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glittergelpensblog · 1 year ago

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Shadow and Song (Azriel x Reader) Part Two

Part two! Thank you so much for all of the support for part one! I have so many ideas for this series and can’t wait to see where it takes me :)

Azriel x Reader

Word Count: 2,577

Part One

It wasn't until you felt Elain's hand on your back that you finally let go of Feyre.

"Mrs. Laurent, draw up some tea and bring it to the drawing room." Elain spoke.

Mrs. Laurent looked like she wanted to do no such thing, glancing between the three of you. It was with one final glare to Feyre that she turned around and made her way to the kitchen.

_____________________________________________________________

Elain and Nesta sat on the opposite side of you and Feyre. Everyone quiet, too scared to speak, too scared to find out what made your sister return home.

It was she who finally broke the silence, "Where is father?"

"In Neva," Nestas voice was sharp. " Trading with some merchants from the other half of the world and attending a summit about the threat above the wall. A threat I wonder if you've come back to warn us about."

You drew in sharp breath. A threat above the wall? Why hadn't Nesta mentioned that to you? Why didn't she tell you anything?

"Whatever the reason, Feyre," Elain spoke softly. "We are happy to see you. Alive. We thought you were--"

"I never thought that." You sent a look to Elain before your gaze met Nesta's. You knew it was coming, knew the look in her eyes.

But before she could snap back at you, words bound to be as sharp as knives, Feyre pulled down the hood of her cloak down.

Elain's hands immediately began shaking, teacup rattling in her saucer. Your eyes widened as you took in your sister. Her slimmer figure, her taller stature. Her ears.

She was Fae.

"I was dead. I was dead, and then I was reborn--remade." Feyre's voice shook.

Elain set down her cup and Nesta angled herself, the movement barely noticeable, between them and Feyre. Her hand slightly stretching out, as if she wanted to take you behind her as well.

Feyre did nothing but hold her gaze with Nesta. "I need you to listen."

You were silent as she told her story. She spoke of the trials Under the Mountain, about Amarantha, how the red-headed witch had killed her, and then how the other Fae gave her back her life. She briefly mentioned leaving Tamlin and her new life in the Night Court. Her job with the High Lord. She explained why she was back. The threat at the border. Hybern. What she needed you to help her with.

You knew Feyre was different the moment you saw her. Yes, she was beautiful, almost glowing. But you knew something was wrong. You saw it in her eyes, her tight lipped smile. You felt it in the way she barely hugged you back. The horrors she endured, they had changed her, had taken her warmth.

"You--you want other High Fae to come... here. And... the Queens of the Realm." Elain's soft voice was nearly shaking.

"When?" you asked, not bothering to look at your other sisters, your gaze only on Feyre.

"Find somewhere else." Nesta spat.

Feyre turned to face Nesta, getting ready to speak again.

But Nesta wouldn't allow her. "Find somewhere else. I don't want them in my house. Or near Elain. Or near Y/N."

"Nesta, please," Feyre begged, "There is nowhere else; nowhere I can go without someone hunting me, crucifying me--"

"And what of us? When the people around here learn we're Fae sympathizers? Are we any better than Children of the Blessed, then?"

"Because they cared so much about us when we were starving!" You snapped. "When we were nothing but a poor, dirty family in a rotting cottage? Why do we care what they think when they never cared for us?"

Nesta ignored you yet again. "Any standing, any influence we have--gone. And Elain's wedding--"

"Wedding?" Feyre blurted, eyes scanning Elain's left hand, the dark iron wrapped around her finger.

"In five months," Nesta said. "She's marrying a lord's son. And his father has devoted his life to hunting down your kind when they cross the wall. So there will be no meeting here. There will be no Fae in this house."

"Do you include me in that declaration?" Feyre's voice was quiet, the answer found in Nesta's silence.

Your mind was a blur as you took it all in. The Fae are what took Feyre, what had taken many lives before hers. They would cross the wall to torture, to kill, the Beddors a recent wound still fresh in your Village's mind. But the Fae had also saved Feyre, gave her life. If they truly were as bad as human's thought, then why did Tamlin spare Feyre's life? Why did the High Lords resurrect her?

"Nesta," Elaine spoke again, "If... if we do not help Feyre, there won't be a wedding. Even Lord Nolan's battlements and all his men, couldn't save me from... from them. We keep it secret-- we send the servants away. With spring approaching, they'll be glad to go home. And if Feyre needs to be in and out for meetings, she'll send word ahead, and we'll clear them out. Make up excuses to send them on holidays. Father won't be back until the summer, anyway. No one will know."

"There is no other way." Feyre held her gaze with Nesta.

"We'll send the servants away tomorrow." Nesta said.

"Today, we don't have any time to lose. Order them to leave now."

"I'll do it." Elain stood, brushing off her skirts.

"I'll help," You joined, following your sister into the kitchen, mind racing with a million thoughts. You would never get Feyre back, never the way you thought you would. You would never live together again, never have her head against your shoulder as you played the piano late at night. There was no way she could come back, not with her new found life.

You pushed back the tears in your eyes as you approached Mrs. Laurent.

______________________________________________________________

"Why didn't you tell me?" You asked Nesta.

Feyre was still in the drawing room when you called Nesta from the hall, feigning that you needed assistance with getting something out of your Father's study.

"Why didn't I tell you what?" Nesta said.

"What Father was truly doing in Neva? That there was a threat above the wall. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Like you could've done anything," Nesta's voice was low. "There is nothing you could've done but worry."

"We could've helped, like we are right now--"

"Which we shouldn't be doing! We are putting ourselves in jeopardy--"

"As Feyre did for us," You glowered, "As she did every day in those woods, nearly freezing to death every winter. For us. We are helping Feyre in the way she helped us, in the way she kept us alive!"

"All of the servants have left," Elain's soft voice interrupted, saving you from the next cruel words to spew from Nesta's mouth. "Feyre said there are others here, for us to meet."

You followed Elain into the drawing room.

______________________________________________________________

Feyre entered the room, cloak gone, and you couldn't help but stare at your sister. This was her life now. She wore an intricate gown, probably worth more than you and your sister's gowns combined. Her body was adorned with jewelry, including a crown at the top of her head.

Behind her stood three men, the first, in the middle, seeming to radiate power, the High Lord, you assumed. His dark hair and fine black clothes contrasted with his violet, almost glowing, eyes. The one to his left seemed wild, ancient. He wore an outfit made of leather, adorned with glowing red jewels on his hands, chest, and shoulders, his dark brown hair almost reaching them. And he had wings, giant wings, almost like a bat's.

And to the High Lord's right was what had to be the most beautiful man you had ever seen. He was dressed similarly to the man on the left, wearing black leathers, but with blue gems rather than red. His face was narrow, sharp, expression calm as he looked at you and your sisters. His dark hair slightly covering his forehead, a strand nearing his hazel eyes. Like the other male, he also had large, bat-like wings.

You tucked your head down as Nesta stepped in front of you and Elain.

Feyre stopped a few feet in front of you before she spoke, "My sisters, Y/N, Nesta, and Elain Archeron." She paused, allowing you all to take in the men before you.

"Cassian," She gestured to the man on the left, then slightly turning to the right, "Azriel, and Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court. "

You stood silent, surveying the powerful men. The hairs on you neck stood, and your heart was pounding wildly in your chest. You tried to calm yourself. Though the were Fae, they wouldn't hurt you. They had taken in Feyre, cared for her. And they were here to protect you.

Rhysand bowed to you and your sisters. "Thank you for your hospitality--and generosity," A warm smile graced his features.

You smiled back at him, and the other two men. "It is nice to meet you," You fought to keep your voice steady.

Nesta looked at Feyre, then the men. "The cook left dinner on the table. We should eat before it goes cold." She said before she strode off to the dining room

You followed Elain out as she sputtered a "Nice to meet you" to the three men.

Nesta sat at the head of the table, Elain to her left, and you took the right. Feyre sat beside you and Cassian next to Elain, Azriel on this other side. Rhysand slid into the seat next to Feyre .

The two winged males struggled to sit, adjusting their large wings with the back of the chair.

"Would you like a stool?" You asked, noticing their efforts to remain comfortable.

Nesta scoffed at your gesture

"Thank you, but we'll be fine." Cassisan said to you with a reassuring smile.

Feyre was the first to open the dishes of steaming food. Everyone was silent as they began preparing their plates and eating.

Nesta eyed Feyre as the latter took a bite, struggling to chew.

"Is there something wrong with our food?" Nesta clipped.

"No," Feyre replied, reaching for her water, her face slightly tinged pink.

"So you can't eat normal food anymore--or are you too good for it?"

Nesta truly could not leave it alone for one night. You fought the urge to roll your eyes.

"I can eat, drink, fuck, and fight just as well as I did before. Better, even."

Your face became hot as you blushed at your sister's words, and you heard Cassian nearly choke on his water. Nesta just laughed lowly.

It was Rhys who intervened, attempting to diffuse the building argument. "If you ever come to Prythian, you will discover why your food tastes so different."

You didn't even know visiting Prythian was an option. Perhaps there was hope that you would be able to see your sister outside of the circumstances you were in.

Nesta's glare shifted from Feyre to Rhys. "I have little interest in ever setting foot in your land, so I'll have to take your word for it."

"Nesta, please," Elain whispered.

Nesta ignored her, looking at Cassian who was assessing her with a smirk on his lips. "What are you looking at?"

Cassian's brows rose, the amusement on his face gone. "Someone who let her youngest sister risk her life every day in the woods while the other youngest dealt with sleazy men at the pubs, all while you did nothing. " Your face flushed at his words, not knowing what Feyre had told them of you. "Someone who let a fourteen-year-old child go out into that forest, so close to the wall. Your sister died--died to save my people. She is willing to do so again to protect you from war. So don't expect me to sit here with my mouth shut while you sneer at her for a choice she did not get to make--and insult my people in the process."

Nesta ignored him and turned to Feyre, Cassian's face filling with rage.

"It... it is very hard, you understand, to... accept it," Elain spoke to him, "We are raised this way. We hear stories of your kind crossing the wall to hurt us. Our own neighbor, Clare Beddor, was taken, her family murdered... it's all very disorienting."

"We know you are not here to hurt us," Your voice was steady a you looked between the three men, "But it is rare we experience Fae who are to help and not hurt."

"I can imagine," Azriel spoke, the first you had heard his voice the entire night.

"Nesta and I did not know what to do, how to work or hunt. Our lives were taken from us overnight. We were scared, had received no training, we failed them. Both of us." Elain said.

Feyre turned to face Nesta. "Can we just... start over?"

It looked as if it took everything in Nesta to back down. "Fine."

"Can you really fly?" Elain took Cassian's attention from Nesta.

The rest of the dinner went well after that, Nesta being as civilized as she got while the Fae explained their magic, the Illyrian race, and "Lesser Faeries" or Cassian called them. The meal was ended with a discussion of the sleeping arrangements for the night, Nesta assigning you the task of showing them their rooms before they began working on their letter to the queens.

After you had given them the directions to their rooms, you pulled Feyre aside while the three men began their work, most likely eavesdropping on your conversation.

"I missed you," You spoke, gently grabbing Feyre's hand, "How are you, truly?"

There was a long pause before she replied, "I don't know how to feel... I don't think I know how to feel. What happened Under the Mountain, the horrors I had endured... I wouldn't wish that upon my worst enemy."

"Is it better, at the Night Court?"

Feyre breathed deeply, looking out the window, up towards the night sky.

"With Tamlin, it was like I was drowning, suffocating. Everywhere I went there were sentries behind me. I was never left alone, I couldn't leave the house. What happened Under the Mountain broke me, but living in that house, it felt like I was trapped under there all over again.

"At the Night Court, I feel... free, I suppose. There's no breathing down my shoulder, no one telling me what I cannot do, where I cannot go. What people think of what I do doesn't matter. I have a job, people to protect... but it doesn't feel like a burden, I don't know what it feels like..."

A purpose.

"What Rhysand said, about visiting Prythian..." Your voice was barely above a whisper, a dream you were too scared to say aloud, like telling one a wish so it wouldn't become true. "Can that actually happen, can I actually visit you there?"

Feyre struggled to keep the tears in her eyes, you were so full of hope, so full of life, of innocence.

She couldn't let you visit, not right now, with war so close. She needed you here, safe.

"Maybe someday in the future, when things are safe. When this war is done with. Maybe then, you can come see me."

"I would love that."

"I would too."

______________________________________________________________

Tag list: @lizziesfirstwife @waytoomanyteenagefeels @starryhiraeth @knmendiola @bionic-donut @caosfanblr @lena-davina @starriestarlight @younxii @starsdoulikedem @lucyysthings @esposadomd @naturakaashi @carolinaflicker @missusbarnes-rogers @vlysseve @lollipop974 @whydohumansss @spaxxxi

#acotar #acotar imagine #azriel #azriel imagine #azriel x reader #cassian #cassian imagine #cassian x reader #rhysand #rhysand imagine #rhysand acotar #feyre archeron #feyre #a court of thorns and roses #acomaf

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zapreportsblog · 1 year ago

Note

Hello again!

May i request Ben and Garrett meeting their mate when they meet Renesme? She's Bella's elder sister and their first glimpse of her is her asleep with a 6 month old baby girl asleep on her chest. So protective the two of them!! As always please and thank you!

❝threes a crowd❞

✭ pairing : Garrett x reader x Benjamin

✭ fandom : twilight

✭ summary : (y/n) is the older sister of Bella swan and when she finds out that Bella has had a child she can’t help but to pay them a visit, excited to meet her niece the two of them spend the afternoon playing and then lay down on the couch for some well deserved naps. Garrett and Benjamin are two vampires who feel as though they are missing something from their lives so why not pay their old friend a visit and hope he can help them figure it out, after all he is a doctor and the doctor knows best

✭ twilight masterlist 2

The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the small town of Forks, Washington, as (Y/N) drove her old, reliable truck down the familiar winding roads. It had been years since she had left this place, seeking adventure and opportunities far from the quiet life of her hometown. But today, she was coming back for a reason she never expected.

(Y/N) had always been protective of her younger sister, Bella. They shared a special bond growing up, and even though life had taken them in different directions, that bond had never wavered. Over the past few years, (Y/N) had received sporadic updates about Bella from their father, Charlie. Bella had moved back to Forks after a brief stint in Arizona, citing health reasons, but the details had always been vague.

Today was different. Charlie had called (Y/N) late last night, his voice tinged with a mixture of relief and excitement. "Bella's better now, (Y/N)," he had said, his words filled with a joy she hadn't heard in a long time. "She's overcome her sickness."

Sickness? The word had sent shivers down (Y/N)'s spine. She needed to know what had happened to her sister. And there was another piece of news that had taken her by surprise. Bella had a child, a niece. "Edward's adopted niece," Charlie had explained. "They took her in after her mother died."

The sunlit trees lining the road to Forks swayed gently as (Y/N) pulled into the familiar driveway of her childhood home. Her heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and worry. She had so many questions, and she couldn't wait to see Bella again.

Charlie was waiting on the porch, his eyes filled with an emotion that mirrored her own. They embraced tightly, father and daughter reunited after too long apart.

"Tell me everything, Dad," (Y/N) said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Charlie led her inside and began to fill in the gaps. Bella had been battling an illness, one that had left her weak and vulnerable. But Charlie spoke of her recovery with such pride and happiness that (Y/N) couldn't help but smile through her tears. She had always known that her sister was a fighter.

"And the child, Dad? Tell me about her," (Y/N) asked, her curiosity piqued.

Charlie's face softened. "Her name is Renesmee or Nessa as we call her. She's a sweet, bright little girl who's been through so much. Bella and Edward took her in when her mother passed away. They're raising her as their own."

(Y/N) nodded, her heart swelling with admiration for her sister's kindness. She couldn't wait to meet Renesmee and be a part of their lives.

"I want to see Bella, Dad," (Y/N) said, determination in her eyes. "And I want to meet my niece."

Charlie smiled, understanding the urgency in his older daughter's voice. "She's at their place now. I'll take you there."

As they left the house and headed towards Bella's home, (Y/N) couldn't help but wonder how much had changed since she had left Forks. Little did she know that her return would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with love, family, and unexpected blessings.

The Cullen house stood as impressive as ever, its grandeur hidden beneath the towering pines of the forest. (Y/N) and Charlie parked the truck and made their way to the front door. (Y/N) felt a strange mix of excitement and apprehension as they approached. She hadn't seen Bella in years, and she had never met Bella's husband, Edward, or their adopted niece, Renesmee.

Before she could even reach for the doorbell, it swung open to reveal Alice Cullen, her radiant smile lighting up the doorway. "Welcome to our home, (Y/N)!" Alice exclaimed, pulling her into a warm hug. "Everyone's been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

(Y/N) couldn't help but be surprised. "How did you know I was coming?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Alice's eyes twinkled with a secret that she couldn't reveal. "Charlie sent Bella a message earlier today, saying you'd be joining us."

Charlie nodded in agreement, but (Y/N) couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it. She pushed the thought aside and stepped inside.

The Cullen home was just as beautiful as she remembered it, filled with a sense of elegance and warmth. In the spacious living room, she spotted Bella standing beside a tall, bronze-haired man who could only be Edward. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw her sister, who had transformed into a graceful, confident woman.

"Bella!" (Y/N) called out, rushing forward to envelop her sister in a tight hug. "I've missed you so much."

Bella's eyes filled with tears as she returned the embrace. "I've missed you too, (Y/N). It's so good to see you."

As they pulled away, Edward stepped forward, a warm smile on his face. "I'm Edward," he said, extending his hand. "It's nice to finally meet you in person."

(Y/N) shook his hand, feeling an immediate sense of trust and warmth. "Likewise, Edward. Bella's told me so much about you."

Just then, from Edward's arms, (Y/N) noticed a small bundle of joy. It was a beautiful, dark-haired baby with wide, curious eyes. (Y/N) couldn't help but gasp in delight.

"This is Renesmee," Bella said, her voice filled with motherly pride. "Our daughter."

(Y/N) leaned in to get a closer look at the three-month-old baby. "She's absolutely precious," she whispered, her heart melting at the sight of the tiny miracle in Bella's arms.

Edward smiled proudly as he carefully handed Renesmee over to (Y/N). The baby blinked up at her with a hint of recognition, her small hand reaching out to touch (Y/N)'s cheek.

"I think she likes you," Bella remarked, her smile widening.

(Y/N) held the baby close, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. She couldn't believe how much her sister's life had changed, but it was a change filled with love and happiness.

As they all gathered in the living room, (Y/N) couldn't help but feel that this reunion was a long-overdue blessing. She had her sister back, and now she had the chance to be a part of this new, loving family that Bella had found in Forks.

The morning passed in a blur of joy and laughter as (Y/N) and Renesmee played together in the cozy Cullen home. They had explored every corner of the backyard, watched cartoons that left them both giggling, and played with an assortment of baby toys that seemed to multiply with each passing hour. By the time the afternoon sun bathed the living room in a warm glow, exhaustion had caught up with them.

(Y/N) sat on the couch, cradling Renesmee in her arms as the little one's eyelids drooped with sleep. It had been a day filled with new discoveries and boundless affection, and both of them were in need of a nap.

As (Y/N) closed her eyes and felt the rhythmic rise and fall of Renesmee's breath against her chest, she couldn't help but smile. The bond she was forming with her niece was something she cherished deeply.

Unbeknownst to (Y/N), Bella had been quietly snapping pictures of the two of them, capturing the precious moments shared between her sister and her daughter. She had missed these family moments so much, and it warmed her heart to see (Y/N) and Renesmee getting along so well.

Edward gently took Bella by the hand and led her aside, away from the sleeping pair on the couch. His expression was grave as he spoke in hushed tones. "Carlisle called. Garrett and Benjamin are coming to pay us a visit."

Bella's eyes widened with surprise. "Garrett and Benjamin? Why?"

Edward sighed, knowing the situation required a careful explanation. "Carlisle didn’t say much."

Bella glanced back at her sister and the peacefully sleeping Renesmee.

Edward hesitated before responding, "They are aware that we have guest over right now. But bella, (Y/N), doesn’t know of our secret and we can't risk exposing her to our world."

Bella nodded in understanding, her heart heavy with the weight of the decision. She had always strived to protect her sister from the dangers of their supernatural life.

Edward continued, "Carlisle already warned them about (Y/N) being here like I said, they also know she’s human so he’s asked them to wear contacts to conceal their eyes.“

Bella looked back at her sister and daughter with a mixture of gratitude and concern. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe, Edward. They mean everything to me."

Edward placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll get through this together, Bella. For the safety of our family."

As they returned to the living room, Bella couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding, like their visit wasn’t all that innocent.

The Cullen house was filled with a palpable tension as Garrett and Benjamin arrived, their footsteps silent against the lush carpeted floor. They were known among the vampire community as mates, bound together by a connection deeper than mere friendship. But lately, they had felt something missing from their lives, a void they couldn't ignore.

They had heard rumors of a vampire legend, one that suggested vampires could have more than one mate. It was a risky and rare phenomenon, but they believed it might hold the answer to their unease. That's why they had come to Carlisle for what could only be described as a "check-up" of sorts.

As Carlisle greeted them at the door, his golden eyes concealed behind human-like contact lenses, he welcomed them with a warm smile. "Garrett, Benjamin," he said, extending a hand to each of them. "It's good to see you both."

Garrett and Benjamin nodded in response, their gazes scanning the room. There was an air of anticipation that hung in the air, but they couldn't quite pinpoint the reason for it.

Carlisle led them further into the house. "You must be quite Bella's sister is asleep on the couch with my grandchild."

The mention of Bella's sister piqued Garrett and Benjamin's curiosity, but they remained composed as they followed Carlisle.

As they entered the living room, their eyes fell upon the sight that took their breath away. (Y/N) was asleep on the couch, her chest rising and falling with the peaceful rhythm of slumber. In her arms, she cradled Renesmee, the infant's dark curls blending with (Y/N)'s own hair.

The moment their eyes locked onto (Y/N), something extraordinary happened. Garrett and Benjamin felt a sudden surge of intense emotion, a connection so profound that it left them momentarily stunned. It was the mating bond, a rare and powerful force that bound vampires together for eternity.

Bella, who had been watching their reactions closely, recognized the look of astonishment on their faces. She couldn't contain her smile as she approached them. "Garrett, Benjamin, meet my sister, (Y/N)."

