIVEN TITLES OF RENOWN. BUT YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE IMPURE.”

The general spoke lowly, something unreadable clouding her face. “I never said I was pure.”

“YOU TAKE AWAY MY SON AND EXPECT ME TO SIT HERE. WAITING FOR SOME SAVIOR.”

The general took a deep breath…. Athena kept walking away. But the Queen could still see her. The Queen continued to scream after her. She could not stop herself.

“ATHENA. WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT FROM THE SOLDIERS YOU HAVE KILLED IN BATTLE? WERE THEY NOT FILII LIKE YOUR ELITES? WERE SOME NOT CHILDREN? WERE THEY NOT SIMPLY ON THE WRONG SIDE?”

Athena kept walking.

“I ONLY ASK, ATHENA, WHAT I’M CERTAIN OUR FELLOW LEADERS HAVE ASKED YOU.

“I STAND ON THE WRONG SIDE.

“WHY HAVE YOU NOT KILLED ME?!”

The Queen fell to her knees, having lost the battle against her metal restraints. But her corrupted eyes remained trained on Athena’s figure in the hallway, which had stopped moving. The Queen finally remained silent.

…Athena returned to the room. She walked over to the Queen, standing over her while the infected woman sat in her shadow. The Queen stared up at her old friend with her furious red eyes.

“...We have not killed you because we so desperately wish to save you,” whispered the general, leaning down closer. “I vowed long ago to never kill without reason. To never take a life that could be salvaged.” She still held her weapon in her hands and weariness in her eyes. This was what she came here for.

The general stood back up, straighter. “...I am sorry, Caliban. More than you know.” She gripped the weapon tighter. “Let me grant you peace.” This was what she came here for.

And yet, she saw something shift in the Queen’s eyes. When the fury faded, her eyes held only immense tiredness. And yet she smiled softly. Caliban bowed her head.

Athena looked down upon her. “...Tell me truthfully, Caliban… Did the Darkness really help you?”

Caliban bowed further. Her friend heard pain in her voice. “Please kill me….”

Athena’s eyes widened, she could hear her own heart beating. After only a second of consideration, she took the risk of wrapping her best friend in a hug. Caliban could not return it with the chains around her wrists still pulling, but she leaned into the Aquamarijn, savoring this last comfort, this last moment of lucidity. When Athena spoke, her voice was small and quiet, “I’m so sorry, Cal.”

Then, there was silence for a long time. “...Rest well for us…” Athena whispered. She raised her weapon behind Caliban’s back. The Galben did not brace herself for pain or death. All she did was nod, still leaning on her friend. Athena felt Caliban’s warm tears fall onto her shoulder.

“...Tell Griffin…” Caliban said when she decided she should speak, “...I’m sorry.”

“I will, I will. We love you so much.” Athena let the embrace linger for a minute longer.

“... You were wonderful.”

The final blow was swift and simple, to her back. Athena dropped her weapon right after, wrapping both arms around Caliban. The Galben did not scream. She died as she lived.

In pain.

But loved.

Athena laid her body down gently. She didn’t try to stop any tears from falling. Taking Caliban’s hand, she sat next to her for a little while. Grieving. The Galben looked at peace, despite the scars of Darkness… Athena stared at her face, thinking of it all. Their laughter, their joy, their girl’s nights. Their fights and disagreements, their friendship growing deeper. The Darkness. The glowing lights on Caliban’s dress and jewelry slowly dulled. It pained Athena.

She didn’t have to watch, she knew. But she would anyway. Caliban was her best friend. Athena would sit and stay until she was completely gone. So she sat.

Amadeo, Chief Violetto, walked slowly through the underground hallways of the Outpost with a crossbow in hand. He wanted to be safe, in case Athena had been unable to handle the Nightmare Queen. He doubted that she would fail—she was the one who suggested this, after all—but… just in case. He hesitantly poked his head through the open doorway and scanned the room for any sign of a struggle or fight. There was none. Then he saw Athena, with Caliban in her arms.

“...Athena?” he whispered.

Athena did not look up.

Amadeo walked in further. The cell was so isolated. So dark and wet. They’d all regretted placing Caliban here. But her behavior was just becoming too erratic. He saw Athena sitting quietly, staring at the Filia Galben, who looked to merely be asleep. But the scars… They’d looked so shallow, but they’d run so deep. Amadeo knelt down next to both of them, facing the back wall.

“...We’ll miss her,” he said.

Athena gave a small nod. “Always.” She felt guilt. But she knew this kill was in mercy. Caliban’s last words rang in her head. Please kill me. I’m sorry.

Amadeo relaxed his shoulders and set his crossbow down away from the women. There was pain in him. There was always pain in him, but there were times when it became clearer. This was one of those times. “There was no fight?”

“...She asked me to end it herself.”

He leaned back and looked at the ceiling. “She was still there?”

Athena was silent for a moment. “Do you think… we still could have saved her?”

Amadeo had been in Athena’s position before. He took a deep breath. “...No. Whatever was left of her… It was just suffering…. You saved her.”

…Athena brought one of Caliban’s hands to her face, placing it on her cheek. It was already cold against her skin. “...How is Griffin…?”

The Chief Violetto sighed and looked back down to the wall. “Vaughn is comforting him. He knows this was all we could do.” He frowned sadly. “We won’t be able to give him a proper coronation. …But I don’t think it matters at this point.”

“There is nothing to rule over…” Athena said. Four. There were four Filii Galben left. Amadeo rubbed his face. He was… exhausted. They all were exhausted.

“...Where will we bury her?” Athena asked quietly.

“...I don’t know if we should with all that Darkness, Ath…”

Right, Athena thought.

“We could… ask the Rojos to cremate her?” Amadeo suggested. “It’s just… The Royal Galben tombs are unreachable…”

Slowly, Athena nodded.

“...I’m sorry. You were closer to her than any of us.”

Athena… gave a small smile. Amadeo assumed the gesture was meant for his sake, but she still stared at the corpse. “It is alright. I would rather her be at peace than in pain. Even if by my own hand.” But she had cried and would again. She grieved for every kill she committed. Amadeo knew.

He thought and thought in their silence. About the World Beyond and Below. About his fellow leaders. About death and sadness. He didn’t cry for Caliban, he couldn’t. He had no tears left in him. He thought about Pietro. How Amadeo had held his body in the same way Athena held Caliban’s. How the same thoughts had run through his head. How doomed and ruined everything felt.

But he had allies now…. He was not alone in an old, corrupted village. They would all comfort Athena. They would all honor Caliban somehow. Griffin would be given the title he deserved. They would all continue to try.

He shut his eyes and stood, grabbing his crossbow. “I will… go inform King Rei.”

“Alright.”

He… he walked away. And Athena was alone again. With a body that was slowly getting cold. More tears fell.

#this is definitely still rough around the edges and awkward in places #but finally being able to properly express these scenes is INCREDIBLE #a goal finally reached #now to expand on it #ruined reality #ruined reality au #Queen Caliban Valentina #General Athena Proxima #RR yellow leader #RR Griffin #General Proxima #btw both yellow leader and proxima are women here #and Griffin is the yellow leader’s son #*grabs you* work with me here #suspend your disbelief

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