Garrett and Benjamin exchanged glances, unable to tear their eyes away from (Y/N). It was as if they had found the missing piece of their lives, the answer to the emptiness they had felt.

(Y/N) stirred on the couch, slowly waking from her nap. Her eyes fluttered open, and she met the intense gazes of Garrett and Benjamin. In that instant, the mating bond solidified, binding the three of them together in a way they couldn't fully comprehend.

Bella's heart dropped in dread as she watched the extraordinary connection unfold before her. It had been the same look Edward gave her, the same one Emmett shared with Rosalie and Alice with jasper, she knew that look all to well and she was afraid that they all knew that their lives were now forever changed.

Carlisle led Garrett and Benjamin into a separate room, away from the watchful eyes of (Y/N) and the rest of the family. The tension in the air was palpable, and they needed to discuss what had just transpired.

Once they were in the privacy of the room, Garrett spoke first, his voice filled with awe and confusion. "Carlisle, we felt it... the mating bond. It was like a tidal wave, overwhelming and undeniable."

Carlisle's brow furrowed in concern. "This is troubling, indeed," he admitted. "A mating bond is a powerful force, but this situation is far from simple."

Benjamin, ever the optimist, couldn't help but see the bright side. "Isn't this a good thing? We've found our missing piece, someone who completes us."

Carlisle nodded slowly. "Yes, that's great for the two of you, but we have to consider that Charlie and (Y/N). They are all Bella has left linking her to her human life. Now that the two of you have found a mate within (Y/N), I fear how Bella might react."

Just as they were grappling with the complexity of the situation, the door swung open, and Bella entered, her eyes blazing with anger but her voice deceptively calm. "Did you do what I think you did?"

Garrett attempted to defuse the situation with a charming smile. "Bella, it's not something we planned. The mating bond, it's beyond our control."

But Bella wasn't placated. She pushed Garrett aside and confronted Benjamin. "You can't control who you mate with," he said.

Edward, who had been listening from the hallway, appeared at that moment. He knew how to handle Bella's emotions better than anyone. "Bella, come with me," he urged gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Bella hesitated for a moment, her eyes still locked onto Benjamin. But eventually, she relented and allowed Edward to lead her out of the room and into the forest to hunt.

As they disappeared into the woods, the tension in the room eased slightly, but the weight of the situation remained. Garrett, Benjamin, and Carlisle were left to grapple with the implications of the unexpected mating bond and the potential consequences it might bring to their unconventional family.

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anemonelovesfiction · 1 year ago

Text

Fated Mates 6

Ao’nung x Fem human reader

Warnings ⚠️: Sex- just expect this from now on y’all. Idk what else

Tag List 🏷️: @shit-i-say-shit-i-think @universal-s1ut @lili-flower03 @deadpool15 @mishy-mushroom04 @sanislifealways

I think I edited it? Idk can’t be too sure. Also I apologize for taking forever I haven’t been feeling too inspired lately. I wanted this chapter to end differently and kept struggling to get there, but here it is!

When it came to translating “I love you more” in Na’Vi I essentially out the word “more” in a spot where it made sense and potentially fit with the way the language is spoken… so please don’t judge 😫

Translation Station

Sa’nok: Mother

Tìyawn: Love

Tewng: Loincloth

Yawntu: loved one

Yawne: Beloved

Nga yawne nì’ul lu oer: I love you more (derived from Nga yawne lu oer, that translates to ‘beloved you are to me’ but is used as ‘I love you’- nì’ul meaning “more” I had to place it where I believed it fit best so idk if its all accurate.)

Ma’tìyawn: My love

Tsaheylu: Bond

Tawtute: Sky person (used as “human”)

Tsahik: Spiritual leader of clan; interprets the will of Eywa

Yawntutsyìp: Darling

Ma’sempul: my father

Kaltxí: Hello

Ma’eveng: my child

Hona: Cute

Prrnen: infant, baby

Vrrtep: Demon

Mrr: Five

Nga yawne lu pxoe: “We three love you”

Word count: 8.4K

<<Previous | Next>>

“Thats great news!” Jake is the first to speak as Tuk runs up to hug me, spinning me before settling me on the floor, there was no doubt she had Na’vi strength.

“Congratulations!” Kiri yells in excitement.

“Are you sure we’re ready for a second fish lips?” Lo’ak teases before getting smacked by Spider.

“Don’t disrespect my little niece or nephew like that.” He jokes and Lo’ak playfully hisses at Spider, Spider hissing back without hesitation.

“You don’t seem as excited.” Neytiri points out and I’m glad someone had managed to notice my solemn expression. “Why is that?” She asks and I sigh shakily.

“Honestly, I never thought I’d be in this position. I don’t know what to expect with a pregnancy, especially with a half Na’Vi child. They grow so big and I’m very small compared to you, You guys carry for up to a year whereas we carry for nine-ish months. What happens if it’s born too soon?” I asked as all of my thoughts run through me, worry filling my head, I had grown exhausted about these things and haven’t really slept well.

I also had no idea how the fuck to tell my honorary family, this was big news, and I’d unintentionally refrained for a week-ish since finding out. I’d chosen not to believe it when I was told I was pregnant, I had Ronal explain it several times and it was hard to get through my thick skull. Until the morning sickness kicked in, it was usually what had awoken me, and Ao’nung had already gone to work with his father.

Tonowari had been more courteous and had waited for the sun to start popping up in the sky before coming to get his son. After being told about it Ao’nung had spilled the details to his father that next morning, not that it bothered me, but I was still in shock from the news and hadn’t accepted it then.

“The great mother will provide. She has given you a blessing and she will be with you every step of the way.” Kiri smiles as her hand reaches to lightly touch my thigh. She always knew what to say and it warmed my heart that she could also sense my unease.

“Thank you, Kiri.” I placed my hand on top of hers and she smiles.

After an afternoon of talking, everyone eventually went off to do other things and I had been left with Neytiri. She only looks at me before smiling quietly, moving to sit in front of me.

“You are hiding something.” It wasn’t a question, I knew her and her behavior, she was definitely hiding something.

“Information, mostly about pregnancy, you will be sensitive to feelings, smells, tastes, and intimacy.” She says, had I been drinking something I would have spat it out.

“Your baby will crave being around those that make you feel comfortable and will often want to feel secured if you feel threatened or in danger. Do not be surprised if you find yourself clinging closer to your mate or others you consider close to you.” She says and I nod, Ronal had stated that in her healing hut when she broke the news for me.

“I also do not want you to feel bad about this blessing either.” She stated, hand gently placed on my belly, tears coming into my eyes, she was the closest thing I’d had to a mother and our relationship wasn’t always perfect, but she was trying- and thats all that mattered to me.

“I don’t want you to think that I will keep this baby from you. I want you to know you are the only family I have here, even if I’m not with Neteyam anymore, you have always been the closest thing to a mother for me.” I admit and her face softens into a smile, she leans in and brings me into her arms.

“Oh sweet girl,” She mutters in english, catching me by surprise. “I am honored you see me as your sa’nok.”

“Is there anything I should avoid?” I ask while wiping my tears.

“Other than your brother?” She asks and the loudest laugh bubbles out of my mouth before I could stop it, not knowing she could casually joke around, her own smile sneaking out as she watches me laugh.

“I usually expect that from Lo’ak, maybe kiri, but you?”

“I have picked up a thing or two from ma’Jake.” She admits and I nod.

“You sure have!”

__________

She wasn’t that far along in her pregnancy but her hips had definitely spread slightly, her bum jiggled while she walked, her short pants as she walked long distances were louder and fuck was it a huge turn on.

She stops and touches her lower back with her fist, rubbing harshly at the small of her back and groaning, cupping her breast through her shirt, she was in pain and was started to become frustrated. I watch as she tries to massage herself and hold her chest with one hand and failing to do so.

“Do you need help?” I offer and she turns with a glare, continuing to struggle on her own.

“I can fucking do it.” She stated angrily and I nod, humming a quick response, knowing she was going to cave soon. Her face falling as she continues struggling and stops to take a big breath in and lets her fist fall from its place on her back.

“Sure you can.” I’d taken the place of her fists and use my thumbs to press the spot she had been trying to soothe, gently massaging the area, and she moans at the feeling.

“You’ve had a stressful day, tìyawn, let me take care of you.” I kiss her cheek from behind her and her knee’s buckle.

“You’re the one who has a stressful day, you wake up at the ass crack of dawn and follow your dad everywhere, I don’t know how you do it.” She stated and I sit down, lifting her hips and settle her on my lap, still massaging her lower back. I lean over to kiss her cheek and end up catching her neck as she moved to get comfortable.

“Fuck,” She whispers. “If you keep touching and kissing me like this, I’m going to-“

“I know, I can smell it,” I stated as I’d already taken to closing my eyes and sniffing her neck, catching the slightest smell of arousal.

I’d decided to bring her out for a walk since she’d kept herself in the marui all morning from feeling sick. She usually felt better in the afternoon and I just happened to have free time at the moment. I’d teasingly licked her pulse point and she gasps.

“Wait, don’t-“ She starts but I capture her pulse point between my lips and sucking on it. “Oh fuck,” She moans again, her hands squeezing on my thighs, I chuckle slightly in her ear, using one hand to slide up and under her shirt.

“Wait,” Her hand grabs onto mine but I growl in her ear, her hand coming back down toward my thigh.

“Let me take care of you and your needy pussy.” I whisper in her ear and kiss her temple just as my other hand slows down her stomach and into her tewng.

“N-not out here, ahh,”

I place one finger to teasingly trail past her lips only to slide past with the amount of slick seeping past them. She grunts and her hips thrust upward, she’s never gotten wet this quick, I barely touched her and she was soaking.

“Yes out here, how are you already this wet?” I ask as I circle her clit with the lightest pressure and hear her catch her breath, I circle once again.

“Why out here?” She whines and sounds frustrated, little fist landing on my thigh.

“I can’t leave you like this, Y/n, you need me.” I kiss on her neck again and squeeze her breast, rolling the already pebbled nipple between my fingers, her hips buck in a way that makes my fingers caress her clit again.

“It all feels like too m-much,” She struggles to get her words in but is doing significantly better than she did when we’d first started being intimate.

“Talk to me, yawntu, what do you feel?” I focus on her sounds and feel myself reacting to her as my cock grows hard every passing second.

“Good, very good, ah!” Her hips rut in the perfect angle that I slip my finger in and she lets out a long low moan. I couldn’t help myself and slid a second.

“Oh please, please lemme come,” She starts fucking my hand by moving her own hips in the same motion, I knew she was feeling too good to stop and I was rock hard, I curl my fingers and she moans loudly, going faster.

“Mmm, no.” I kiss her neck again on the other side, uncurling my fingers from her pussy, sliding them out.

“No, no, no, no, no!” She yells as her protests fall from her lips, I take the hand from under her shirt and slide it up her neck, using it to push her face back so I can plant a kiss on her mouth.

“Come here pretty girl,” I spin her so she’d facing me and push her tewng to the side while maintaining eye contact. “You ready?” I ask.

“God yes, yawne, please!” She begs and I bite my lip, sinking myself into her smoothly, her whine raking out of her mouth, I could only stare at her with half lidded eyes and felt myself overcome with a deep emotion. Her eyes are opened and looking back into mine.

“I love you so fuckin’ much,” I bring her face closer to mine and thrust upward as I kiss her fervently. Placing a hand on her cheek and the other on her hip.

“Nga yawne nì’ul lu oer-“ She places her hand on my shoulders and rides faster.

“Feel s’good, wanna make you come,” I thrusted faster, the hand on her face slipping to her hip, holding her strongly and making her hips meet mine.

“Oh shit, ‘nung, I can’t- I can’t, gonna come-“

“I’m not stopping you,”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” She chants while I continue thrusting myself into her without stopping. I could feel her pussy contract as she comes, her squeal being the biggest verbal cue, her arms wrapping around my neck tighter, bringing me closer toward her. I didn’t bother continuing to thrust once her orgasm had stopped but stayed inside her without moving, contemplating what to do next.

“Keep going,” Her tiny voice and tiny pants cut me out of my thoughts.

“Fill me up,” She wiggles her hips to move down slowly and I grunt.

“Don’t tease,” I hold her hips steady and she whines.

“Don’t have another round left in you?” She quirks a brow upward as she slowly rubs my arms with her hands. “I thought you said Na’Vi like to go more than once,” She smiles and manages to slide down, taking more of me in, our hips now flush with each others.

“I don’t want to hurt you little one,” I warn but hiss at the feeling of her stomach pressed against mine, feeling the bulge of my cock pressing against myself, moaning at the feeling.

“Wanna squirt on you, please.”

“Oh fuck, you filthy girl,” I close my eyes and feel lost in the warmth she provides on my cock.

“Only f’you.” She says as her lips come down to meet with mine, I run my thumbs along her hips carefully, but had no clue her fingers were making their way toward my ears and my hips rut deep into her aching pussy and she squeals.

“You’re so naughty, little one,” I grunt, bringing one hand off of her hips and placing it on her cheek.

“I just want you to come, Ao, fill me up with every bit of yourself and mark me, need you to come, feels hot.”

“I need to lay you down, give it to you good,” I grunt as she continues caressing my ears.

“Yes!” She whines and I lay down on the sand, her hand coming on my cheek, it causes me to stop and look up at her.

“Ruin me.” She demands and I couldn’t help but nod my head, taking my time to slide out of her while untying her tewng, finally getting it free and sliding in just as slow, listening to the wet sounds her pussy made, making my cock twitch.

“Fuck baby,” I grunt and slide back out, my hands had been placed on either side of her head as I started thrusting into her sweet pussy, her little grunts and moans filled my ears and I wanted to hear more. I pick up my pace and continue thrusting inside her at an angle and she’s losing her mind.

“Look at you, so pathetic laying there, taking it like the good pretty girl you are.” Her legs had wrapped around my waist and she locked her ankles to keep them from falling but the feeling of how tight her pussy was, was starting to make me feel dizzy.

“M’sorry!” She whines as her delicious heat contracts around my cock again, squeezing it for what its worth, but I hold back my own orgasm, just needing to put her in one more position before allowing myself to come in her.

“Never apologize for that, little one.” My voice is hoarse from having to grunt to keep quiet. I’m surprised we haven’t been caught by anybody but slip out of her and she whines, scrambling to get me back in her.

“Hush and stop whining, I wanna do something.” I stated in a firm voice and she stops. “On your knee’s yawntutsyìp, hands on the ground.”

She is at a loss for words but nods to show understanding while getting into position, looking back at me with wide eyes, a smile playing at her lips. I sink myself in her slowly and moan at the sensation, this feels different and I have to enjoy it, remaining inside her far too long for her liking as she whines and brings her hips back.

“I’ll never get tired of this, ma’tìyawn, I want to always be buried inside you,” I stated as I slide the rest of the way in “Just like this” I groan in her ear to have her moan loudly.

“S’too much, can’t fit, too big-“ I hear her struggle under her breath just to slide out and shove myself back in.

“M’not too big,” I slur my words together and push her hips away from me only to bring them back together with the sound of skin slapping on skin.

“You’re too small,” I stated and watch her throw her head down to the floor as she bends her elbows, bowing her back, managing to keep her waist up and bum pushed toward me.

“Faster,” she commands and I do exactly what she asks for, hearing her breath pick up, moans thrown in every other thrust, she was struggling to keep quiet but I loved this.

“Oh please, please, please, m’full-“ She is essentially yelling and already squeezing my cock.

“M’coming yawntu!” I grit my teeth while bringing our hips closer than ever before right as she yelps and squirts all over me.

I could feel my seed dripping into and out of her as she continuous to squeeze me dry, I’d kept thrusting into her to prolong her pleasure but her body had simply gone weak and the only reason her hips were up was because I had still been holding onto her as I lazily continued. Every thrust had earned a grunt from me as the feeling of her tight cunt made me shudder.

“No no no, don’t slip out, I wanna stay like this.” She says just as I tried.

“Y/n,” I state but she whines.

“Wanna stay connected with you, this is our tsaheylu, I want to stay like this.” She protests and my chest feels warm after she says that.

“We can lay like this for a little bit but we should get cleaned up soon,” I explain and see her nod weakly, I��m careful to lay her down with her back against my chest, my cock still engulfed in her heat, and I’m enjoying every second of it. She felt swollen and continued squeezing me with every little movement she made, but I held her close to my chest regardless.

Her telling me this was our tsaheylu made me feel proud for a moment. Understanding that my father was right when saying this was a form of bonding for tawtute. I’ll enjoy bonding with her any day, whether it was for comfort or relieving her stress.

“I’m ready,” She says in a small voice and I snuggle her closer.

“Alright ma’Y/n. Lets get in the water first before separating, it’ll help soothe your ache.”

_________

“Hello again, old friend.” Norm steps out of the helicopter in his blue form, making his way over and hugging me, I return the hug, he was essentially the closest thing to a father Spider and I had before Jake had to take us in. Although Jake never minded when we spent time with his kids but I knew he had his hands full often.

I could hear Ao’nung hiss behind me, a warning for Norm to let me go, and the Avatar does, holding his hands up to show Ao’nung he meant no harm.

“He’s not a threat.” I looked directly at Ao’nung who had his teeth barred and an unpleased look in his eyes. His look shifts over toward mine as I said that, his pupils dilate more as he looks at me, an apologetic look and his once lowered ears flap upward toward me.

“In his eyes I am, his pregnant mate is being hugged by an unknown male, I didn’t mean to overstep.” Norm speaks in Na’Vi toward him and Ao’nung nods his head once, ears having gone back as soon as Norm spoke to him.

“Stop standing so far away and come here.” I stated at my husband and he looks back at the helicopter, his eyes showing worry, my own face softens at the display. “It’s okay, they won’t turn it on until they leave again, for now its harmless.” I reassure him and hold my hand out for him to walk over.

He’d squared his shoulders and seemed to walk with confidence toward me, but I knew better, the fear in his eyes was present, but not to Max and Norm, or our family and friends behind him.

I attempt to lift my foot off the ground to climb into the helicopter but hit my shin on the edge of the machine. I try again with my other leg but don’t lift it high enough and bump my knee. I start giggling at how useless my legs have become since my waist grew slightly. I can feel my mates hands on my waist as he lifts me into the machine, he gets in after.

“I knew this was where you were hiding,” I tease Max as he sets the ultrasound machine they have away from the wall and closer toward the middle.

“Hey there, long time no see.” He goes in for a hug but stops himself at the start of a hiss leaving Ao’nung’s mouth, we both take a step back from each other and roll my eyes.

“I didn’t mean to overstep.” Max speaks in Na’Vi toward Ao’nung and I can feel his hand on my lower back, the other being placed on my belly, lightly pulling me toward him.

I lean over to whisper something in his ear, his eyes widen and his tail thumps twice, before nodding and letting go of my stomach.

“Let me guess,” Norm starts.

“Magic words?” The two men say in unison and I laugh, nodding my head. I would often have to tell Spider to behave when he was grounded in the lab and promise him something for good behavior, any time Norm or Max would ask what I said to get Spider to behave, I always said magic words, after a while they stopped asking and accepted that I was essentially bribing my brother.

“Come sit here,” Max is mindful of where to touch me but I take the edge of my tewng, folding it under my belly, this causes Ao’nung to step forward.

“This is normal, kid.” Jake pipes up from behind him, trying to calm him down before he gets overworked. Our families had wanted to join and be a part of this, but didn’t want to be in the presence of technology, until I talked it over with Ao’nung and told him to convince his family to come.

I’d already confided with Neytiri and Jake and told them to bring Kiri, Spider, Lo’ak, and Tuk. On either side of the hanger where there was an open space stood both omatikaya and metkayina, being careful to stay quiet.

“This’ll be cold.” Norm states as the gel is placed on my small bump and he places the wand over my belly, his deep blue hand being careful while working the wand before settling on the smallest creature in my womb, my breath catches in my throat as I see tiny feet kick, I could feel it slightly.

I subconsciously reach for my mates hand as my heart is exploding with the need to protect the tiny creature inside me. My eyes fill with tears at the baby before me and I’m in awe.

“Do you want to hear the heartbeat?” Max asks and I squeeze Ao’nung’s hand while nodding, just then all Na’Vi ears flicker at the sound of the heart beat being displayed. It sounded unusual and it made me tilt my head.

“Can I see the wand?” I asked and Norm nods, holding it loosely but waiting for me to grab a hold of it so it wouldn’t fall.

I grab is, making sure to pick up extra gel from my stomach and looking at my husband, he nods lightly in approval, and I place the wand on his chest, the sound being picked up by the machine, and sounding similar- but not exactly the same- to the one we’d heard earlier.

“It kind of sounds like yours,” I stated and look up at him happily, handing the wand back to Norm, he places it on my belly while him and Max talk about measurements and growth of the child. Everyone makes cute little comments about our child and Ronal cries- causing vehlín to cry as well. Neytiri is hiding her tears well but they’re still visible in her eyes.

“How far along are you again?” He asks.

“About a month and a half, but I feel like baby is growing pretty big.” I state.

“Baby is bigger than a tawtute would be but still remains smaller than a Na’vi.” Norm stated and it causes Ronal to gasp. “Still growing well and very healthy.” Norm stated happily and it seems to calm the tsahik’s nerves.

“But there is something else,” Max stated and it causes all of our ears to perk up. Considering this was the first interspecies relationship to conceive every bit of news would be considered negative, and I hated to admit that I believe it would be too.

“The reason the heart beat sounded different,” Max begins to take the wand from Norm, planting it one way, showing the visual of the baby we saw before, my heart fluttering again.

“Is because this is where this one is laying.” He slightly tilts the wand and I can see the baby shifting slightly but remaining in the same position. “And this one is hiding behind that one.” He explains.

“No way!” Spider is the first to break the silence, a happily shocked expression settles on his face.

“The great mother has definitely blessed you,” Kiri says as she hugs onto Spider, Neytiri finally letting her tears fall. But my husband and his side of the family stayed quiet.

“Is this a bad thing?” Tsireya asks, but I couldn’t answer her as my eyes had shut, happy tears leaving my eyes.

“It hasn’t ever been recorded in Na’Vi history but it happens with humans a lot. Y/n is expecting two babies,” Max fills them in and the shocked face from all of them.

“But how?” Ronal asks.

“Y/n and Spider’s sa’nok had them at the same time from the same pregnancy. Usually it’s passed on to the female of our species if it has happened within their family.” Norm tries explaining it without using scientific words that practically had no translation.

“The reason the heart sounded different is because each of them have characteristics from one of you-“ Max points between Ao’nung and I. “Their hearts are lined up together and it’ll be near impossible to listen to them separately until after birth.” Max stated while taking the wand off of my stomach and putting it away, making sure to clean the gel off with a towel.

“How soon will I give birth? You said the babies were bigger than tawtute, how much time does that give me?”

“You’re looking at four, maybe five, more months of pregnancy before birth. Had this been one child maybe seven total months, but the these babies will make an appearance sooner than that.” Norm answers my question.

“Will they be safe if they are born that soon?” Ao’nung asks as his hand returns toward my belly, gently rubbing it, his shoulders relaxing as he touches me. His protective instincts have been noticeable since before the small bump appeared.

“We really won’t know until they’re born. But we might be able to test them if we scan Y/n’s body frequently. The better we monitor the babies growing the better chance we could try to be prepared.” Norm explains, half of his words in English but his point getting across.

_________

I could definitely feel the energy draining from my wife after the conversation we’d had with the tawtute. Norm- such a strange name- was adamant that we see him weekly until the twins arrive. Such a funny name for two babies being born of the same womb at the same time. But with that being said we either had to let Y/n go back with the Omatikaya- which was not an option at all- or let Norm stay every couple of weeks as he flies back and fourth- the decision was up to my parents- and they agreed, anything for the health of her grandchildren and Y/n.

I held her back closer to my chest and allowed my hand to trail down toward her belly, the smallest swell showing up, her hips had spread a bit further too, my hand subconsciously leaving her belly and toward her hip, giving it a gentle squeeze. I would give my life for this woman and our children, no questions asked. My hand trailing back toward her bump and feeling a purr rumble in my chest.

She was mine as much as I was hers, giving up her body for the lives that was growing inside of her and giving up her heart to love me. She has willingly given me all of her bests, multiplying it for my benefit, I needed to worship her. Just then she turns her back to lie flat on the mat below us. Her belly facing upward, eyes opening from her nap, turning to look at me sleepily.

“I need something.” She says in a small voice.

“Anything,” I kiss her cheek and smile, her tiny hand placed on the hand I had on her belly, before she lifts it off herself, I’m about to move to give her space but she guides my hand down toward her tewng.

“Need help,” She bites her lip

“Oh?” I question but trail my fingers down further into her tewng, feeling her wetness.

“Oh…” I stated suddenly, not expecting the floodgates to have been open and for her to be ready so quickly. I reposition myself, using my elbow to prop my body up as I slid down her cunt, sliding a finger in.

“I need them all, ‘nung,” She whines and my cock stirs to life at her words, grunting I slide my other two fingers in and didn’t expect to run across the soft squishy spot inside so soon, running my finger against it and hearing her moan. Her back bowed off the mat, her legs spreading wider, her own tiny hand shifting down my own tewng and grasping my cock, running her hand along its length and up toward the head.

“Fuck,” I grunt as she captures the precome off the head to swirl her hand around the sensitive tip and sliding her hand back down its length.

“Tease.” I comment and slide my fingers back inside her sensitive walls, pregnancy has definitely changed her response to anything I did to her, coming faster than before, easily turned on by anything, sneaking over when we’re meant to be doing other things just to beg for my cock.

“Been wanting you all day,”

“All day?” I ask and thrust back in, focusing my fingers over the spongey tissue, her legs shake. “We did this not too long ago, or did your needy pussy forget about that?” I asked again, circling that spot with my fingers. Her hands having moved along my shaft several times

“Need you,” She fumbles with her words but it gets the point across as she swivels around the head again, making me groan.

“You have me, ma’tìyawn.” I lean down to kiss her, thumb coming up to caress her hardened sensitive bud and feel her walls contract around my fingers, squeezing me harshly as she moans into the kiss, her thighs still shaking at the pleasure. Her hands had stilled upon coming but I hadn’t minded, breaking my kiss from her and willingly rubbing the spongey spot again, her high-pitched moan was like music to my ears.

“Need this,” She squeezes my cock to emphasize what she wants and all I can do is chuckle, fingering her already swollen pussy, our previous endeavors still not having healed nicely, but whenever she asks for anything its hard for me to deny her. I remove my hands from her to hear her whine in protest.

“Make up your mind, yawntutsyìp, do you want me or my fingers?” I ask while continuing to untie my own tewng, already having silently pulled on the string holding hers together.

“You, all of you, please.” She begs as she watches me with hungry eyes.

“Already so needy, hm?”

“Just for you, yawntu,”

I hissed at the slight overstimulation from having done this earlier in the day, but knowing the walls of her cunt were still inflamed from before, and she was still this needy only spurred my own needs into wanting to bring her closer toward the finish line.

“You feel so good,” I moan as my hands rest on her widened hips, bringing her closer to me as I continue diving in, feeling her clenching and whining slightly.

“Please move faster,” She begs right when my hips meet hers, her legs spread wide past my legs, the expression on her face as though she just had to reach her peak, her hands grasping harshly at the blankets on our mat.

“Do you still think about ma’sempul?” I tease while pulling out slowly.

“What?” She asks as if her mind had cleared. I snap my hips back into her warmth and hear her moan, but remain still, expecting an answer.

“Do you still think he can satisfy you?” I smirk as she opens her eyes to look at me, wincing when I pull out and snap my hips back in.

“M-maybe, he’s hot-“ I rock back into her body and it cuts off her thought process. “Oh fuck that feels s’good,” She whines while her eyes had shut tightly in the process.

“You think he could fuck you like I do, baby?” I’d taken the time to lean down and say that in her ear and she clenches around me.

“You think anybody could listen to your body the way I can, Ma’tìyawn?” I couldn’t help but bring my hand underneath her neck and lifting her slightly to meet my lips.

“Oh fuck,” She pants while my kisses go down toward her jaw, and down her neck.

“What was that?” I ask and stop thrusting, taking a hand toward her aching cunt and flicking her hardened neglected nub, not that I ever needed to touch it to make her come much anymore.

“Please,” She reaches her hands to wrap them around my neck, but I knew she did this when she wanted me to lose control, she always did that and caressed my sensitive ears, and as much as I’d love that, I wanted to tease her more, moving myself away from her grasp.

“‘Nung, please,” She slams her tiny fists beside herself in frustration. I roll my hips and she sucks in a breath through her nose, her mouth shut tightly, tears sprinkling out of her pretty face.

“My name sounds pretty coming out of your swollen lips.” I groan and repeat the action again, my thumb gently pulling her chin and watching her lips unstick as a moan escapes her.

“Yeah?” I ask and pull out to thrust back in, squeezing her hip lovingly.

“Nobody else could satisfy my pussy, hmm?”

“Yours,” She manages to speak as she drops her head back, arching her back, moaning again.

“All mine, hmm?” I coo as she struggles to form any words and settles on nodding her head.

“What about ma’sempul?” I tease again and she groans, digging her heel in my back.

“Only you,” She finally reaches my neck and locks her hands in place, finally holding on the way she wanted.

“Thats fuckin’ right. Only me.” I groan and pick up my pace.

“Oh shit,” She whines.

“I’m close too,” I connect our foreheads together and she reaches a lazy finger to stroke my ear, making me shamelessly moan, the wonderful feeling heading straight to my cock.

“Fuck yes, yes, yes,” She wraps her legs harder around my waist as she comes first, her pretty pussy kissing my cock everywhere, allowing me to come inside without hesitation. I’d shoved myself impossibly far inside her cunt and allowed myself to be overtaken by pleasure.

“Shit-“ She mumbles something before taking her hand away from my ear, her fingers reaching her sensitive clit and rubbing it furiously, allowing her back to arch, my cock kissing her cervix just right, and her pussy clenching back down, bringing herself to squirt.

I’d been panting the entire time, trying to catch my breath, and watching her relieve herself again. Enjoying the way she came a second time with myself still lodged inside her.

“You’re overly sensitive, Tìyawn,” I comment as she calms her own breaths, her flushed face coming up to look at mine.

“Are they okay?” I ask her as I place a hand on her belly, I hadn’t forgotten that they were there, but often lost myself into the throes of pleasure to remember to be careful.

“We’re fine, I promise.” She pats my hand with her own.

“I’m going to pull out now, okay?” I warn her and she nods tiredly. I pull out with a hiss as the air from around us feels uncomfortably cool around my warmed up half mast cock.

_________

I’d had help raising my body into the helicopter, considering I’d grown bigger as the weeks went by. Tsireya was the one accompanying me today as the males had gone hunting. Lo’ak had injured his foot on a bed of coral and it had gotten infected, and Ronal had told him he was not allowed to get his foot wet but deemed it worthy of being safe today- it was their wedding day after all.

“How are they?” Tsireya asks as she sits with one foot dangling out of the helicopter while Norm scans my stomach.

“They’re growing pretty rapidly, but still in that in-between human and Na’vi size, baby A is growing a little bigger than baby B but theres no cause for concern, everything is looking fantastic.” Norm states as he changes the position of the wand.

“I think you’ll like this, Y/n.” Norm states but before I could ask him what he meant I could hear the sound of one of the babies hearts beating, it sounded like a human’s, like mine.

“Thats baby B,” Norm states as a smile spreads through my face while watching the baby wriggle around as if happily dancing.

“Kaltxí, ma’eveng.” I soothingly run a hand alongside where I felt the baby moving.

“This is baby A,” He says and it switches to the sound that resembles Ao’nung’s strong thunderous heart. The sound I’d grown used to as I lay my head on his chest and fall asleep to the lullaby his chest plays for my ears, that and he plays with my hair a lot.

“Kaltxí, hona prrnen,” I run my other hand along the side where the other one laid peacefully.

“Did you want to know the genders?” Norm asks and I recall having asked Ao’nung if he wanted to, he stated he was thankful that those machines existed to tell him the health of his children but thats where he drew the line. In other circumstances the people usually waited until giving birth to see the gender of their children, and that was something I was looking forward to.

“Nope, we’re waiting until they make their appearance.” I patted the sides of my bump affectionately.

I’d made sure to lower myself toward the edge of the helicopter as I carefully slid myself off of it and onto the sand below, making sure to regain my balance before letting go of the helicopter. Tsireya being unusually quiet throughout the entire interaction.

“Talk to me, sweets, whats the matter?” I ask her while walking back toward the village. She had been trailing slightly behind me which was unlike her at all, she was usually a couple of steps ahead or right on track with me, and we always had something to talk about.

“I am nervous for tonight.” She explains and I finally catch her fiddling her fingers.

“Your union?” I ask and she nods, I could only smile quietly thanking Eywa for this opportunity to be the one to provide her with words of wisdom, Kiri and Tsireya were usually the ones giving those words if wisdom to me.

“What for?” I asked and turn to face her, making the nervous girl stop in front of me, a slight flush settling on her features.

“I’m afraid of- everything. How will we be once the union is finalized, will he lose interest and try to find another, or will us having children ruin things?” She asks and her eyes are showing me that her mind is running a mile a minute.

“Your people mate for life, sweets, the moment Lo’ak had come here he only saw you. When Spider and I had come here, he mostly talked about you, he was smitten. He cares about you deeply, ‘Reya, theres nobody else he’d rather be with.” I reassure her and her eyes are searching mine for any inconsistencies.

“Your life will change after having children because you’ll have Mini Lo’reya’s to look after, but what matters is taking time apart to be with him, even if that means having sex while they nap.” Her face flushes at this and I chuckle.

“Marriages are hard work, but you have to be willing to put in the same work you did when you formed your relationship it’ll work, and it is something you could always ask your mom for advice about, or Neytiri, or myself, or even Kiri.”

“You don’t ever need to allow your wonderful mind those unnecessary stresses, Tsireya, he loves you and you love him. You were still into each other even when he refused to listen to either set of parents and when you were tied on the ship together.”

“Thank you, Y/n.” She states with a small smile.

“You’ll be nervous today, thats natural, and when you meet up at the spirit tree it’ll feel like your first time again, but once it happens, it’ll be worth it!” I smile and she nods, looking a million times better.

“Go get ready, okay?” She nods and runs off.

“Alright babies, we need to go find Aunty Kiri to make their garment.” I speak to my belly and pat it gently to calm the babies who’d seemingly woken up from a short nap.

_________

I’d just gotten off my tsurak, making sure to tell it to go back where its supposed to, before breaking our bond, diving into the water and heading toward the beach. Many other hunters were making their way back as well, so it surprises me that my wife had maneuvered her way around so many of them, willingly placed herself in the water, and found me, her tiny hands wrapped around my beck and her legs around my waist, her lips finding mine even under the water.

My hands hold on to her bum to make sure she doesn’t fall off as soon as I plant my feet in the sand, standing and bringing both our heads above water. Her bump was getting bigger and it was separating us further than before.

“I missed you,” She leans down again and peppers my face in kisses around my face, my ears twitch as a couple of the others laugh or chuckle as she kisses my face.

“Wait ma’tìyawn,” I pull the back of her hair gently to stop her from attacking my face again, only for her to stop herself mid-moan from what I’d done. I could tell several faces turned to look our way and with that I walked out of the water and toward the marui’s, hearing plenty of laughter and jokes coming from behind me.

“I need you, you were gone too long,” She plants her lips on mine fervently, her tongue poking out past her mouth and into mine.

“I wasn’t gone too long, just a few hours,” my face is pushed back toward hers as she continues kissing me, I groan in slight frustration.

“This is why I made sure you were satisfied this morning,” I sit down and place her covered pussy over my erection, grinding her on it.

“I was, but its not morning anymore,” She grinds herself on my lap and I groan.

“You are an insatiable little vrrtep,”

“You smell so good, so musky, I don’t even need your fingers, just you, ma’nung,”

“This might make us late for the ceremony,” I stated but untied my own tewng.

“Tsireya will forgive us,” She stated as she stood slightly to slide her own tewng off but not giving me time to breathe before she sinks herself down.

We were left a panting mess after our activities but managed to clean her up just in time for the ceremony to start, I’d sat down and instead of sitting next to me, she sat on my lap, her back flush against my chest, reaching over to place my hand on her hip and growing bump, I ran a thumb over it and felt the happiness bubble in my chest, I felt proud to have mated with her.

I lean over to kiss her cheek just as my mother steps out to address the clan. I couldn’t be happier seeing Lo’ak and Tsireya standing there together knowing that was myself and Y/n not too long ago, I knew my sister had found someone perfect for her.

“Nga yawne lu oer,” I kiss her temple and she places her hands on top of the one I had on her bump.

“I love you too,”

We continued watching the entire celebration holding each other close but the moment when she had looked up, my mother had placed the garment behind Lo’ak and Tsireya, I could feel her shaking with excitement.

“Mrr!” My mother yells happily and hugs my sister.

“They’re having three kids,” Y/n stated happily and tears brim her eyes, I bring her down and kiss her face several times, her laughter being muffled by the cheers around us.

_________

“I’m a fucking tulkun.” I commented.

“No, no ma’tìyawn, you’re as beautiful as the day I met you.” Ao’nung was quick to say but the tears came back with a vengeance.

“You hated me when you met me!” I yell and start sobbing again, only to feel him wrap his arms around me, gently running his hand on my back.

“I did not hate you, I was unsure of how to deal with tawtute before.” He kisses me head softly.

“Yes you did, you wouldn’t talk to me.” I sniffle only to start crying again, hiding my face between his neck and shoulder.

“Only because of what Neteyam said, he scared me,” He says softly, still using his hand to run calming circles on my back.

“I’m sorry,” I whimper and hide my face in his chest.

“What are you apologizing for, little one?” He gently places a hand on my cheek, looking into my eyes with a saddened expression, a gentle smile on his lips as he runs his thumb on my cheek to calm me down.

“Everything.” I sniffle and he pulls me closer toward his chest.

“Not allowed. If you apologize for everything that means you apologize for being mine, but I like that you’re mine, and I am yours. You can’t take that back.”

“Thank you.” I stated softly, feeling the anxiety leaving my body, my shoulders relaxing. Truthfully it was from being around Ao’nung and the way he smelled, it brought me peace, and I’m sure it helped the babies feel calm having their father near.

“Do you need to be reminded how much I love you?” He asks and I gulp nervously, I hadn’t expected him to ask such a question after my emotional turmoil had settled. “Because I’ve got a craving for something sweet that only you can give me,”

“Oh-okay,” I stutter, he just smiles, kisses me on my forehead and spreads my legs- maybe his idea of sleeping naked during the heat of the summer was a good idea?

“I’m going to enjoy this more than you will,” He comments and stuffs his mouth greedily, my hand immediately going toward his hair as he eats away to his hearts content.

_________

“I don’t mean to be rude but you need to shut that pretty mouth of yours, little one,” I place my lips over her mouth while I said that, not stopping my thrusts, hearing her muffled moans against my mouth.

She’d decided to turn our picnic into another one of our escapades. I’d had her up against a tree with her thighs hooked onto my arms, holding her up against it, while fucking her greedy cunt. But being out in the clearing also meant we were close to an observation post, the last thing I needed was anyone interrupting our time together, and I’d be damned if anyone saw her body.

“You gonna be quiet?” I asked her while slowing down my thrusts, hearing her whine as she shook her head.

“Close,” Was all she said and it made me speed back up.

“Mmmmm!” She tries moaning with her mouth closed.

“Are you going to make a mess on my cock, baby?” I ask.

“Please touch me,” She begs, bringing her knees closer toward her body, even while being held upright against a tree, she didn’t even have to specify where as my hand trail toward her clit, feeling her slick coat my finger as I rub against the sensitive nub.

_________

“I’m comfortable, I promise,” I sigh as my back is pressed toward his chest. One of his arms are cradling his own head and doubling as a cushion for my own. His other hand protectively over my bump.

“I just don’t want it to be too warm for you,” He stated and I laughed.

“If It ever got too hot I’d be more worried we were surrounded by the pink pollen in the cave,” I stated.

“That could be arranged-“ He stated jokingly.

“I thought I was insatiable.” I laugh and hear him chuckle, only for him to stop and take his hand off my bump, leaning his head over and inspecting it.

“One of them kicked me,” He stated with pure awe on his features, he still inspects the bump, gently poking the spot where one of the babies had kicked, placing his hand on my bump with a gentle smile.

I can feel him rub my stomach sweetly, only to feel the flutter again, against the spot where his hand was placed. I laugh at his reaction and he settles me on my back, wedging himself between my legs and staring at my bump, placing both hands on either side, comically placing his face closer as if to make sure they hear him.

“I am your sempul, and you will not disrespect-“ Another kick in the direction of where his voice was coming from and I’m giggling at his expression.

“Tìyawn, they are disrespecting me-“ Another kick against his hands, considering both babies favored one side, each of them had kicked at his hands and I couldn’t stop the laughter rolling out of me.

He only brings himself up against me and peppers kisses all over me, tickling my sides as he does, making me erupt into uncontrollable laughter, I try kicking him away- knowing it wouldn’t hurt him- and pushing his head with my hands. I’m sure he expected these moves as he continuously blocked my hands with his. He suddenly stops and just stares at me as my laughter dies down.

“What?” I asked with a smile on my features.

“Nga yawne lu oer,” He stated with a smile, seemingly enjoying his time with me, completely taking this moment in.

“Nga yawne lu pxoe,” I responded as he rushes up to kiss me.

_________

#avatar smut #avatar #avatar the way of water smut #afab reader #human reader #aonung #aonung x reader #aonung x reader smut #avatar the way of water #PleaseBeKindImSensitive #ImStillInAWritingFunk #HaveFunReading #avatarxhuman pregnancy

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discount-shades · 2 years ago

Text

Sleepy Baby Part 6

a/n: It’s a little less fluffy.

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin / Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1500 ish

Summary: Jake and Kisses talk about their pasts.

Previous Masterlist Next

Netflix’s ‘are you still watching’ screen had long since timed out and was now flashing through images of the various shows on the streaming service. Tucked under Jake’s arm and wedged between his body and the back of your couch you watch the changing light from the TV flicker across his face. He is gazing down at you as he runs his fingers up and down your back

“You know, I’ve been with you every evening for the last two weeks,” Jake said, breaking the silence. “When did you stop going to your therapy mandated one hour weekly bar socializing sessions?”

“When some weirdo I met at a bar three months ago tracked me down at work two weeks ago.” you grin up at him as his eyes light up.

“He sounds like a creep, you should stay away from him.”

“Yeah I should, but unfortunately he is really good looking so I went and gave him my number and my address.” You shrug, “I can’t get rid of him now.”

“Good looks are a blessing and a curse.” Jake sighs dramatically and you lean up to kiss his chin.

“It’s ok that you stopped, though, right?” Jake looks down at you, “I don’t want to… I don’t know, impede your progress, or something.”

“It’s ok, she wanted me to go out and meet someone.” You grin up at him, “When I see her tomorrow she will probably be more excited than you were when I gave you my number.”

“Not possible.” he declares. “That was the best day of my life.” You snort at his response.

“Do you want to know why?” You shift so you can rest your chin on his chest. “You can ask, you know.”

“You’ll tell me when you are ready.” Jake shrugs, “I’m in no rush and you’re worth waiting for.” He goes back to running his fingers up and down you back.

“I want you to know. Long story long?” You ask, “or long story short?”

“Long story long,” he replies. You take a deep breath. You want Jake to know, but sharing always gives you a weird feeling, like you are looking for pity. Part of you wants to just info-dump the story and move past it. You are also unsure of how he will respond.

“I started dating my high school boyfriend, Ian, at seventeen,” you tell him on your exhale. “We lived outside Seattle and almost our whole friend group ended up moving there for university.” His eyes are searching yours and you turn your head so your ear is pressed against his chest. The steady beat of his heart is soothing and it is easier to talk without looking at him.

“We got engaged at twenty-three and had the whole wedding planned for when I was twenty-five.” Your breath is shaky as you inhale again. “My mother got really sick about four months before the wedding.” You blink and a tear hits Jake's shirt. “Breast cancer, it was already Stage 4 when they found it and she died about two months later.” You sniff and wipe your eyes. “My father was devastated. He had a heart attack and died about a month after my mom.”

“Oh, Kisses,” Jake wraps both arms more firmly around you and holds you close. “I’m so sorry.”

You relax into his arms, allowing yourself to be held. “They were pretty good parents as far as parents go.” you look up at him. “They had rules and all, but everything was done with humor.” You smile in memory. “Every rule had some kind of dire and completely unrealistic consequence if it wasn't followed. They would tell me to wear my coat in the winter or I would freeze solid and they would turn me into a Christmas lawn ornament and leave me out there until spring, stuff like that. There was a lot of laughter growing up.”

“Must be where you get it from," he says.

“Yeah,” you say sadly. “Not gonna lie, you brought some of that back.” You put your head back on his chest. “We postponed the wedding for a year. The vendors were surprisingly good about it.”

“Ian and Beth, my best friend since the second grade, got me through their deaths.” You laugh humorlessly. “I remember feeling so lucky that my fiancé and my BFF got along so well.” I started seeing Jenn, my therapist, and I was doing a lot better.

“A month before the second wedding date Ian and Beth were killed by a drunk driver when Ian was driving her home one night.”

“Oh, Kisses–” Jake goes to speak but you cut him off.

“That's not the best part.”

“The best part?”

“I mean you could also call it the worst part,” you sit up and look at Jake. “She was giving him a blow job when they were hit.” Jake’s jaw drops and he is staring at you with a horrified expression. “Yeah,” you say wryly. “It turns out they had a little thing going on since high school. All our friends knew but no one told me; I don’t talk to anyone from home anymore.”

“How did you find out?” Jake sits up too, arm resting on the back of the couch.

“The police told me. I was with his parents when I found out and I just started laughing hysterically. They were so mad at me for laughing. I just stood up and walked out of their house. Didn’t help cover the funeral or anything, just left and cut contact.”

“Is that when you moved here?” Jake's eyes are searching your face.

“No, I stayed in Seattle for about a year.” You tell him. “The really funny thing is that it turns out I was the sole beneficiary for one hell of a comprehensive accidental death insurance policy, and since the other driver was speeding and three times over the legal limit when his truck hit their car it paid out in full.”

Jake whistles under his breath. “At least you got something out of it.”

“That’s the way I choose to see it. His parents were upset that kept it all, but I feel like I've earned it.” You shrug, “Money doesn't buy happiness but it did make me feel a little better, it paid for lots of therapy in any case.”

“So after a year of me complaining about Seattle, Jenn asked me why I didn't just move. So I applied for every library position I could find in the country and got hired here and moved to San Diego. We do video call sessions now.”

“For what it is worth, I am so happy you ended up here.” Jake takes your hand in his, kissing your palm.

“Me too,” you grin shyly at him. “I was here for four months before Jenn talked me into going out to bars to socialize. I had been going every week for about two months when I met you. And I played our song.”

Jake makes a face. “In the Navy is not our song, we can’t dance to In the Navy at our wedding.”

“Wow…. You are jumping the gun a bit there with your wedding talk, but we can dance to any song we want at our wedding, if you are not a coward.” You tell him with a grin.

“I’ll find a better song for us,” Jake assures you.

“What kind of experience do you have picking out songs for your relationships? I want to make sure I am trusting an expert.” You tell him.

“I’ll have you know I picked Taylor Swift's Our Song for me and my high school girlfriend.” Jake says smugly. “I’m practically the authority on relationship songs.”

“That song’s a little on the nose. How did that relationship end?” You ask, “Did the song play a role in the downfall?”

“No, with Stacy and I, it was very amicable.” Jake smiles fondly. “She was my neighbor and we started dating when we were like fourteen. We broke up after graduation when we realized that what we wanted from our future careers would not fit together. She is a professional barrel racer now and happily married to a team roper.”

“Did you grow up on a farm, Jake Seresin?” You're grinning ear to ear, trying to picture him in a cowboy hat. Maybe holding a calf.

“No, we lived next door to Stacy's parents' horse ranch.” He says, “Our families are pretty close. I even went to her wedding where we danced to Our Song for old times sake, proving that I pick good songs.”

“Then I shall leave our song choice to the professional,” you tell him dramatically.

You stretch and check your watch, it reads 2:30AM. “It’s too late to drive,” you tell him. “Do you wanna stay the night?” He looks up at you in surprise, it's the first time you have invited him to stay over.

“Yeah,” his voice sounds hoarse and he clears it. “Yes, I do.”

“Then come on,” You take his hand and lead him to your bedroom. You try to hide how fast your heart is beating, but when his fingers shift over the pulse in your wrist and stay there you are sure he knows.

“Do I get to finally see those PJs you described to me the other day?”

You laugh, “No, I’ll save that mystery for another day, you will get to see the sloth PJs. though.”

#jake hangman seresin #jake seresin #jake hangman x reader #jake seresin/reader #jake seresin x reader #hangman #top gun hangman #hangman/reader #top gun x reader #topgun maverick #top gun fanfiction #topgun #topgun hangman #jake seresin x you

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a-french-coconut · 4 months ago

Text

Leeluke

Camp is… well it’s a lot of things.

It’s great, the safest place of earth, perhaps maybe Olympus but they’re not allowed there- once again a proof that gods don’t care about them and why should they take it, why let them use them as pawns in their cruel games- excepts for specials occasions, for demigods like him, Annabeth, Lee. It’s great to settle in one place after years of moving around in the country. It’s great to sleep without one eye open, without tensing at every noise in the darkness, hands rapidly reaching for a weapon. It’s great to fit in, to find people like him.

Luke is truly happy when he sees Annabeth hanging out with the Stolls, when she rants about architecture and mathematics to her older sister, Helena, who listens to her with a wide smile, entertaining her more than Luke himself never could. He’s even happier to spend lazy afternoons in the strawberry fields with his wonderful boyfriend, Lee, or teaming up with him to destroy Castor and Pollux at volley ball.

Those are nice aspects of Camp Half-Blood, the ones Luke wouldn’t trade for anything (“is that so ?” croons his voice, echoing in his mind. He doesn’t listen.)

Then, well no place is without faults. Since Kylie left for college one month ago, Luke has officially taken up the mantle of head counsellor of Cabin 11. Which is a very good thing because bless his sister’s soul but she had nothing of a leader. Weak-willed, soft, easily swayed by whines, unwilling to stand her ground for hot water privileges and careless about cabin inspection. She might have been a good thief, an excellent one even, but it’s all she inherited from their father, Hermes. Not an ounce of manipulation in her, not a speck of stubbornness. The cabin was a mess when he arrived three years ago, and while it’s still is, there’s now a semblance of order in the anarchy. Thanks to him, of course. (“You could do so much better than rotting here, for ungrateful gods” he hums. “so much potential, wasted.”)

It’s him that’s been making sure that scraped at least a two, bribing whoever was doing the inspection with smuggled goods, promises of alliances at Capture the Flag or simply a good old threat.

It’s Luke that greeted the new campers, flashing them a smile and stealing some essentials from the camp shop as a welcome gift. Make sure everybody ate, showered and got back safe and sound at night ? Luke, frantically counting every head, every 25 campers living under Cabin 11’s roof. Place to sleep ? Him again, laying sleeping bags on the floor’s most clean patches, because all of them do not fit in the 14 beds of the cabin.

Coordinating with Lee, to make sure none of his campers die from a food allergic reaction ? Still him, noting down with care Chris’ incapacity to eat raspberries or Joelle’s distaste towards chocolate.

All in all, he is familiar with his new duties when Kylie pats him on the shoulder, wishing him good luck before dashing out of Camp, the Grey’s taxi waiting for her. He doesn’t expect things to change much, apart from attending counsellors’ meetings. And now that he’s part of the group, maybe he can convince Chiron to let him extend the cabin. He doesn’t understand why Kylie didn’t ask the old trainer, surely he would accept. (“So much misplaced faith.” The titan laughs, lurking in his thoughts. “How much time before you understand ? They don’t care about your kind, demigod.”)

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

“No ?” He repeats, incredulity lacing his voice, as he watches Chiron sighs tiredly after he denied his request. “Chiron, with summer coming, there’s bound to be new demigods and the cabin is already so crowded we can hardly breath !”

“My dear boy, I’m afraid there is nothing we can do about that, except wait for the gods to claim their children.” The centaur patiently says, with a monotone voice, as he spewed out for the hundredth time the same speech. “The other gods would not take kindly such a change, they might see it as demonstration of superiority from your father.”

He’s gotta be kidding. Right ? Gods cannot be that shallow, they can’t be so vain as to be bothered by that. (“they don’t deserve to rule this world, let us fix that.” He whispers and Luke might think he’s right.) “Chiron, there’s 25 kids in the cabin right now. Five, including myself and Chris because it’s obvious he’s my brother, are Hermes’ kids. The other twenties are either unclaimed or children from minor gods, like Ethan and Alabaster. Some of the unclaimed have been here for months. Samantha can grow plants, Martin can shapeshitft, it’s clear who their parents are.”

“What’s your point Luke ?” Theo, counsellor of Ares, speaks up. “Just deal with it, like Kylie used to.”

“Kylie didn’t do shit.” He hisses at the boy who scowls. “And my point is that either the gods claim their kids or I’m doing something about it, whether they like it or not.”

“You can’t go against the gods like that, Luke.” Brianna frowns, picking nervously her nails while looking at the roof. “They aren’t going to like it.”

“Then what ?” He snaps at the daughter of Aphrodite who recoils and refuse to meet his gaze. “What do I do Brianna ? Nothing ? I let my siblings sleep on the floor ? I let the cabin goes to absolute shit ? Mhhh ? What do you suggest ? What do you all suggest ?” He scans his crowd, all six counselors and Chiron. He can’t believe them, cannot believe the leniency , the lack of upsetting in front of their situation.

Why don’t they care ? Why are they happy with being stuck here, afraid of saying the wrong things, afraid of getting cursed because they hurt the pride of those gods ? (“And don’t you want to fix that ? I can help you overthrown them. I can bring you justice.”)

It’s Chiron that answers him. “Mr. Castellan, you must understand that the issues you are addressing cannot be solved. Not by the way you are proposing. I’m afraid you have to find another solution.”

The underlying warning is clear. He can’t go against the gods (“Oh, you can.” The titan whispers.). Is this why Kylie didn’t do anything ? Did she try like him and got the same answer ? If so, he can understand why she quit. No that he’ll do the same, by the gods no. He’s done letting them dictate his life, dictate Halcyon Green and Thalia’s life.

(“Tell me your plan.”)

He flashes Chiron a thin smile. “Will do, Chiron. Now if all of you don’t mind, I gotta go. Biggest cabin to run and all that stuff.” He dashes out of the room before they can stop him.

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

A war between gods.

A full blow-out conflict that will inevitably bring demigods into the fight. (“There are always casualties in grand changes like this.” ) He doesn’t want his friends to get hurt. (“I can make sure they will be safe.”)

He needs to think about it. (“When you realize I am the best choice, call upon me. I will be there, waiting.”)

Luke’s not naive. If there is any chance those he cares about come out unscathed of the war looming on the horizon, if he accepts the titan’s offer, they must be on his side. And there’s the catch, he’s not sure they’ll follow him.

Annabeth won’t, she’s too obsessed with the idea of pleasing her mother and sees Chiron as a paternal figure.

In his cabin… He can convince the unclaimed, the minor gods’ children and some, if not all of his siblings.

“Hey.” A voice, Lee’s, says behind him, and soon enough, his boyfriend’s head in on his lap. “Hannah told me about the meeting.”

Luke scoffs, looking down to meet Lee’s face. “I can’t wait for you to be counselor after summer. At least someone there is going to fucking care except me.”

Lee frowns and Luke is once again hit by how little he looks like a son of Apollo. Brown curly hair instead of blond, green forest eyes instead of blue, Lee Fletcher takes everything after his mother. That’s until you see him with a bow, shooting five to six arrows at the same time. “Nobody even tried to help you ? Really ? That sucks.” His boyfriend grins at him. “Don’t worry, next fall I’ll back you up.”

Luke laughs and leans down to give him a quick kiss. “Thanks Sunshine but I’m afraid the two of us aren’t going to change things around here. We need, I don’t know, something more radical.”

“Radical ?” Lee raises his eyebrow, tilting his head with an amused smile. “It’s not like we can riot against the gods, Luke.”

“Why not though ? How else can we make them understand ?”

“Luke, my love.” Lee replies with worry. “It would get people hurt, our friends and siblings hurt. I’m all for making changes but I’m drawing a line at getting those I love hurt.” Lee cups his face, fingers dancing softly on his skin. “I’ll die before letting all of you close to danger.” He kisses him slightly, his lips have a sweet taste of strawberry, probably because Apollo had strawberry picking earlier in the morning. Not that Luke is complaining. “So drop the idea of rebellion or whatever, okay ?” Lee says when he pulls back. “It’s no good.”

“Everything you want Sunshine, I’ll do it.” Luke relents, mindlessly playing with his boyfriend’s curls. “Anything for you.”

Maybe with Lee on counselors meeting, it will be enough to do something. There’s no need to provoke a war. Summer is going to be tough but as soon as Hannah leaves in September, Lee will help him.

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

As predicted, summer kicks his ass. Ten more kids came back, increasing the numbers to 35 campers, in a cabin meant to house 15 at best.

When finally, the forest turns a lovely shade of orange and red, when the summer kids leave, with some of the year rounders going with them, testing their luck in the real world because this one doesn’t care about them, Luke is more than ready to harass the other counsellors until they agree to help him.

And yet, despite Lee backing him up, despite it being clear that they are living in terrible conditions in Cabin 11, despite all the talk about how they are one big family that should be united, not one counsellor sway on his side.

Victor from Demeter shrugs when he comes to him, Katie Gardner peeking curiously from behind the cabin’s door, and doesn’t have the will to change things. “We’re good with what we have Luke, maybe you should try that point of view.” He says, more interested in the flowers on his garden than in what Luke has to say.

Theo from Ares stands his ground, stating that those are Luke’s problems and he should find a way to deal with alone. Behind him, Clarisse La Rue scowls and sharpens her spear, and Luke has a feeling that Theo won’t be counsellor very longer. Good, that guy can die for all he cares.

Annabeth supports him of course, but she’s eleven and the others don’t take her seriously. Never mind that she’s been there four years, that’s she’s more skilled than any of them, she’s a child and that is all they see.

Simon from Hephaestus and Brianna aren’t keen on doing something against the will of the gods, and both of them are leaving next year. “Sorry, Luke, but I ain’t going to be here next year so…” Simon shrugs unapologetically.

And Chiron explains with the same patience and same infuriating tone that it’s not possible to do what Luke wants to do.

Fine. Fine.

He tried the nice way.

“Hey Silena ?” He calls the daughter of Aphrodite. “You have a minute ? I want to talk to you about something. Meet me at the stables in ten minutes. I’m bringing some of my campers.”

(“You were right, I’m ready to do your plan. There’s no other way.”)

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

The following summer, Percy Jackson stumbles across the borders of Camp Half-Blood and by the end of August, Luke poisons him and leaves Camp.

When Silena tells him that Lee locked himself up for two weeks in his cabin after he learnt about his actions, his heart breaks and doubt seeps his way into his heart. (“He chose his side, Castellan. He’s the enemy now.”Kronos whispers in his mind. “There is no love to hold for a foe.”)

A fog clouds his brain, blurring all but the fact that Lee chose to stand against him.

“Just make sure you stay in his good books Silena.” He tells her, ignoring the shock on her face. “It’s all we need from him.”

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

There’s nothing worse than hosting a titan.

Nothing worse than seeing your body slay demigods, while you are locked away, a spectator to the actions of Kronos.

He’s in New York City, standing on a bridge. He’s watching demigods fighting on the other side and by the gods, they are losing.

A hellhound appears out of the shadows, dragging a corpse with him. It’s a boy, an archer with orange t-shirt.

Blond, blood-stained hair, blue eyes looking into the void as the monster eats his flesh. Oh gods, oh by Hermes, please don’t let it- He winces as a supersonic whistle echoes on the river.

It’s the Apollo Cabin standing on the other side of the bridge, getting slaughtered by the titan army.

Lee’s there. Lee must be there.

“I’ll die before letting all of you close to danger.”

There’s no way Lee left his siblings to fight without him. He has to stop Kronos, he cannot let him cross the bridge.

(“Your efforts are useless Castellan.” Kronos taunts him. “You cannot stop me.”)

Thanks the gods, Percy Jackson can, standing his ground against the titan lord, allowing the Apollo Cabin, Lee, to retreat to safety.

“Percy ! The bridge !” A boy yells from the cables supporting the bridge. “Use your powers !”

He knows him, Michael Yew. Why is doing that ? There’s no way he can get back on the ground if Percy breaks the bridge. There’s no way Lee would allow him…

“I’ll die before letting all of you close to danger.”

When Percy breaks the bridge, it isn’t Kronos’ scream of frustration that echoes, but Luke’s scream of grief and pain when he realizes that Lee is dead, and he has now idea how and when.

He’s granted Elysium. While he isn’t sure to deserve it, he won’t question the judges’ choice.

It’s beautiful but vast, how is he going to find Lee in this-

“What the fuck are you doing here ?” Someone hisses and when he turns back to see who, he faces Michael Yew snarling at him. “You don’t deserve to be here.”

“The judges deemed it otherwise, Yew.” He replies and the son of Apollo scowls, clearly not agreeing with that decision. “Look, Michael, I’m sorry about-“

“Save your breath because I won’t ever forgive you.” Michael cuts him off, still glaring at him.

“Okay, fair enough.” He concedes. “Can you just tell me-“

“You wanna know about Lee, don’t you ?” Michael guesses, and rightfully so. “He would not have wanted to see you anyway.”

“How did he die ? And when ?” He asks, not picking up on Michael’s formulation. “Please, I- I just need to know if it was quick.”

Selfishly, he wishes Lee died in some mortal accidents, like a car crash.

“Last summer, battle of the labyrinth, head caved in by a giant.” Michael says curtly. “Dead because of your stupid war, like a lot of us.”

“I need to tell him sorry. Can you-“

“He’s not here anymore.” Michael interrupts him. “Castor ? Remember him ? He also died at the labyrinth by the way. Anyways, I searched for Lee too when I arrived down here and he told me he had chosen rebirth.”

Luke’s heart falls like a stone. “He’s gone ?” He chokes up, because if Lee is gone, then he died thinking Luke didn’t love him anymore. He died viewing as- what did Lee think of him after his betrayal ? A monster for hurting his family ? Lee was always big on family. Yeah, Lee thought he was a monster.

“Whose fault is that ?” Michael grumbles, shooting him a glare.

“Lethe ? Where is it ?” He asks the son of Apollo.

“Leaving so soon ?” Michael tilts his head, just like Lee did, and Luke can’t take it. “Yeah, not like I’m welcome here.”

“You’re right about that.” The other boy snorts, pointing a direction with his head. “Go that way, you’ll find the river.”

Luke nods, smiling in spite of himself at Michael’s advice, “try not to fuck up that life !”, before heading towards where the other boy directed him.

Who knows ? Maybe he can make it to the Isle of the Blessed, like he told Annabeth.

Plus, there’s still a chance to meet Lee in another life. In a nice, mortal life where they can live old and happy.

Granted, the odds aren’t in his favor but he’s sure he can make something out of it. He’s pretty good at getting things his way.

He cups the white water from the river in his hands and brings it to his mouth.

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

There are nicer ways to meet someone than bumping into them and spilling their beverage on their clothes. In the bright aspect, you can be sure you got their attention !

“Dude, really ?” The guy whines, looking mournfully at his stained sweatshirt. “Mondays really suck.”

“Sorry.” Oliver winces. “Please, let me buy you coffee to make it up.”

“Eh.” The guy checks his watch before shrugging and giving him an easy smile. It suits very well Oliver thinks. “I guess I can be late for once, the office won’t mind. Who do I got to thank for this ?”

“I’m Oliver.”

“Nice to meet you Oliver, I’m Nathan.” Nathan smiles again, seemingly not that bothered by his ruined attire.

“I’m calling you Sunshine.” He blurts out and why did he do that ? Call a complete stranger Sunshine ? No matter that the name just fits, that it rolled out of his mouth naturally, he can’t say that. “Because, hum, you’re way too happy for a Monday morning and for getting late to work.”

“But I get to meet you, Oliver.” Nathan grins, his brown eyes- with specks of forest green in it if you look closely- sparkle. “It makes up for it, I think.”

“Come on.” Nathan nudges him playfully, gesturing towards the coffee shop. “Tell me more about you while you so generously buy me coffee.”

This was supposed to be a sad ending... but I hate sad endings so it evolved into a happy ending lol. Wanted to write Leeluke because I've seen a lot of it and I really like the pair <3

#percy jackon and the olympians #pjo #percy jackson #camp half blood #luke castellan #lee fletcher #leeluke #micheal yew #luke castellan x lee fletcher

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bullet-prooflove · 1 month ago

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Can you do #32 “My daddy liked you, and that was a first You promised him you'd be the guy I deserve” for Jalen Shaw?

Tagging: @kmc1989 @storiesofsvu @telepathay @smoothdogsgirl

Companion piece to:

Inked (NSFW) - Jalen and you share a mutual appreciation of tattoos.

Call Out (NSFW) - Jalen and you get interrupted at 4am.

Waiting - Jalen waits up for you.

Officer Down - Jalen waits for a call after officer down goes out over the radio.

Too Damn Close - Jalen thinks about what almost happened.

On the weekends you have to work Jalen spends time with your father. The two of them have become friends throughout the course of your relationship, with weekly chess matches and monthly poker nights. This Saturday he takes Jim to the farmer’s market because after the shooting your father has decided you need a little home cooking to sooth your soul. He used to be a chef once upon a time and spends his retirement at the homeless shelter cooking up a feast with whatever ingredients they have to offer.

“How’s Lainey doing?” Jim asks as he walks beside Jalen, his walking stick thudding on the ground with every step. He’s slowed down in the last couple of years, become unbalanced, it’s why Jalen’s carrying the three tote bags filled with the groceries.

“She is…” Jalen searches for the words to phrase your behaviour as of late. “…processing is probably the best way to describe it.”

You have nightmares sometimes, flashbacks he thinks, although he can’t be sure. Sometimes he’ll come into the kitchen and you’ll be staring out of the window at something that’s not really there or you’ll flinch when you hear a car back fire. It’s a trauma response to what you’ve been through and he wishes you’d be more open about it with him but it’s not in your nature.

“Counselling?” Jim asks as he picks up a plum, squeezing it lightly in his palm. Jalen still can’t figure out what he’s making for dinner, all he can say is it has spices, lots of different spices.

“She’s seeing someone privately.” Jalen tells the other man, unfolding another tote bad from his pocket and handing it to him. “She doesn’t want the department knowing because they might bench her.”

“You’re worried.” Jim states as he tilts his head up to meet Jalen’s eyes.

“Yea.” He says simply, shrugging his shoulders. “But she won’t listen to me, she never does.”

“She’s like her mother.” Jim says as he begins to fill the tote bag with fresh fruit. “Stubborn, fiercely independent, it sure puts the shits up the men that are married to them that’s for sure.”

Jalen doesn’t respond, he simply takes out his wallet and pays the fruit vendor before lifting the new tote onto his opposite shoulder.

“Speaking of, didn’t you ask me for my blessing a couple of months ago?” Jim murmurs as Jalen falls into step alongside him. “I thought we’d have celebrated an engagement by now.”

This is the inevitable question that Jalen’s been avoiding.

“She said no.” He says finally, shifting the bags on his left shoulder. “She feels like she’ll lose her independence and I…” He trails off because it still hurts that you won’t take that leap with him. “…I have to respect that.”

“Oh.” Jim says and Jalen sighs as they pause at another stall.

“I love her Jim and I know she loves me, I just… I wanted more for us and I don’t think she’s going to get there.” He says, his fingertips tracing over the honied soap he thinks you’d love.

“So where does that leave you?” Jim asks as Jalen picks it up and hands it to the vendor. “Will that be enough?”

That’s a question he really doesn’t have an answer to, the one he’s been wresting with since before the shooting.

“It is for now.” Jalen says, his voice a little rough. “It’ll have to be for now.”

Love Jalen? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Interested in supporting me? Join my Patreon for Bonus Content!

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

#jalen shaw #jalen shaw x reader #law and order

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ashleigghh · 1 year ago

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Day 8: glitter- raising harry, 1004 words.

Harry James Potter was born at 5:14 am, the sun had been rising but the stars were still visible in the sky, and flowers were in full bloom. He was brought into the world crying, little sobs escaping his tiny face, but he was quickly comforted, he had four parents after all, and he was completely surrounded by love.

Harry had been blessed with two mothers and two fathers, all who would have moved heaven and hell just to see him smile. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, James and Mary would bicker about what Harry wore, if he was warm enough, what if he was too warm? Well, it isn’t like he’ll be able to tell us, leaning over Harry peering down as if trying to read his mind while he giggled and waved his hands around.

Lily and James would whisper in hushed tones, snapping at each other while trying not to wake Harry, bickering about who would get up with him in the night, who would buy the next set of clothes, who would go out to buy more supplies, who was going to host dinner this week.

Regulus would coddle Harry, and everyone would beg him to hand Harry over and stop hogging him, you’re going to make him think you’re his favourite, he shouldn’t have favourites.

They had been adamant from day one, making promises (mainly for Regulus’ benefit) that they would never, ever let Harry doubt the pure adoration they held for him, he would grow up so loved and so happy that he would brighten up the world.

His first Christmas had been extravagant, all four had gone all out to provide him with the best, leading to a pile of presents taller than the tree and an absurd amount of days out, decked in one of his many many winter sets. They had agreed to coordinate more, and reel in their excessive spending.

That hadn't happened, and now, three years later, Lily and Regulus were walking Harry around a Christmas fair…the third one they had been to this month.

“Be careful Harry, don’t go too far!” Lily called after him, laughing as he tried to run, the place too packed and his winter gear wrapped so thick he couldn’t get very far. Regulus smiled softly, watching with wary joy as Harry enjoyed every second, yet still cautious of him getting hurt.

Harry gasped suddenly, turning to them with his mouth open wide in shock, eyes pleading before he even pointed out where he wanted to go. He used a mittened hand to push his glasses up his nose, the other pointing to what had caught his attention.

“Can we do it, can we, can we!” He yelled, running and attaching himself to Regulus’ leg, waiting for him to pick him up. He obliged, holding him tightly as he attempted to swing off of him to hold Lily as well. Lily grabbed him too, keeping him from trying to throw himself to the ground.

“I want to make a card, please!” Harry wiggled in their grip, so excited his whole face was split wide open in a grin that looked identical to James’.

“Of course we can, do you want to go now or wait and have some food first,” Regulus asks, readjusting his grip so he can straighten Harry’s hat with one hand. Harry hums, scrunching up his face as he tries to decide,

“Cards first, food later,” He answers seriously with a solemn nod as if he had made an extremely difficult decision, causing both Lily and Regulus to laugh gently, sending Harry into fits of pleased giggles as they walk over to the card-making booth.

They’re greeted by a bored-looking teenager, whose gaze lingers on Lily like she’s an angel in front of them, looking at her in awe, leaving Regulus to clear his throat quietly to gain their attention. He pays them, trying not to make them feel embarrassed that he noticed.

“Mum, come help me hide it from Papa, he can’t see until I finish his.” Harry grabs his mother’s hand, leaning far forward and dragging her over to a small table in the corner of the tent. Regulus hovers, back turned to Harry so he can be sure Regulus isn’t peeking.

“Okay, I’m done!” Harry claps his hands together, causing Lily to laugh and groan at him to be careful, then there's a small tug on the bottom of Regulus' coat,

“Papa, you can look now,” Regulus turns and looks at the card Harry holds out proudly, it's wonderful, although he might be biased, it’s the most beautiful card he’s ever seen.

“Wow, you made this?” Regulus teases, pinching Harry’s cheek playfully as he kneels to be on the same level, holding one half of the card so he can look over it with his son. “It’s perfect, how lucky am I to have the greatest artist in the world make me a card!” Harry giggles and it fills his heart with joy.

The card is covered in a thick layer of glitter, glitter glue, glitter paint, glitter pen and loose glitter depicting what he assumes is all of them on Christmas morning.

“Thank you, Harry, I'm going to put it up as soon as we get home, I love it,” He kisses Harry’s forehead and bops him on the nose “and I love you.”

Harry reaches up, no doubt getting glitter all over Regulus��’ jacket as he wraps his arms around him, hugging him tightly in a way he clearly learnt from his mother. Regulus closes his eyes, taking in the moment silently before Harry’s little voice whispers in his ear

“Can you help me hide a card from Mum now?” Regulus laughs, getting up to block Lily’s view while Harry has the time of his life throwing every glittery product he can find on the card in front of him. Regulus is just glad Lily and Mary have Harry for the night and have to deal with the mess.

#christmas writing challenge #christmas #marauders era #marauders #jegulus #marylily #jegulus raising harry #marylily raising harry #regulus black #lily evans #harry potter

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scribeforchrist-blog · 7 days ago

Text

Waiting & Knocking

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ Matthew 7:7: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM WAITING ON GOD

I AM KNOCKING AND WAITING

I DESIRE GOD

I AM SEEKING HIS PRESENCE

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READ TIME: 8 Minutes & 25 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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When I was little, I wanted my parents to buy me this Game Boy Advance, and I asked them daily for it. They got so annoyed that they told me not to ask them anymore, but still, I asked every day because I didn’t want them to forget. For about three months, this went on and on until my birthday, and I remember as it got closer, I said Mom, could you please get me it? This was the only thing I wanted, and I remember sitting in the back seat. She took a deep breath and said Okay, Lui in a very aggravated tone.

When my birthday came, I knew they had forgotten about it because they hadn’t given it to me at the birthday party. So, that evening, when we got home, my mom asked me what was wrong. I told her she placed this box on the table, and I just knew it was something I didn’t want, and it was the Gameboy Advance. I remember praying that night, praising God, and being so happy because I got what I wanted.

In the same way, I asked them about that handheld being consistent and asking nonstop. That’s what God wants us to do. The verse says keep seeking, and you will find it. Often, we give up when we see no results, but God wants us to still go forward in everything, he wants us to continue to ask because he sometimes wants to see how badly we want it. When we seek spiritual gifts and blessings, we must remember that it's not about how long we have been a Christian or follower of Christ. It's about our dedication to asking, praying, and seeking God.

Verse 8: For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

It tells us that if we ask him, we will receive it; if we seek him, we will find it; when we knock, he will open the door. Sometimes, we forget how to seek God and how to seek him. We do so by reading our word; we do this by praying to him; we do this by mediation.

When we do these things, we will draw closer to God; every day, we seek to be closer to him so we can hear him; some of us don’t hear him because we don’t make ourselves available. God wants us where we desire him; we desire to be next to him. We desire not just to seek him for things but also for his presence, which is always near us.

Verse 9-11 You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?

God will give us good gifts when we ask. He will never give us something we don’t want, but he will give us something we need. Sometimes, what we need, we won't realize we need it until the lord reveals it to us. I know I had a lot that I didn't realize I needed. I didn’t realize he wanted me to have this until he gave it to me. When he did, it fit like a glove into my life. It fits my life so smoothly because when God opened the door when God give it to us, it was for us to succeed, not for it to be inconvenient but for it to be a convenience.

Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith

This is one thing we forget when we ask him; we forget about faith, and faith plays the biggest part in our asking; without it, it’s like building something without a hammer and nails. We must apply faith when we ask God for it; it sticks everything together.

Some things we feel are inconvenient, but we will see how convenient it is when we allow what he gives us to be in our lives. God wants to give us the best of things, and he wants us to be filled with joy, but we have to understand that when we ask, we might not get it just like that handheld; they could’ve just not given it to me, but because I kept asking and they saw it was what I wanted and it wasn’t a waste of money or anything like that they gave it to me

God isn’t going to give us anything that’s going to block us from communicating with him. God isn’t going to give us anything that will create a distraction in our lives. God will often look at our lives and see that what I give her will create a distraction. Sometimes, it’s hard to accept that we’re not going to get what we want, but we must look at it from his point of view. God loves us so much that he doesn’t want us to be away from him, we must look at whatever is in this way will it create a bridge between God and us; sure, we can ask all we want, but if what we ask for will pull us away he’s not going to give it to us.

*** Today, we learned about asking, it’s easy to ask for anything. We all think that God should give us what we want, but that’s not true. When I kept asking for that handheld for my parents, I knew they would give it to me because we had talked about it, but then a tiny part of me doubted it because they didn’t say yes or no. God isn’t going to say yes and no to everything we want; but we must have faith to know that he will. It’s hard to have faith; sometimes, looking at some situations is hard, but when we truly look at who God is and what his words say, he will give us the desires of our hearts as long as it’s in his will.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

How often do you seek God? Do you seek him wholeheartedly, or do you seek him just for things he can give you? We must start seeking God daily, not just for things, but just to seek him; he wants us to desire him just as much as he desires us. How often do you desire to be near God in his presence? When we pray, we are in his presence, and we meditate. We are in his presence when we read our word; he can be there too , if we ask him to, and he can teach us. How often are you seeking him , I seek him every day because I desire to be next to him. I desire to hear his voice because that’s what I need. If you’re lacking something in your life, maybe it is his presence; start seeking him today. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father, we thank you for life, health, and strength and for loving and caring for us. Lord, we desire you so badly in our life; we desire your presence; help us to seek your presence daily. Help us to look for you and not for things, Father God; we asked you to help us understand your word today. Help us apply it to our lives, Father God; thank you. We ask you, Father God, to pour a fresh anointing onto us. We ask you for a favor in Jesus' name, amen.

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REFERENCES

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+ Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

+ Psalm 145:18-19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them

+ Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

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Read more on AO3

Paring: Aemond Targaryen x Baratheon OC

Summary: Elyse & Aemond are wed.

Warnings: language, smut at the end of chapter, mentions of blood, losing v-card, f-receiving 🥵

Word count: 4316

previous chapter ~~ next chapter

A wedding was surely a sign that the realm was headed toward prosperity. The Dowager Queen Alicent was convinced that three weddings must be a blessing from the Mother and Maiden.

She journeyed to the Sept often to pray for good fortune to all parties involved, as whispers of Septa Alicent spread throughout the Keep.

She did not mind. Alicent found comfort through her prayers. The Sept seemed to be the only place she could think freely, without someone grappling for her attention.

She prayed often for the health and wellness of her children. For the prosperity of the seven kingdoms. For peace throughout the realm.

She often found herself praying for Princess Rhaenyra.

Within the same moon, Baela Targaryen would wed her cousin Jacaerys Velaryon, Rhaena Targaryen would wed her cousin Lucerys Velaryon, and Aemond Targaryen would wed Elyse Baratheon.

Alicent sat within the Sept, eyes shut, head bowed in prayer. Her auburn curls obscured her face as her lips moved in silent prayer. The light of several hundred candles cast shadows around the room. Alicent’s hands were laced together, the skin around her nails just starting to heal. She rubbed her finger across the jagged healing skin of her opposite hand.

Tensions were still high between the blacks and the greens. The opponents stood facing each other as though matched against one another on a chess board. Flittering about the realm, waiting for the other to strike first. Alicent had heard rumors of Prince Daemon camping at Harrenhaal, something that would need to be dealt with sooner or later, regardless of Rhaenyra’s answer.

Princess Rhaenyra had complications from her labors and was still contemplating the terms delivered by Otto Hightower, nearly a month prior. Alicent had petitioned for the Princess at court, allowing her all the time she deemed necessary for her health. Another day without an answer was another day without the threat of war. And for now, that was enough.

Alicent thought often of Rhaenyra.

When Rhaenyra departed King’s Landing Alicent urged her to return. Though Rhaenyra had agreed, something had kept her at Dragonstone. Alicent had not received a raven stating why the Princess had been delayed returning.

Perhaps she had misunderstood Rhaenyra’s intentions to return. She tried to disguise her hurt feelings.

Rhaenyra had a habit of breaking Alicent’s heart, whether she understood that was what she was doing so or not.

Alicent reopened her eyes as she ended her prayer. Glancing up at the statue of the Mother, a soft smile danced across her lovely face.

Her second son would be marrying and for that she was grateful. Everything was appearing to be going as planned. Aegon was king, and Rhaenyra would accept the terms the crown provided. She had to accept the terms.

Alicent rose from her knees and turned to leave. She would return to the Sept again asking the gods for their good fortune.

The wedding was a small affair, in the royal Sept.

Helaena had helped Elyse prepare, along with Jeyne and Tasha. Her dark curls had been pulled from her face, some hanging loosely down her back held by a braided crown. Several silver pins adorned her hair, as though stars in the night sky.

The wedding gown was lovely, Elyse had seen it nearly a week prior for a fitting. The color of a shimmering pearl, with Myrish lace designs of a forest at the hem. A lonely doe stood out between the lace pine trees that trailed up towards her waist.

Elyse only wished she had some kin present. She yearned for her mother’s touch, for her father to give her away. Though she was thankful for the Targaryen family she loved, Elyse couldn’t help but feel something missing. It made her happy remembering Aemond’s promise to journey to Storm’s End.

Helaena had kissed both her cheeks, eyes wet with tears as she admired her companion. She now stood next to her mother as the ceremony progressed.

Aegon had escorted Elyse into the Sept, presenting her to his younger brother. Aemond stood, clad in green so dark it could be mistaken for black. His long hair flowed freely down his shoulders.

“You may now cloak the bride, and bring her under your protection,” the Septon announced.

Elyse stiffened as Aegon removed the gold cloak decorated with a black stag. In normal circumstances, her father would be the one to remove her cloak, but Lord Borros was not in attendance at the small affair. The King was the only suitable other option.

Elyse felt suddenly cold without the weight of the cloak and she gazed up at Aemond. The Septon ushered her to turn.

Elyse turned her back towards Aemond kneeling slightly, as he draped the green and gold cloak on her shoulders; the emblem of House Targaryen gleamed proudly on her back. She could feel his hands upon her, lingering a moment before pulling away.

“With this kiss, I pledge my love,” Elyse spoke softly, “and take you for my lord and husband.”

“With this kiss, I pledge my love, and take you for my lady and wife,” Aemond said, his eye never leaving Elyse’s face.

“Let it be known that Lady Elyse, of House Baratheon and Prince Aemond of House Targaryen, are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who dare tear them asunder.” the maester finished. Aemond’s eye met Elyse’s gaze.

He placed his hands in hers before capturing her lips in a sweet kiss. As he pulled away, a blush crept onto her cheeks.

The feast afterward was small as well, but lively with dancing and merriment. Aemond and Elyse sat together between members of the royal family.

“I only wish Daeron was able to make it,” Helaena lamented, “you know how fond he is of feasts.”

Elyse smiled, taking a sip from the wine in front of her. She had been slowly sipping her wine all evening and had yet to dance, her nerves getting the best of her.

“Daeron is fond of everything,” Aegon told his sister, causing her to frown.

“I do not think he is fond of caterpillars,” Helaena retorted, causing Aegon's eyebrows to raise. Elyse heard Aemond chuckle beside her.

“You see when we were children,” Helaena began before pressing her lips together, “oh never mind.”

“No no, go on,” Aegon said, curiosity written on his face. It was Elyse’s turn to suppress a chuckle.

“Well,” Helaena began, cheeks reddening, “I didn’t know he did not like them, and so I thought he would look lovely with some atop his shoulder. They complimented his outfit greatly.”

Aegon’s mouth dropped open as he laughed.

“Who in this family have you not tormented with your creatures?” he accused, and Helaena laughed.

“She used to make me reach spiders for her in the garden, I assume that counts,” Aemond said, though his smile was kind.

Elyse hummed in agreement before a laugh escaped her lips. She felt warm with the conversation, and the unity she felt with officially joining the family. Elyse caught Helaena’s eye then and the girls smiled at one another.

Elyse did not notice Helaena’s smile falter as she turned to converse with Alicent, who informed her there would be no official wedding ceremony. Elyse felt relief course through her.

“Come,” Aegon said suddenly rising from his chair, “honor your king with a dance, my lady.”

Elyse was not sure how her relationship with Aegon would be from here on out. Though sometimes he was vile, sometimes he was kind. And he was her king after all. She glanced at Aemond before taking Aegon’s hand.

“You honor me, your grace,” she said, as he led her to the dance floor.

Aemond watched every move Aegon made as the dance began, ready to rise from his seat at a moment’s notice.

“Congratulations, brother,” Helaena spoke softly, Elyse and Aegon in her line of sight.

“Thank you, sister,” Aemond murmured.

Helaena looked at him then, a small smile on her face.

“Take care of her,” she told him, causing him to turn. Aemond’s brow furrowed at Helaena’s dreamlike expression.

“Hel?” Aemond said, bringing his hand to hers.

“As storms end, storms begin,” she told him, returning her gaze to the dancefloor.

As the feast wound down, the newlyweds were escorted to their shared apartments. Elyse felt strange about saying goodbye to the chambers she had grown in.

These new apartments seemed almost too grand. A large antechamber opened up to a grand room, with high ceilings. A great fireplace roared with a recently lit fire, casting a warm glow around the room. Towards the rear was an enormous four-poster bed, big enough to comfortably sleep four or five people.

A chaise and some other seating were placed near the fire, along with a table full of bread, cheeses, and fruit. A pitcher of wine accompanied the food, with two goblets waiting to be filled.

Elyse walked around the room, admiring it. She turned to face Aemond, who was watching her carefully, drinking in her flushed expression.

“I once told you, that you would be much happier with Lord Maceon,” he said suddenly, unable to contain himself now that they were in the privacy of their own chambers.

The only sound in the room was the crackling of the fireplace and the beating of Elyse’s heart. Though she hoped Aemond was unable to hear it from where he stood across the room.

“I remember,” she told him, eyes wide.

Aemond’s face softened. He walked towards her, taking her hands in his. He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. Elyse felt her chest warm at the comforting gesture.

“There was truth in that. But I wish to try; to make you happy,” he murmured, eyes downcast.

Elyse tilted her head to the side. Dropping one of his hands she brought her hand to the scarred side of his face. Aemond suppressed a flinch as she pressed her soft hand to his face. Elyse was silent a moment, waiting for him to meet her eyes.

Aemond felt his heart hammering within his chest, but forced himself to look upon her. Her blue eyes were wide, full of adoration.

“I just want you,” Elyse breathed, Aemond’s eye closing at her words. She could feel him leaning into her hand, his resistance shattering.

Elyse felt herself smile at his vulnerability. She had never seen Aemond like this before. He opened his eye as though reading her mind. Aemond had an alarming habit of knowing her thoughts.

He placed a kiss on her hand before walking back to the door. Elyse’s brow furrowed, worried for a moment he was going to leave. He instead moved to throw the lock across the door, before turning back to face her.

“Are you going to be good for me?” Aemond asked, a dark look in his eye. Elyse swallowed, anticipation tingling beneath her skin.

Aemond sauntered towards her. Elyse stuck her chin up as he came to face her. He brought his hand up to caress the face of the woman he adored.

“Aren’t I always?” Elyse teased and Aemond tutted.

“Do you know what I’ve been thinking?” Aemond asked, his voice dangerously calm.

Elyse shook her head not trusting her voice.

“About that night after the coronation. How you knew what you wanted from me,” he said, flexing his long fingers for good measure.

“Have you touched yourself before sweet Elyse?”

Elyse's breath hitched in her chest.

“Yes,” she admitted, cheeks darkening.

“Did you think of me?” He asked, violet eye wide.

Elyse said nothing, confirming what he already assumed to be true. Aemonds face broke out in a ravenous grin.

“Turn for me,” he commanded and Elyse obeyed. She could feel Aemond’s hands at the laces of her gown, nimble fingers undoing the restraints of her corset. Not a moment later, the gown pooled to the floor, leaving Elyse in her shift.

Helaena had chosen the shift she wore, smooth silk trimmed with Myish lace. Much fancier than she was used to.

She could feel her breath turning into pants, her face burning red, as she turned to face her husband once more. Elyse chewed her lip, stomach flipping with nerves. It was as though she was on dragonback yet again.

Aemond’s eye never left her face as he sunk to his knees before her.

“Which do you prefer?” He asked, beginning to play with the hem of her silk shift.

“What?” She asked. He had a terrible habit of distracting her. He cocked his head, clearly pleased with the effect he was having on her.

“I simply wish to know if my lady prefers. My fingers or yours?” he asked her.

Elyse felt her lips part with the question, gaze dropping to his long, slender fingers. Her toes curled remembering the feeling of those digits inside of her. Pressing against her most secretive place.

“My lady?” He inquired at her silence.

“Yours. Always yours.” She admitted, face flushed. Aemond hummed in approval.

“Good girl,” he praised, voice rough, disappearing beneath her skirts. She felt his hands pull down her small clothes, before hitching one of her legs over his shoulder. She wobbled momentarily, regaining her balance with the new position.

Elyse felt the sharp curve of his nose press against her most intimate spot, and inhale deeply. Elyse blushed furiously, feeling embarrassed at his action.

“Aemond-” she began, but he only growled.

“Do you have any idea what this does to me?” he purred. Elyse shook her head, forgetting Aemond could not see her. He nipped her inner thigh with his teeth causing her to gasp.

“No” she breathed and she could feel him humming against her.

“I think about this cunt always. For years I’ve dreamt only of this.” Elyse whimpered at his confession, feeling herself growing wetter with his words. Aemond’s fingers dug into the meat of her thighs.

“I am a gentleman. I was forced to restrain myself far too long against your temptation.” He murmured against her.

“I’ve dreamt of you,” she said, through her whimpers. Aemond smiled beneath her skirts. “Always of you…oh!” Aemond licked her then, from the bottom of her slit to the top, his tongue exploring every inch of her. His lips circled her clit, the tip of his tongue teasing the sensitive pearl.

“Aemond…oh gods,” Elyse moaned as he thrust his tongue up inside her. He brought a hand to her buttock, spanking it harshly. Elyse yelped at the smack before his hand squeezed relief into her cheek.

“My prince,” Elyse corrected feeling the warmth spread through her at the memory.

There are no gods here, only me.

Only him beneath her skirts. Only his tongue, gods that tongue that curled into her in a way that made her forget all sense of dignity as she cried out continuously.

Elyse felt the hand on her buttock push her more into his face. She worried momentarily about how Aemond was supposed to breathe with her so entangled around his head, but the thought left her mind as the pleasure built within her.��

Her release began to build, a wave creating over her ready to crash against the shore. She cried out as his tongue thrust into her, probing the spot he discovered that first night together. The spot Aemond knew could have her sobbing his name.

“Aemond!” She cried and he nearly came himself at the sound of his name bubbling from her lips, in a pleasurable cry.

He removed himself from beneath her skirts, letting her hooked leg slide down to the floor.

“Bed,” he commanded and Elyse eagerly obliged. Aemond discarded his boots before climbing on top of her, ridding Elyse of her shift. Naked as her nameday, gooseflesh began to blossom on her flesh in the cool air.

Elyse’s hands found the hem of his shirt and he assisted her in ridding it from his body. Elyse felt her eyes widen as she admired the smooth planes of his chest, the muscles that roped his arms. She brought her hands to the waistband of his trousers, and though they shook with nervous excitement, she was able to undo the ties.

Aemond’s cock sprung free, slapping against his stomach causing Elyse’s lips to part. She wet her lips then, looking up at Aemond for instructions on what to do next.

A groan escaped Aemond as he latched his mouth to her breast. Elyse squealed with delight as he circled her nipple with his tongue. He lavished the sizable mound with hot licks of his tongue, nipping the sensitive skin with his teeth sure to leave her chest littered with lovebites. Leaving a trail of kisses on her breastbone he made his way to her other breast to give it the same attention.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured against her, “you have no idea how long I have wanted this.”

“Aemond,” Elyse cried, as her thighs clenched together. She could feel his hardness pressing against her thigh, and she ached to sheath him inside of her. Aemond simply hummed against her, content with taking his time, as she ran her hand over his silky hair reaching the strap of his eyepatch. Aemond froze then, every muscle in his body at attention. Elyse noticed his shoulders tense.

“Let me see you,” she begged. Aemond’s violet eye met hers before giving Elyse a curt nod.

Gently, Elyse removed the strap revealing the sapphire underneath. Aemond kept his eye locked on her, reading her reaction. Though he felt his shame course through him, he refused to look away. Elyse traced her fingers over the scar, before feeling the cold gem.

“Beautiful,” she whispered.

Aemond kissed her, long and hard, using the hand that did not hold him above her to move her thighs apart. Elyse was slick and dripping from her earlier release and his continued attention, as she felt him press against her center.

“This may hurt, only briefly,” he warned between kisses and she nodded, pressing her forehead to his.

“It’s alright,” she told him. Elyse was ready to become a woman. To truly become Aemond’s wife.

Aemond slowly pushed his length into her, the stretch causing her mouth to fall open. There was a moment of sharp pain causing her to whimper as Aemond split her in two. Aemond brought his mouth to her neck, meaning to distract her from the pain with the pleasure she enjoyed.

He pressed into her slowly, stretching her out, until he bottomed out in her cunt. He clenched his teeth at the feeling of her tight, wet, heat pulsating around him.

Elyse dug her fingernails into his shoulders leaving crescent-shaped marks. There was a moment of fire deep within her womb as their bodies fully connected for the first time.

Aemond allowed her a moment to adjust, before pulling his hips back and snapping them forward sending a wave of pleasure through Elyse's body. She dug her nails harder into his shoulder, gritting her teeth together at the enticing sensation of pleasure and pain.

Aemond brought his hands around Elyse’s head as he plunged himself into her, their bodies flush against one another. Elyse wrapped her legs around his waist desperate to aid him in his passionate thrusts, as the pain ebbed completely. Elyse moaned beneath him as he placed a kiss on her jaw.

“Aemond,” she whined and the prince smiled into her.

Aemond swore he could live off of Elyse’s moans and nothing more.

“Yes, my sweet girl?” he purred, causing Elyse to whimper.

Elyse felt her pleasure creeping up her back once more, the pressure in her abdomen twisting and turning, wound so incredibly tight. A dam soon to burst open.

Tears leaked from her eyes as Aemond continued his even, long thrusts into her. His teeth scraped her neck and she dug her fingers deeper into his shoulders.

“Please,” she begged and Aemond’s cock twitched within her. How Aemond adored when she begged.

“Fuck,” Aemond moaned into her shoulder and he pounded into her, his strokes slow and relentless. “You’re doing so well, so good for me.”

Elyse could only moan in response as Aemond pulled her pleasure from her. As Aemond stared into her eyes Elyse felt an immense pressure well in her chest. Aemond grinned at her expression.

“Does this feel good?” he crooned, as she whimpered below him. His voice sent a wave of pleasure rippling down her spine.

“Yes,” she breathed.

Elyse’s walls began to flutter as the peak of her pleasure washed over her. As Aemond felt her cunt clamp around him his thrusts became sloppier as found his own release, emptying his seed into her warm cunt.

He stayed seated within her as her cunt milked him for all he was worth. He swore that it was paradise, the feeling of Elyse’s silky walls constructing around him. The two lay together still conjoined, pants turning back into slow breaths.

As he pulled himself from her warm sheath, he watched as their mingled releases spilled from her opening. The blood of her maidenhead pooled on the sheets below her.

Elyse tangled her fingers in his hair as he lay beside her, feeling suddenly very tired.

Aemond allowed himself a moment, basking in the post-coital haze, placing kisses on every inch of skin his lips could reach, before he rose from the bed. He placed his arms under Elyse, lifting her from the bed with several furs.

“What are you doing?” She asked sleepily, as he laid her on the chaise.

“My lady wife shall not sleep on bloodied sheets,” he told her as he tore the sheets from the marriage bed. Elyse had wondered whether or not she would bleed, she had enjoyed riding horses throughout the years of her youth.

Elyse sat up and watched him, the dull ache between her legs reminded her that she had become a woman. A wife. Aemond’s wife. She smiled softly as he discarded the sheets.

Aemond turned to her and Elyse’s lips parted with her gasp. He was so beautiful; lean, taught muscles everywhere, long silver hair, and sharp features. And that blue sapphire eye of his that sparkled in the candlelight, as though winking at her.

Elyse let herself admire him, even as her face flushed while he watched her.

Aemond felt himself growing hard again as she gazed at him, her eyes falling toward his waist.

A hungry look clouded his eyes and Elyse smiled coyly at him.

“My prince?” she asked him, as he prowled over to her.

“Fuck the sheets,” he murmured capturing her lips in a kiss.

“Fuck the bed,” he breathed between his kisses, hands gripping her thighs pulling her towards him once more.

After several rounds of lovemaking, Elyse lay draped over Aemond’s chest, her fingers entangled in his strands of silver hair. She could feel the tips of his fingers tracing shapes on her upper arms.

The sky was a startling shade of violet, golden light beginning to bathe the room. Though her mind was foggy with the pleasure she experienced, a question played in her mind.

“Why a sapphire?” she murmured, feeling Aemond’s head turn at the sound of her voice. She looked up at him between her lashes.

“Why do you ask?” he said, in a voice rough from the late hour.

“I once heard it was a ruby,” she told him, causing him to chuckle at the gossip. Elyse smiled at his amused expression.

“Why not an amethyst?” she questioned, fingers dancing over his pectoral muscle, watching as it flexed beneath her touch. She wondered why he had not chosen the gemstone that matched his eye. Aemond hummed at her question.

“I’m rather fond of this shade of blue,” he told her, before rolling until he was atop her again, nudging apart her thighs. Elyse let out a soft whine; she could feel his hardness pressing at her entrance, desperate to be buried within her again. She happily obliged.

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed it 💚

#aemond fic #aemond x original character #aemond x oc #aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #aemond targaryen smut #aemond smut #aemond fanfiction #house of the dragon aemond #aemond targaryen fanfic #aemond targaryen x fem!oc #aemond targaryen fic #oc: elyse baratheon #aemond x original female character #original character #hotd smut #hotd fanfic

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reigenkills · 2 years ago

Text

MISSION FROM GOD TO FILL THIS TAG, GOD BLESS. THIS IS A SERIES NOW I GUESS

also this is on ao3 for easier archival

The nice thing about being entrapped into such an outlandish job such as capturing Death is that your clients hadn't paid you beforehand. They barely thought about reimbursement for your exploitation, really. They were more smug about the fact that they had leverage on you and eagerly sicced you on the personification of death.

But, while you went penniless from the encounter, you had no binding contract, magical or otherwise, which means that now that you have no obligation to do anything for them, you can sail halfway across the ocean with them none the wiser.

Duloc used to be one of the biggest kingdoms this side of the hemisphere. Ever since its ruler's untimely demise, however (eaten by a dragon, or so the rumors say), the resulting power vacuum had thrown the whole place into chaos with lesser aristocracy staking claims here and there, lobbying assassinations at each other while everyone else tried to stay out of the way.

But it's been years since Lord Farquaad took the slip n' slide down a giant lizard's throat. The kingdom has mostly stabilized, with sovereign villages here and there, while the fighting mostly took place on aristocratic lands. And where there's a semi-safe village and a shitton of espionage, there's an open job market for people like you.

You find yourself the cheapest inn available, ditch your usual all-black attire for locally-made clothes (a lot harder to track where you're from when your stuff's locally sourced - you are not getting compromised by a shirt tag), and start hitting the seediest bars you can find. In a land with this much unrest, there's plenty.

Predictably, you're not the only mercenary on the hunt for a job. Duloc's mostly merc country now, and the barmaid helpfully tells you where to frequent and who to talk to. There are even formal guilds here, though until you get a better feel for the land and the political climate, you think you'll go solo.

Your first few weeks aren't too bad. There's jobs from big wigs and commoners alike - from farmers needing wolves chased off their property to jealous lovers with too much money putting a hit on some poor schmuck. The most challenging thing you have to do is going to the mountains to bring a pair of brothers home after their camping trip goes awry, and their worried family puts a job out to find them when they don't come home. Turns out they got scared by some deer and ran deeper into the woods, getting lost in the process.

It's nothing you're not used to. At least no one's given you an assassination job, but you're new to town. Everyone's still getting a feel for your presence too - par for the course.

Three months into your stay in Poisonapple, Duloc, a hysterical parent barges into your new favorite bar, already drunk out of his mind and begging people to help him. Muffet, the barmaid, winces and mutters, "He's still at it?"

"He's done this before?" you ask.

"He was here yesterday," she says. "Poor Elrick's gotten tangled up with some rich family up north. I heard they got him tricked into pricking his finger on a cursed spindle."

"Oooh." You suck in a breath through your teeth. "True love's kiss not work out?"

"If his love even knows what's happened to him." Muffet shakes her head. "His father's been asking people to find some way to undo it, but - " She looks around, then leans closer as she whispers. "You ask me, I think Elrick's love's been locked away in some tall tower to keep 'er away from trouble. Weeks' worth of journey and the boy'll be bones by the time anyone comes back."

"Royal types do tend to do that, don't they?" you mutter. "Thought that solution fell out of popularity after Fairy Godmother herself kicked the bubble."

"Eh, where there's a vacancy in the market, there's a thousand other people waiting to fill it," Muffet says. "Competitors just had to take over the niche."

"Yikes." You knock back your drink, turning around in your seat to watch the poor old man plead, hands wringing as he begs for someone, anyone, to save his son.

You'd give it a shot, but like Muffet said, intel gathering would take days alone. The human body isn't designed to be unconscious with no food or water for that long. You don't even know how long Elrick's been knocked out, how long he has left.

"Can't they get someone else to do a counterspell?" you ask Muffet. "Like Sleeping Beauty?"

"Fae are hard to find around these parts. Witches too. Lord Farquaad chased everyone magical off the land a few years ago and very few have decided to come back since. The constant fighting between them aristocrats ain't helping."

"Yeah," you say. "Guess it'd be easier to find a witch and buy time than getting that true love's kiss, though."

Elrick's father suddenly turns to you. You freeze, and watch in horror as the man begins to stumble towards you.

"You - you know how to help my son?" he asks. "Please - "

"Uhhhh." You turn to Muffet, who wipes down the counter and dutifully keeps her gaze away, minding her own business. You're all for minding your own business, encourage it in fact, but come on. Traitor.

"Please," the old man says. "He's only sixteen - "

Fuck. Of course he is. Or course it has to be some young fucking kid.

"I don't really know, I was just…throwing ideas out," you say, tugging on the collar of your shirt. "See what stuck."

"B-but you're a witch, aren't you?" The old man eyes the red of your cloak, a new piece you'd gotten to replace your older one. While people in Duloc dressed much more colorfully than from your old town, the colors you now don make it so easy to identify you.

People know what your look like because they've been keeping an eye on you. You have a red cloak. You have two guns holstered on your belt at all times. You have a spellbook you carry in a satchel everywhere.

"I'm not very good at it," you admit.

"At least try."

"I could make it worse. I don't know how to use magic," you say. "Is it really worth the risk?"

The old man pauses, his brows furrowing, before he nods. "Anything," he says. "I just need someone to help."

"Look," you say. "Messing around with magic I barely know is a recipe for disaster. If I mess up, I'm not just gonna be trying to break a curse, I'm gonna have to drag your son back from the jaws of death. Does that sound any better?"

"Then just drag him back, witch," the old man insists. "Rally against death if you have to."

Your eye twitches. This is why you hate talking to people. This is why all your work is through written correspondence and why you talk sparsely. People always forget to suggest and go straight for commands. Where are the manners?

You turn around, mouth clamped shut, tapping a nail against the grain of the counter while the old man shouts behind you. A few people later come to drag him out.

You ask Muffet for another drink with the biggest glass she has. She gives you a raised eyebrow as she slides one twice the size of your forearm at you.

Whatever. You need to get a little reckless, burn off some energy. It's fine. Just as long as the person you're now supposed to rally against doesn't show -

"That could have gone better."

Son of a bitch.

You slam the glass onto the counter a little harder than you should. In the corner of your eye, Death flashes a smile.

"What can I do for you this evening, señor?" you ask, fingers twitching.

"What was your last command? Rally against Death?" He turns and leans am elbow on the counter, resting his face on one paw. "How are you gonna do that, peque?"

"I am trying - " your hands itch. " - not to."

"Can you actually fight your curse?" he asks.

You resist the urge to bang your head against the counter. As much as you're trying to control yourself, he's not making it easy when every word that comes out of his mouth makes you want to maul him.

He snickers. Your nails scratch against the grain of the counter as you turn back to him.

"Oh? Something's happening." Death leans over, hunching down to your height so you're nearly nose-to-snout, red eyes tracking every twitch and tic of your face. "What are you gonna do, peque? Bite me?"

You bite him.

"Son of a bitch!"

In your defense, he'd suggested it, and he was the one who got the brilliant idea of sticking his nose within biting range. You get a mouthful of freezing fur and snout, and then he's pulling you off of him like a leech. You snarl, grabbing fistfuls of silver fur to hold on, but he's much stronger - and he pulls you off with a comical pop!

He punts you across the room. You tuck your knees in and roll, landing on your hands and feet. "What the fuck is wrong with you? Mierda!"

You spit out the fur in your mouth - it tastes like ice chips for whatever reason. What the hell. "Hey, you asked for it. Gift of obedience, remember?"

You stand and watch him actually pause and consider it, before he glares, remembering he'd phrased it as a question and not a command. He reaches up to rub his snout.

"You're lucky you've got a while to go." He glances over your head. "Otherwise, I'd make you regret that."

"Hey, I was told to rally against Death. Can't hold that against me, can you?" One of your hands is already itching towards your gun. You look to your hip in distaste, your fingers twitching again.

"Don't."

Despite how annoying he is, you visibly sag with relief, sighing as the uncomfortable urge to just maim disappears. Your hand drops. You straighten and smooth out your cloak.

"That's way better," you mutter.

When you turn back to Death, he has his head tilted, his now-lopsided hood revealing the end of an ear. That's actually kinda cute, if he was, you know, not built like a brick shithouse and has rows of needles in his mouth.

"What?" you ask.

"I could just tell you never to attack me again," he says. Your hackles raise. "But that'd be less funny."

You raise an eyebrow. "What am I, entertainment TV?"

He snickers.

"Asshole."

"Brat."

You sneer, before marching back to the counter to drop a few pieces of silver onto it. You have no idea where Muffet's gone. Out back for a smoke break, probably, since you were the only customer left by the time Death showed up.

"Might wanna keep away from these parts, old man. Some of the folk up north are getting restless and desperate," you say. "My previous clients weren't the first people to think about chaining Death. There's always people who want more power."

"I know, peque. I've been here longer than you," he says with a chuckle. "You keep your eye on not getting turned into a dance monkey again."

You turn and flip him off. He laughs, and the candles in the room flicker, bathing everything in darkness for a second.

When the lights steady, he's gone.

#puss in boots death x reader #puss in boots x reader #muerte x reader #puss in boots the last wish #fic #fanfiction

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spaceless-vacuum · 1 year ago

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YESS I saw your requests open and I had to ask this

Can I have yandere playtonic ganondorf's x CHILD mute reader

Like the the little girl if From abuse family but falls into Link universe and see the all the ganondorf and is in aww cuz she likes them and is her favorite character. And like a duckling she fallows them. And the links find out about her and she quick runs blowing her wishlist for her dad's help cuz scary links are here and trying to take her away.

( I am mute and I really like gagon a lot it was hard to choose but I always use him as a father role model I don't know why

Fron mute sand 🦭 Anon

The blessings of the goddesses came in all different shapes and sizes. Many could not feel their energies still laying in the earth waiting for someone to wake it. Maybe it was because of his dark descent into madness in his past lives. It was possible that after all these years all that time spent with the triforce of power had granted him power even without it being with him. Whenever he felt useless or like it was all over he made the trip to find what it was that he had lost.

At that time he had been granted passage back to his homeland. Many people had ignored him as he boarded the ship and made his way across the waves. It was the rebirth. The waking up knowing who he was and what he would have to do was weighing heavy on him. It had been such a long time since he last woke up he was unsure of what to do. A couple of months ago he had landed on these shores and now he had to find a place to settle and take control.

The people could complain all they wanted but there were bigger issues to work on. There were always things to complain about here. There was always something to do. The work here was never over.

Din’s blessing was an unusual one. She offered him the power to never have to fight alone. The minions of darkness are the first many seem to think of when they imagine him summoning his forces. These were the foes people tended to think of when he asked for aid. They were a problem. Not things you wanted to deal with often or at all if you could help it. It would not be happening here. Not until everything was settled and there were no other options. They were the last ones to answer his calls.

The second are the foul sorcerers who roam the land. Those who are always looking for an ounce of power they can reach for no matter how high the cost. A few joined him because there was no other option. As walls were torn down and the days of reckoning here the god king left few alive in his wake and many felt that they had no other choice. Everyone has a price.

The third, as all things rotten and blessed come in three, are his warriors. The homelands' shores rest far from Hyrule and he longs for the days where his army full of warriors ready to follow any order stood proudly as he raised the order to go across the great sea to leave his mark on the lands of Hyrule. Gerudo woman were proud and stubborn. Getting them over to his side meant working his way back to the top and reminding everyone why he was the one in charge of it all in the first place.

A challenge but a welcome one. The years of fighting and torment had left a stain on the political landscape. He was well versed in it but right now it was something to tread lightly into. As it stands- he is alone- on the banks of an oasis. The cold howling wind picked sand up and threw it against this exposed skin. Thoughts of who will hear his call and come over throw themselves in the air and are picked up along with the wind. Until all that is left is the cold. Cold and uncaring.

Ganondorf hesitates for a moment. The thought that a wizard like Vatti might show up instead of anyone helpful would be a nasty surprise. He had only so much patience to spare. He had nothing to offer anyone right now. His taste had been worn down since he crossed the sea. Not all the minions of darkness could recognize their old master's new form. His control over them would not show unless he lost himself to the curse. There were no plans to do that anytime soon. Yet it had its benefits. He found that the sands were more troublesome than he last remembered.

A claw from some creature had caught his leg in an ambush. The wound did not look to be infected. The blood had stopped but he knew he had to go get it looked at soon or else it would only get worse. It burned and some sand had gotten into it already. He was hoping for a lone rider who would show up with supplies. Even a blobokin would be ok. They at least would have supplies back at their camp. Even a kind vai could be convinced to share some information on where the nearest town was.

It’s not like he was on the run. He just didn't want to be seen. To announce his presence would give his enemies the time to prepare against him. If people started to talk then it wouldn't be long before word spread and these conditions were not ideal. He was hoping to find a good foothold to settle into before grabbing at his power. This way no one could try to stop him until it was already too late. That and he needed to rest and figure out just what was going on in his own country before trying to do anything more. That and the need to survive in the rough desert was already taking the toll on him; and who knew when his help would arrive. In many instances it wasn't something that worked within his understanding.

“Let's get this done.” Ganondorf stood up from the water and walked to his right back down the path, meaning to continue his journey. Whatever help would come would show up when the gods intended it to. It was then he saw the shadow.

Slowly making its way up the path they walked slowly as if wounded or exhausted. They were short, at best they were an older kid but there was no easy way to tell. The sun had burnt them surly and they looked miserable as they made their descent to the meagre watering hole that could hardly be called an oasis. The person took their time to approach. Looking down until they finally managed to lift their head and wave hello to the stranger.

One heavy leg in front of another you walked alone through the desert for who knows how long before making it here, to the only oasis in miles. This was not the safest place to be either. The source of water here was small and prone to drying up and was not settled by. Only a few days north was a town which was by a river. It was still a few days away but it made all the difference in the world to be able to stop here first. All it took was one look. He knew there was no way this kid would survive on their own. Hell, he had been in their shoes before. Fighting to survive in a world that he would make his own one way or another. He never stopped fighting and that was his issue; but who would fight for you? You were a child and could not understand the world and all the pain it could bring.

They rubbed their eyes and stared at him as he approached. Ganondorf hoped he wasn't too imposing. He was taller than most and tended to scare others when he approached. YOu were either too tired to care or couldn't even notice the possible danger due to your own weariness. His own supplies were short but not so much that he couldn't offer help. He knelt down in front of you to cut down on the scare factor. You were a kid. He hadn't seen another person for a few hours now. Who left you here on your own?

“Are you ok little one?” You nodded, and then hesitated a moment. Looking around at the sand in front of you, around you, and behind you. You then looked back at him and shook your head; letting out a sigh you stood there awkwardly. Not sure what to do to convey what you needed or wanted to someone new. Ganondorf stood up and thought about this for a moment. He was already so sure that you would be by his side from now on, he didn't need to think twice about it; but he had just used his saving grace just a moment ago. This was such a sheer coincidence that it could only be called divine intervention. He asked for a miracle and one was given.

You were to be raised by him. That much was already decided. If there was anything ou needed he would get it for you. The whole world would fall if only to bring a smile to your face. He'd drag the moon out of orbit if it would keep you happy. He had to change course. The nearest town was not that far away. It was better than out here and from there the two of you could charter a boat and move to the capitol. It was alright if you didn't know what was going on. He would raise you as his own and have you by his side while he ruled.

Ganondorf stood back up and smiled at you before handing you his canteen. He had just filled it up and would gladly do so again before heading back out. You needed it more than him.

“How long have you been wandering alone?” He looked behind you for a glimpse of someone else, a family member or retainer, anyone he could sink his teeth into to vent his anger. No child should be left alone, especially not in a place like this. Did they not understand how dangerous it could be? He watched you shug and it seemed like you were alone this whole time. He could only hope that the people who left you were on their way to meet their end on their own. It was only fitting.

The idea of raising a kid again was exciting. Some of his best days were when he was working as a father and taking on the role of responsibility. He was always happiest when surrounded by a family. Even if he did seem grumpy he had a good heart. You two made it to the small amount of water and you handed the canteen back to him, it was now empty. He filled it back up in the water and tilted the lid so you could see inside.

“Look here. This is the canteen's water filter. It's so you don't have to worry about how clean the source is. Just replace it when it stops working and make sure to always clean what you're drinking, ok?.” You nod and he stands up. Happy to be able to pass along information on how to live here. You may not be gerudo but that's ok. They'll happily take you in as his kid just as he has. He chuckles. You're such a sweet kid he feels blessed to have you here. He now knows what he has to do. He can do the math about a lost kid and a warrior who needs someone to mentor. Walking away from the oasis and to the north he explains things about living here.

Don't travel during midday or midnight. It gets too hot or too cold and you have to shift focus on surviving rather than making progress. He talks about the towns and where they're located. He knows how to hunt game and can prepare food for the two of you; but he curses himself for not bringing more supplies. He likes to travel light but with you around it makes him realise that he should have been more prepared. He wasn't expecting you to show up but the gods always give you what you need and not what you want.

Ganon starts to relax as a few hours pass and he realises you're not going anywhere. Not that you'd be able to make it on your own but it takes a weight off of his shoulders to know that you'll stay by his side. It's too dangerous to wander off. In a day or two you'll be both behind walls safe and tucked away. Until then it will be rough travel. He continues to teach you the basics. Explaining and pointing things out to help you understand the area. The idea of you being able to run off on your own makes him just about as angry as he's ever been but he has to accept that in a climate like this not giving someone the knowledge they need to survive is a death sentence. This is also a good way for him to scare you into staying by his side. You can't leave if you're too scared of what's out there.

He starts to talk about monsters and avoids telling any stories that will give you nightmares, but does stress how dangerous it is, even on the roads. His leg is still wounded but it's nothing noticeable but you blanch at seeing it and he warns you to always stay by his side so he can care for you.

“You're there for me and I will be here for you. I have people to lead and plans to fulfil, but I will make sure you have a life here alongside the one I have planned. I swear that.”

. . .

“Please tell me why we have to come out this far?” Wind was the most miserable out of all of them, even Time had left all of his armour in favour of cooler clothes but the pirate was not used to the desert or heat like this. He hadn't stopped complaining since they entered the desert. At first he seemed more open to the idea of something new. Excited to explore a region he had never seen before. Now he was regretting ever travelling with the group in the first place. He was drenched in sweat and was the second most miserable person here.

“I don't know, I wasn't the one who opened the portal in the first place!” Legend said, snark evident in his tone. He had been the one to call for everyone to run after the darkness in the first palace. They hadn't seen any enemies for a few hours at this point and the only point of respite had been a small pool of water no bigger than a pond. It was starting to dry out but it was water. They needed that. It was deep enough to splash onto their faces to help cool off. That was all that mattered.

“Be serious you two.” Sky mumbled. He was either handling the heat well or too out of it to focus, it was hard to tell as the look on his face was always a bit distant. This heat was getting to everyone. Maybe some less than others but it was hard to tell.

“I am serious.” legend bit back. This morning he was snarky but not like this. The heat made him rude. More so than usual. Everyone's tensions were high but he placed a few of them through the rough.

“Be quiet there might be molduga around.” Wild said, he was holding his slate and staring at the screen. There was nothing but static on the map section but he seemed to not be giving up hope as they were by his home last.

“If your slates are not working it's not your Hyrule.” Time muttered.

“Sure, but are we so sure they don't exist elsewhere.” Wild countered, not yet convinced that they were safe to be making so much noise.

“I never saw one.” Hyrule spoke up. He was something of an expert on monsters having faced so many, but even his knowledge had limits and being sent through time seemed to test his skills more than anything. This fact seemed to dawn on him and he corrected himself a moment later. “I've never actually been to a desert this big so I don't think I would ever have had a chance to see one. Ignore that last statement.”

“So do we need to find a map or should one of us scout ahead and see what’s waiting at the end of this road?” Warrior finally spoke up. He had ditched the scarf and most of his armour to avoid the heat but was not yet convinced they were safe enough to let their guard down. They hadn't seen Dink since they went through the portal and there wasn't much room for him to run. He was either following them, safe and sound somewhere they missed, or had opened another portal and left them out to dry stranded in the desert with no hope of help left to be sucked dry if they didn't find a way out. That didnt mean Warrior felt safe enough to take his leathers off.

“No way to get a map without a town.” Sky pointed out. Stumped, they all had only one choice, and that was to keep walking. The road had to lead somewhere and there must be a friendly face or at least half friendly for them to talk to.

. . .

Don't talk to strangers. Be in bed before dark. Don't go anywhere without telling me where and why. Dont journey outside of the town's limits. Kill anyone who gets too close to you. You counted all the rules you were breaking in your head as you broke them. There were quite a few but you knew them all by heart by now. You had no idea why you had decided to sneak out at night and make your way down the road. There weren't any monsters to fight and all was peaceful. There was nothing for you to expect out here. Not that fighting was why you left, it was just getting to be so boring cooped up in the town all day and night. Gandad, a nickname that had earned a chuckle before, was never harsh or cruel. He just wanted to avoid you getting hurt. He was aware of your unique situation because you were not only an outlander, but an outworlder.

You followed him around everywhere and earned yourself the nickname of duck or duckling. If anyone needed to know where you were it was about three feet behind Ganon. You often found yourself tucked into his coat falling asleep while he talked or did his work. He had a kingdom to establish and run but not everything was as right as rain. There was always something he had to get done and more often than not he was busy. He never minded bringing you into meetings and no one ever argued or said anything against it. You were considered his child and as such was treated as one of the clan.

You never spoke but you didn't need to. The people here understood sign language and you had gotten verbal cards with simple phrases written on them when you were out and about. That was when you were alone. Ganondorf spoke for you most of the time. He’d gotten used to how you acted and was able to understand you just fine. He has joked around and said he had a connection with a certain silent hero and was used to being able to read emotions off of someone to understand them. He had always danced around the subject of Link, but he always spoke about him quietly and in a low voice. As if he could hear him from even this far away.

The stress of knowing that Zelda or Link could find out about him being alive again at any point must wear on his nerves. He lessened his worries by diving head first into work and making sure there were less ticking bombs around. Checking in on his people and finding out what they needed and how to strengthen them was his first and topmost priority; and you were included in his family now. Which meant making sure you were ok was also the most important thing. Ganondorf was genuinely a good father. A proud dad who loved to spend quality time with you. Even when you broke the rules he was never harsh or mean. He could never raise his voice or yell which put you at ease. The rules were there for a reason and he was worried about you all of the time. A cold fear that he may one day lose you.

The road was stretched out into the distance. All was quiet. There was nothing outside and the air was filled only with the sound of wind and bigs. That was until a new noise joined the march. Something low and angry. A group was silhouetted against the sky. You couldn't tell what they were or how many. It could be travellers. Passersby who were simply heading into town. It could also be a group of monsters! Ready to attack anyone unlucky enough to bump into them on the road. Your hand went to the dagger at your hip. Ready to defend yourself should any trouble start. Dad had always stressed that you were not to be around strangers or to go out far enough to encounter monsters.

You were not good with a dagger but you could handle it well enough. Dad had enjoyed teaching you to defend yourself and was always proud when you picked up a weapon. He would never allow you to fight but he was a warrior himself and loved passing the practice down. Truth be told you were better at hand to hand combat but that would not help if the group travelling were monsters. It all depended on who was there ahead of you.

You recalled the meeting this morning. A group of gerudo warriors had come in and said that they were having more troubles with the group of local lizalfos. It was not uncommon for them to fight with the woman here with dad around he should be able to talk with them. No one wanted them near the town; and collecting them into his army would only mean more mouths to feed. Enlisting them was better than sending a platoon to wipe them out however. The monsters aren't always good to have around but they aren't always bad either. The ethics of the situations and how far he can stretch his powers were up for debate and talked about into the later hours of the day.

You knew that it had to be something related to that so you carefully took your hand off of your weapon to make sure you were less of a threat to either the soldiers or the hopefully more friendly monsters and kept walking forward. You ran over the items you brought along and stopped on a whistle that Ganon gave you. He told you to use it if you were ever in danger and you hadn't had to yet but you wanted to be safe. Something told you that dad could hear it from all the way out here even if he was still sleeping.

You walked further and one of the people seemed to have spotted you too. They raised a hand above their head and started waving frantically. Whoever it was saying something. You could make out more now. There were about seven of them, maybe more in the back of the group. All of them were tall and carried weapons strapped to their back. They couldn't be from town. They were men. Unfamiliar men at that. Something feels wrong. Like you are now being watched by somebody behind you. The group of men are still approaching and you clutch the whistle in both hands.

The adventures had seen you and mistook you for another hylian. Comforted by the thought that they were close to town or could at least ask for directions they made their way closer. First one, then three, and now seven people all hurtling towards you. Worry starts to fill you starting as a pine prickle on your spine and settling into the knowledge that if your dad saw them you'd all be in so much trouble. Tucking your hands into your pants pockets you stand there ready to answer their questions. Scratch that, if your dad saw them they'd be dead. Dead within a second.

…

I had some trouble trying to figure out how to end it and to connect the plot threads together but I think I did an ok job. I wanted to show Ganon’s yandere tendencies while cementing that he is still a good dad because let's be real here he has a conscience and wouldn't ever put his kid in danger. I didn't add this but the Links would be so dead. Poison in their food. Assassins sent to slay them in their sleep. Their bodies left for the rats. Ganon cant stand them and certainly not near his kid. He doesn't want to hurt you and will apologise and comfort you but there's no way he could leave them alive. Good or not that many men? Around his child? No. no. dead within seconds. Everyone in town knows you're off limits and who knows what those strangers would have done with a lost child alone, at night no less. For your safety they are gone with a snap of his fingers. Food for the scorpions.

taglist: @monkeyking-and-liuer-mate

#eye write #legend of zelda #yandere legend of zelda #platonic yandere #platonic relationships #request #child reader #mute sand 🦭 anon

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exitpursuedbyavulcan · 2 years ago

Text

The Silver Dragon (41/?)

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Original Female Character

Word Count: 8030

Story Summary: Lady Arianwyn Targaryen, the Lady of Runestone, was seeded by her father, the Rogue Prince Daemon Targaryen, in an act of unbridled hatred, and borne of her mother, the late Lady Rhea Royce, as a desperate grasp at revenge.

Ignored by her father, and alone following the death of her mother, she is raised in King’s Landing alongside her cousin, Prince Aemond Targaryen. As they grow, the two find themselves indelibly bonded. But their lives are far from the fairy tales they read, and as tensions in the family rise, they find their paths may diverge.

Will they be pulled apart when the dragons dance?

Chapter Summary: On the first day they have spent apart since they were wed, Aemond and Arianwyn fly far away from each other on missions for the new King.

Warnings: none, unless you count frat-boy-esque characters

Author's Note:

I'm back! And I'm so, SO sorry for the wait!!! Those few days I warned y'all about kind of turned into an impromptu hiatus! But, I hope that the veritable FEAST I'm about to give y'all will make up for it.

The story of what Aria and Aemond get up to on their respective missions was originally going to be just two, regular sized chapters (one for Aria, one of Aemond). But… it kinda turned into a monster as I was writing.

So, instead of two single-POV chapters, y'all are getting a three-parter! Both Aria and Aemond have roughly equal time in each, so you won't have to go without either of them. Today, I'm posting the first part. Part II will follow tomorrow, and part III the day after. Each chapter is longer than any that have come before it. This one is just over 8K, part II is a WHOPPING 18K, and part III should be coming in at around 10K…

Enjoy!

Series Masterlist

Taglist: @thelittleswanao3 @trap-house-homiecide @50svibes @literishdegree99 @dc-marvel-girl96 @henriettadreaming @multiple-fandoms-girl @gyuxmilk @somemydayy @kittykylax @whore-of-many-hot-men @slavicvvitch @crazymusicgirl104

(Please let me know if your tag isn't working, and I'll do my best to correct it! And if you would like to be added to the list, just shoot me an ask!)

Three Days, Part I

On the 23rd day in the ninth month, 136 years after Aegon’s conquest…

As she soared over the Westerosi countryside, Arianwyn found herself wishing that the Vale and the Eyrie were somehow further away so that she and Emrys could stay in the skies for even longer.

But there it was.

Just coming into view was a great expanse of sparkling blue-green water, bounded on either side by a patchwork of towering sandy dunes, salty marshlands, small fishing villages built entirely upon stilts, and a hundred small streams.

The Bay of Crabs. The border separating the Crownlands from the Vale – her adopted home from the place of her birth and the land of her ancestors.

Some small part of her that still yearned for adventure and unrestricted freedom urged her to turn Emrys from his path. If she turned east, it would only take a few hours to reach Essos. If she followed the water to the west, she would find herself at the mouth of the Trident in the Riverlands.

Perhaps another day, she and Emrys would pick one of the river’s forks on a whim and follow it to its end – with Aemond and Vhagar beside them.

But today, she had a mission.

She hadn’t held Emry’s reins for hours – hadn’t needed to. After they had left King’s Landing, she only needed to direct him once. North and ever so slightly east. Then she had simply let him fly.

He needed no encouragement beyond that. For so long, he had been restricted by Daemon’s threats against him, his cherished rider, and her home. He could hardly go half a mile from Dragonstone’s shores before fear gripped them both, and he had rarely been in the air for more than a few hours. Now, he was flying further than he ever had before.

It was not entirely a blessing.

They had left not long after dawn, and it had only been a short while since the sun reached its zenith, but his wings were aching with effort and overuse. After one particularly strong beat of his wings, to combat the wind he was flying against – a shooting pain went through his right shoulder, and he faltered a bit, causing Arianwyn to sit up in her seat and seize the reins again. He let out an apologetic roar, struggling to right himself and fly steady.

“Issa sȳz, Emrys,” Arianwyn called over the roaring wind. “Iksan sȳz. Issi ao?” It is fine, Emrys. I am fine. Are you?

He grunted in reply, the sound strained.

She sighed and leaned forward to pat the scales of his side. “Iksan sīr vaoreznuni, ñuha byka ossȳngnon. Iksi va naejot Wickenden. Kessa daor sagon bōsa, se pār kostā emagoniā mība ēdrugon.” I am so sorry, my little dread. We are near to Wickenden. It will not be long, and then you can have a short rest.

Indeed, Otto had anticipated this. That either Emrys or Arianwyn would tire before they reached their destination. The Hand had therefore sent a raven to the Lord of House Waxley, asking if they would host the newest Targaryen princess – and Lady of Runestone – for an afternoon tea as she made her way to the Eyrie.

Lord Waxley had been all too eager to accept. Wickenden had never had the honor of hosting a member of the Royal house before. It had been planned for King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne to visit during one of their many progresses, but an assassination attempt on the Good Queen had ended the tour before they had been able to visit the castle – which was conveniently located just over halfway between King’s Landing and the Eyrie.

As they flew over the Bay of Crabs, Emrys flying valiantly, Arianwyn made a note to thank Otto for his foresight when she returned. She whispered encouragement and praise, laughing at the dragon’s eager yelps as they finally began to descend toward the picturesque town, the humble stone castle that looked over it, and the great fleet of beehives that stood like soldiers in the fields beyond.

A large bonfire had been lit in one of the fields on the western side of the town – the signal for where Emrys should land. He did not need Arianwyn’s encouragement to aim toward it, but she had to pull up on his reins to ensure he didn’t descend too quickly. His tail, tipped with the same horns that ran from the crest of his head down his spine, came dangerously close to tearing through their beautifully thatched roofs and ensuring that a Targaryen would never again be invited to Wickenden.

Lord and Lady Waxley themselves were waiting in the field to receive them with genuinely warm formalities. They were older, bordering on truly elderly, but in good health. Both had a friendly air about them, and their cheeks were flushed as they gazed in awe at the dragon before them.

Every person who beheld Emrys bore that same look.

Regardless of their education, every person in Westeros knew of the Balerion, the mighty black dragon that had won the Seven Kingdoms for Aegon the Conqueror. Whose fires had melted the very stones of Harrenhal and forged the Iron Throne itself. Nearly two hundred years old at his death, he had been the last living creature who had known the glory of Old Valyria.

Though Emrys was smaller, younger, and had no great feats to his name, no one could look at him and not recall the legends of Balerion the Black Dread.

Arianwyn had a sneaking suspicion that he somehow understood why people looked at him with such amazement and that he relished in it. Why else would he always preen as he did now?

Emrys let out a pompous huff as he stood tall despite the ache in his muscles, and Arianwyn was sure he was holding a great breath in his chest to make himself seem larger than he was.

However, his posturing ended when Lord Waxley summoned a wagon full of chained goats and large barrels of water. Emrys, exhausted from their flight, eagerly bounded toward where knights began to unload his provisions. He was so thirsty that he shattered one of the water barrels between his teeth as he hurried to gulp it down.

Arianwyn gave her flustered apologies for his inelegant behavior to her hosts. They were overly gracious and assured her it was unnecessary, seemingly relieved that her fearsome beast was indeed not fearsome, but rather more like an excessively large, frighteningly deadly herding dog. Albeit, one not quite fully trained.

Emrys was fully trained, technically, but still filled with youthful wonder and joy at the world. He was not a creature of war, and Arianwyn was glad of it.

Dragons were not weapons, though her ancestors had so often used them as such. And they were more than beasts of burden or even beloved pets. They were more akin to peers than any other animal. Companions, partners, friends. Viserys had told her something of the like once, not long after she had taken her first flight.

But looking back at her friend as she climbed into the Waxley’s carriage to ride to their castle for a short visit and some refreshments, Arianwyn realized that the mission they were on suggested that neither of them may have a choice.

War was looming. If it came, Emrys might very well be forced to become a creature of war.

Arianwyn was repulsed by the thought. She let that revulsion and fear settle within her, let it become something heavy and sharp in her gut. It made her muscles tense, her heart beat faster, and her mind race.

She savored the feeling. Though it was uncomfortable, it sat well next to her burning desire to bend to Aemond’s wish to go to Runestone together – to leave the court and King’s Landing behind. She had not realized how much it appealed to her until she let herself imagine Emrys in the moorlands of Runestone, flying along its coasts and resting in its Dragonpit.

Emrys would love it there, especially if Vhagar was there with him. The old dragon would, of course, join them as well. And for the first time in decades, she would not be alone.

Smiling at her hosts, Arianwyn silently vowed that she would do anything to succeed in her mission – for Emrys and Vhagar, Aemond and herself, and the peace they all wanted.

Vhagar was old, and slower than she once was due to her massive size, but she still loved to fly. Aemond had to laugh each time she trilled joyfully whenever they caught a strong updraft or passed through a group of clouds. At least she could still fly fast enough that the lingering water from the clouds dried within moments.

Still, the flight to Storm’s End was longer than she was used to, and her vocalizations had become less joyful and more irritable the closer they got to their destination.

Her groans of protest as they ascended higher to fly over the mountains of the Crownlands were particularly crass – or they likely would have been had she been able to speak rather than roar. Aemond had no doubt that if Vhagar could form words, she would delight in cursing like a Braavosi sailor.

“Kesi jiōragon konīr aderelo jī toliot,” he shouted to her as he slackened his grip on the reins. “Yn lo ao drējī jaelagon naejot, kosti jikagon grevenka.” We will get there sooner if we go over. But if you truly want to, we can go around.

Vhagar’s answering growl echoed through the stone of the mountains. If anyone below had heard, they would be terrified. Aemond, who knew by now what each noise meant, was only vaguely annoyed.

The sooner I can get you off my back, the better, she had seemed to say.

He rolled his eye and tugged on her reins – not to give any order or direction, but to show her he did not appreciate her sentiments.

“Issa daor ñuha gaomilaksir bona iksā uēpa se ēdrugī,” he laughed. “Se nyke gīmigon ao jorrāelagon nyke, se ao jorrāelagon issare isse se jēdar. Iksā biare naejot sagon kesīr lēda nyke, se ao daor ruaragon ziry.” It is not my fault that you are old and tired. And I know you love me, and you love being in the sky. You are happy to be here with me, and you cannot hide it.

Indeed, she could not hide it. But she could huff delightedly as she spun herself around, flexing her wings just right to keep her airborne as she crested the mountain peak upside down. She roared with glee when Aemond finally began shouting for her to right herself.

“Vhagar, kesā mazverdagon nyke ropagon lo jā olvie tolī,” he screamed as the blood rushed to his head, and he strained to keep his hands on the horns of the saddle. “Kostilus? Iksan vaoreznuni!” You will make me faint if you go much further. Please? I’m sorry!

Satisfied, she righted herself. She was impressed by how long he had lasted. He was getting better. Soon, he may be able to go longer than even Visenya had. She gave a low roar.

Very good, little Prince. You shall be fierce yet.

Aemond rolled his eye again as he smoothed down his hair, but his heart swelled with pride. If only Arianwyn had been there to see that, she would have proclaimed him the dragonriding superior to the Conqueror then and there.

His chest tightened at the thought of his sweet wife alone on her journey, hundreds of miles away from him. By now, she would be in Wickenden or, ideally, already departed from it. He hoped she would not linger there too long, for the thought of her arriving at the Eyrie in the dark – or worse, getting lost in the mountains at night – was unbearable.

At the thought, his hand drifted to the hilt of his dagger. He had intended to send it with her so he could offer her at least some protection. But Ser Ruban beat him to it, giving her the first dagger he had ever owned as they climbed into the carriage. It was obviously made for a boy not yet grown, and as such, was the perfect size for Arianwyn.

She had protested, insisting that such an heirloom should be passed down to his own sons, but Ruban had vowed he had no intention to marry or sire sons and that it would be the greatest honor of his life for her to wield the blade. Who could have refused that?

Still, Aemond was glad, in the end, to have his dagger with him, for it reminded him of Arianwyn. She had bit down on the hilt so hard when he was buried between her thighs that she had left teeth marks in the leather and dented the gold wire wrapped around it.

Normally, such an imperfection would have frustrated Aemond to no end. But nothing she ever did could ever be called imperfect. He ran his thumb over the marks, his heart lightening at the memories it brought back. If she had thought he was ravenous yesterday, she would be amazed by what he planned to do once they were both back in King’s Landing.

Three days, he reminded himself. Then, gods willing, they would return to each other, having successfully won the allegiance of two of the most powerful houses in Westeros. An alliance that would surely dissuade his half-sister from pressing her dubious claim to the throne.

There would be no war, no death. Nothing to stop them from going to Runestone and starting their lives together.

He only had to wait three days.

Vhagar’s curmudgeonly roar stopped his mind’s wanderings.

Wake up, little Prince, it said. We are nearly there, and you must be ready.

Aemond had been so far into his daydream that he was well into picturing him and Arianwyn walking across the hills of the Vale with their flock of sheep and their small army of children.

He set those wonderful images aside, retaking Vhagar’s reins to guide her down toward the castle perched on the seaside cliff. Its singular tower reminded him of the descriptions he had once heard about Dragonstone, where the bricks used in its construction had been fused together with dragonfire, for even his keen eye could find no seams in the stone.

But Storm’s End was far older than the arrival of dragons on this continent. No, it had been constructed by men – or the Children of the Forest and a demi-god, if the legends were to be believed. The stones were so precisely cut that there were no seams, no vulnerable spaces for the winds that racked Shipbreaker Bay to find purchase.

Storms that Aemond had just noticed were conspicuously absent. Clouds covered the sky, yes. But no rain fell, and no thunder crashed through the sky.

Perhaps the gods were on his side.

When they finally left Wickenden – more than two hours later than she intended – Emrys was rested, well-fed, and eager to resume their journey. Lord and Lady Waxley had been so sweet and kind, and so excited that their humble castle was finally hosting a Targaryen that Arianwyn had not had the heart to interrupt the tour they insisted on giving her, along with a detailed history of their house. That part, at least, Arianwyn was mildly interested in.

She had only reached her limit when they began to escort her to the apiary itself, casually mentioning their more than five hundred beehives. Thanks to Helaena, Arianwyn had spent more time around insects, including bees, than most nobles. But the sheer number of bees that would surely be in those fields was too much even for her.

So, she hurried back to Emrys’ side and stuffed the ridiculous number of scented candles Lord Waxley had gifted her with into his saddlebags. She was sure at least half of them would be snapped or smashed by the time she reached the Eyrie, much less King’s Landing.

But she had grand plans for those that survived. A candlelit night with Aemond was precisely how she wanted to celebrate their return – and, hopefully, their successful courting of the Vale and the Stormlands.

That was what she needed to focus on right now. Her mission. Her duty to her family and her King. Her role as a Princess of the Realm.

Although, as the soaring peaks of the Mountains of the Moon loomed closer and the sun set lower behind them, she realized that her delay in Wickenden meant that making it to the Eyrie easily would be difficult – and arriving before sunset was impossible.

Aemond would be so upset. Though by the time he found out, she would be safely back in King’s Landing, he would nevertheless worry retrospectively and fuss over her relentlessly. She smiled at the thought. To all the world, he was such a fearsome warrior, yet he would fall nearly to pieces just from her arriving at her destination after dark.

The fearsome ‘One-Eyed Prince,’ indeed.

By the time they were well within the mountain range, snow-capped peaks extending beyond their view, it was truly dark. It was only thanks to the glow of the nearly-full moon off the snow that Emrys was able to navigate his way through the stony maze.

Though there were several close calls.

Arianwyn was reduced to prayer the further into the mountains they got. She would have to go to the Grand Sept itself to beg forgiveness for the string of curses that interrupted her beseeching of the Crone when Emrys suddenly swerved to avoid a peak he had not seen.

Eventually, there was a light other than the moon beckoning them. Seven other lights, actually. A fire had been lit atop each of the Eyrie’s spires, and every window in the castle was illuminated.

“Kirimvogon se Sīkuda. Se ao, Emrys. Īlon vēttan ziry,” Arianwyn muttered, as reverently as any of her prayers. “Ao vēttan ziry. Ao gōntan sīr sȳrī, Emrys.” Thank the Seven. And you.We made it. You made it. You did so well.

Though she could still hear the nervousness in his voice, Emrys trilled triumphantly as he rose above the castle’s white walls and lowered himself into its large garden.

Arianwyn leapt off the saddle, grateful to feel solid ground beneath her feet once more. Emrys immediately turned his head to nuzzle her, equally grateful that he had gotten her here safely. He made a soft sound, questioning whether she was alright after their harrowing flight.

“Iksan sȳz. Ao gōntan sīr sȳrī,” she assured him again as she stroked his snout. He was as much of a worrier as Aemond. Now that she thought about it, her husband and her dragon were, in fact, quite similar. I am fine. You did so well.

She looked around the expansive gardens, surprised at the wealth of greenery within. The Maesters must have toiled for years to get anything to grow atop the tallest mountain in Westeros.

While it was beautiful, but all Arianwyn could think of was its rich history.

Leaning into Emrys as she heard hurried footsteps approach from within the castle, Arianwyn whispered gently to calm him. “Vhagar māstan kesīr istin, ao gīmigon. Lēda Visenya, skori ziry jiōraton se Vāle.” Vhagar came here once, you know. With Visenya, when she won the Vale.

Emrys glanced around the large courtyard as if he would still be able to find a remnant of his new friend, and sniffed deeply to see if her scent lingered after more than a hundred years. But, of course, it did not. And his attention was soon drawn to the small party emerging into the gardens.

“Aria!” Ser Gerold called as he ran to her side and pulled her off the flagstones and into his warm embrace.

She squealed with undignified delight as she hugged him back, laughing with joy at finally seeing him again. He had made many entreaties to visit her at Dragonstone during her time there, all soundly rejected by her father.

But now, he stood before her, holding her at arm’s length as they inspected each other.

Gerold’s hair had gone entirely white in the last six years, and his hairline had receded even further. He was heavier, too, and wearing a different set of armor than he had when she saw him last. There were shadows under his eyes, so like the ones Alicent wore. But his gray eyes were bright and shone with tears of relief as he looked at Arianwyn and cradled her cheek in his large hand.

“Oh, Aria,” he sighed with a half-smile. “You are a woman now.”

She blinked tears from her eyes and laughed sheepishly as she smiled back at him. “And you are an old man, cousin.”

He laughed with her when she ruffled her hand through his hair. “Now we really look like family, don’t we?”

“Next time you come to King’s Landing, we can try and pass you off as a long-lost Targaryen Prince!” Arianwyn snorted, her eyes wide as her mind turned mischievous. “If Aegon is drunk enough, I know he will believe it!”

Another laughing voice joined them, soft and feminine despite its deep tone. “As much as watching this long-overdue reunion warms my heart,” it said, “I should like to be introduced to my godsdaughter, Gerold.”

Arianwyn peered over her cousin’s shoulder to look at Lady Jeyne Arryn – her godsmother.

Jeyne’s dark eyes were filled with nearly as much pride as Gerold’s, and her thin lips were curved in a hesitant, hopeful grin. She extended a long arm toward the girl, beckoning her forward. “Come, it had been nineteen long years. Let me look at you at last.”

With childlike enthusiasm, Arianwyn obeyed, taking Jeyne’s hand and even giving her a quick twirl as he godsmother looked over her. But her impatience grew as the Lady remained silent, thoroughly examining her – and her bronze armor.

For a moment, she was afraid of rejection, that she would somehow be found wanting. Indeed, Jeyne frowned when she ran a hand along her braided silver hair, but then she lifted her chin to look at her eyes, and beamed.

“You look so like your mother,” Jeyne whispered, her voice breaking.

Arianwyn stifled a sob. No one had ever told her that before. She had only ever heard how unlike her father she was. To know that she resembled Rhea, and not some distant ancestor she never knew, was cathartic.

She was a Royce, in more than just her eyes.

“Oh, but I have forgotten my manners,” Jeyne tutted, releasing the girl as she lowered herself into a curtsy. “You are more than just my godsdaughter, the child of my oldest friend, and the Lady of Runestone. You are now a Princess, if rumor is to be believed.”

“I have told her it must be true,” Gerold added as he came to stand by the girl’s side. “But our Lady has always been hesitant to believe gossip. And since you did not write to confirm any of the rumors…”

Jeyne rolled her eyes. “You would be wary as well, were you the subject of so many whispers over the years. And if the stories were as contrary as what we have heard.”

“It is true,” Arianwyn said, cutting off whatever witty reply Gerold had planned. He was so much less awkward now, here. She liked him like this. “Prince Aemond and I were married. I am so sorry I did not write, but it was… the last few days have been quite strange.”

“They must have been for you to be wed in a secret ceremony,” Gerold reasoned. “Unless that particular detail is untrue?”

He and Jeyne both took Arianwyn’s blushing and stuttering as confirmation.

“Well, I cannot wait to hear the real story,” Jeyne said, looping her arm through the girl’s to lead her out of the garden. “You would not believe what people are saying, my dear.”

Gerold followed close behind. “And I cannot wait to hear what delayed your arrival – you were expected hours ago. I was quite worried, Aria. I was almost ready to send a raven to Wickenden to ask after you.”

“Oh,” Arianwyn gasped, waving a quick goodbye to Emrys, who was already wrapping himself around a smoldering brazier to sleep. “I am so sorry! Lord and Lady Waxley kept me longer than I intended, and they were so sweet that I could not bring myself to stop them.”

She told them the story as they led her through the winding marble halls of the Eyrie, finally depositing her on a blue sofa before a roaring fire. A servant quickly brought her a hot meal, and she was introduced to Jessamyn Redfort, a dear friend of Jeyne’s, before Lady Arryn bombarded her with questions about her childhood and youth.

Arianwyn nearly choked on a piece of her roast chicken when Jeyne asked whether she had first kissed Aemond before or after she had flowered and if their relations had progressed further even than that before they were married.

She looked at her godsmother with wide eyes. “I… we never did anything like that until we were wed. And the bedding ceremony.”

Jeyne laughed so hard she nearly spilled her wine – her fourth cup of the night; she and Aegon would get along famously. “Gerold tells me the two of you were practically inseparable from the time you arrived in the capital, yet you mean to tell me you never even kissed before your wedding?”

“Well, we came close a few times,” Arianwyn said, thoroughly flustered as each memory of their relationship flooded back through her mind, “But I had never felt that way about him until I came back from Dragonstone. At least, I wasn’t aware of it if until then.”

Gerold sighed, “Aria, I can assure you that you were aware of it, though you were too young to know how to do anything about it. When you love someone, you cannot hide it, even from yourself.” He smirked, glancing to where Jeyne and Jessamyn shared a couch. “From what I saw, you have loved each other from the time you could walk, perhaps earlier.”

Jessamyn sighed dreamily, resting her head against Jeyne’s shoulder. “Your story is so lovely… how did those horrible rumors even start?”

The room fell silent, no one meeting her eyes. The hour Arianwyn had been here had been blissful, without a single mention of those rumors, or what happened the morning after her wedding.

They could not ignore it forever.

“It was my father, actually,” she explained. “Lies he concocted to try and have the marriage annulled. He could not stand to see me happy, or more than that, finally free from his control.”

Gerold grimaced. “Daemon Targaryen is a monster. It is simple as that.”

Arianwyn solemnly nodded her agreement, turning to Jeyne. “I actually wanted to talk to you about that. Or rather, something related to it. I don’t know how much the Hand told you in his letter, but…”

“Not tonight, Aria,” she snapped, her wine-flushed face turning stern for the first time that night. Arianwyn could, at last, see the great Maiden of the Vale in her godsmother, the woman who had soundly put down three rebellions against her rule. “I know why you are here, and I will happily listen to your petition – tomorrow. But, for tonight, I simply want to know you. To hear about all I have missed. Will you grant me that?”

Truthfully, Arianwyn was glad not to have to make the case for Aegon’s rule so late at night, when she was tired and already starting to feel quite fuzzy from her wine – Jessamyn had hunted down the sweetest vintage in the Eyrie’s stores to suit her fickle tastes.

She took another sip and looked back to her godsmother. “What would you like to know?”

Despite its impressive size, Storm’s End was still not large enough for Vhagar to land within its walls. But, by this point in her life, she was more than used to it. So, she contentedly settled beside the castle walls, where a great number of braziers and chained cattle were already laid out for her.

“Hāre tubissa, Vhagar,” Aemond murmured as he climbed down from her side. “Lēda biarves, kessa daor daomio, se kesā sagon arlī naejot se bāneves hen Dārys Tegorīr gō ao mirre ūndegon iā iōrves.” Three days, Vhagar. With luck, it will not rain, and you will be back to the warmth of King’s Landing before you ever catch a chill.

She only groaned in response, looking up at the clouds above them. Though no rain had fallen, the sky roiled with brewing storms.

Aemond sighed, a bemused grin on his face as he patted her worn scales. “Kesan ūndegon nūmāzma mirri ruaragon syt ao, sepār naejot sagon ȳgha.” I will see about some cover for you, just to be safe.

As he was escorted through the castle gates, he politely requested – he would never presume to give orders to another Lord’s servants, even if he wasn’t so determined to make a good impression – that some kind of shelter be arranged for Vhagar. He didn’t particularly care when the man started blustering about the labor and expense of such a thing. After being on dragonback for more than eight hours, his patience for other people was running dangerously thin, and he would need all of it when he finally met with Lord Borros Baratheon.

His mother and grandfather had warned him that Borros was perhaps the least refined Lord in all of Westeros. Their descriptions painted a picture of a man that, had he the choice, Aemond would have gladly avoided.

But they needed his allegiance. Aegon needed it, if he wanted to keep his throne.

So, Aemond would ensure he had it.

When the servant brought him before a set of dark wooden doors, he willed his face into one of his many masks, this one of pleasant indifference. He did not try to look friendly – he knew he couldn’t manage it, even if he wanted to. He had given that up long ago, even before his scar turned him into something truly terrifying to behold.

Indeed, when the doors opened, every man in the room looked at him with a healthy measure of fear as they stood and bowed their heads to the One-Eyed Prince.

It was not the throne room, where a Prince of the Realm should be received, but some sort of garish trophy room. Each wall was covered with horns and the stuffed heads of boars, deer, and even a few more exotic creatures. A few smaller animals were fully preserved, and posed in poor imitations of how they had been in life.

Aemond found the whole thing revolting. Especially the shadowcat pelt on the floor in the middle of the room, its head stuffed and frozen in an eternal howl. Even in death, such a creature deserved more than being trampled on by countless muddy boots.

Still, he kept his face impassive, not letting his offense at either the disrespect of greeting him here, or his personal disgust at Borros’ crude choice of décor show.

The Lord of the Stormlands was easy to identify, not only by the chain of office around his neck, but by the way every other man in the room looked at him expectantly. He was as Aemond expected – a thick-bodied old Lord with graying hair and a beard. What he hadn’t expected was the keen look in his eyes, though it faded quickly as he took another drink from his cup.

By the smell that pervaded the room, Borros and his entourage had been enjoying their ale for some time.

Ale – not wine. A drink more suited to the slums of Flea Bottom than the castle of a great Lord. It was nearly as vulgar as the décor.

Aemond crossed his hand behind his back and stared at Borros. He had tolerated the slight of his humble reception, but he still expected a formal greeting befitting both their stations. Though, even if he did not receive it, there was little he could do about it.

He would not fail Aegon.

“Prince Aemond Targaryen,” Borros began, his voice somewhat arrogant but respectful enough. “Welcome. You honor us with your presence.”

“The honor is mine, Lord Borros,” Aemond replied with a gracious bow of his head. “You have my gratitude for agreeing to host me with so little notice.”

Borros gave a tight smile. “How could I refuse? Our houses have long been allied, and you are the brother of our new King, after all.”

“Your loyalty to the crown is much appreciated,” Aemond said as he conceded a slight grin. This may not be as difficult as he was anticipating. “King Aegon sends his warm regards, as well as an offer – ”

“Oh, but where are my manners?” Borros interrupted, with an distinct lack of manners. “You have had a long journey, my Prince. Let us eat, and you can entertain us all with the tale of your brother’s coronation, since none of us were present – or even invited to attend.”

Aemond only nodded, for if he said anything, it would no doubt be rude and quash any chance he had of charming this brute of a man.

This would be just as difficult as he thought.

Very few of the men seated at Borros’ table were Lords themselves, or even highborn. Only half were even knights. It seemed all they had in common was their love of ale and the favor they held with their Lord.

Aemond had taken note of several who introduced themselves with the surname ‘Storm.’ They were too old to be Borros’ own bastards, though perhaps they could be his half-brothers or cousins. Whatever the relation, if there was any relation at all, their presence at the table was yet another poor omen for Aemond’s success.

He would not be able to argue that Rhaenyra’s bearing of her own bastards, and insistence on their legitimacy, posed a threat to the realm should she press her claim.

The first omen, other than the boorishness of Borros himself, had been the conspicuous absence of his wife and daughters. When Aemond inquired after them, under the pretense of paying his respects to the Lady of the Castle, he was told that they rarely eat with the men, especially before a hunt. Apparently, Borros and his men were ‘too rowdy for the women’ when they were together.

There could be no doubting the veracity of that statement.

More ale was brought to the table, along with a single bottle of wine for Aemond, which he did not drink. Though he had to admit to being tempted. If only to dull his mind and make the meal more bearable.

The food was not terrible, though there was a severe lack of vegetables in favor of nearly obscene amounts of meat. But the company was precisely what Aemond hated about court.

Boastful men telling tales of their exploits, brazenly embellishing their feats to a mythical degree. At least the stories were mostly about hunting and battle, not other, more vulgar conquests.

Whenever possible, Aemond tried to insert himself into the conversation so he could steer Borros to the actual reason he had come. But each time, Borros brushed him aside, calling instead on one of his men to tell yet another tale.

Aemond had resigned himself to silence when, at last, Borros turned to him.

“Tell me, my Prince,” he said, picking the last remaining scraps of meat off the bone he held. “Do you hunt?”

“I cannot say I am accomplished as you or your men here,” Aemond said cautiously, surprised that he was addressed directly. “But I have hunted, though not for some time.”

Borros looked somewhat conspiratorially at the man sitting to his left before turning back to the Prince. “And when you hunt, do you ride your horse or that dragon of yours?”

Aemond was surprised by the question, by its boldness and sheer ridiculousness. “Hunt with Vhagar? Certainly not.” He started, choking on his water as he realized how his words may offend his host. “I… she is far too large for most hunting grounds. And any prey she caught would either be swallowed whole or burnt. There would be nothing left to bring back. It would not be an effective method of hunting.”

“I see,” Borros muttered, refilling his mug of ale. “A shame. I was hoping you would join us tomorrow. I sense you are eager to get to whatever business your brother has sent you on. However, this hunt has been planned for months, and I will not postpone it simply because Aegon wants something of me.”

It took great effort on Aemond’s part to not scowl at what he was implying – that the Prince would be forced to wait until Borros deigned to meet with him.

But he could not wait that long. Rhaenys had no doubt told Rhaenyra of Aegon’s coronation, and by the time Aemond and Arianwyn left the Keep, two Kingsguard had gone ‘missing.’ Dragonstone, that hateful place, was no doubt already buzzing as Daemon prepared for war. Even a day’s delay in securing Storm’s End could have devastating consequences.

Besides, Aemond promised Aria that he would be back, and they would be reunited, before their three days were up.

So, he forced a polite smile and his voice to remain calm. “Then surely it would be wise for us to settle the business tonight, would it not?”

“Is there some pressing need for haste, my Prince?” Borros asked smugly.

“Regrettably, yes,” Aemond bit out. He clenched his hand under the table at the smug look on the faces surrounding him. It would be unwise to give his true reason for wanting the business done quickly.

‘One should never reveal more than is necessary,’ as it was written in the book of warfare he was still reading. The same book he had been reading when Arianwyn climbed atop him…

He gave a short laugh and what he hoped was a charming smile to the men that were watching him. They were so simple, so easy to read. And though he hated to discuss his dear wife in such a way, he knew precisely how to ply them.

“I am sure you have heard that I have been married,” he explained, knowing he would feel guilty the next time he saw Arianwyn. “It has not yet been a week since that happy night, and I confess I find myself impatient to return to my wife.”

“And her bed,” one of the men further down the table snickered.

Aemond drew his hand into a fist so fast that his nails dug into the skin of his palm, but he said nothing. Instead, he smirked, hoping it would be interpreted as a sign of amusement and not the dangerous rage he truly felt.

Borros rolled his eyes before facing the Prince again. “Normally, I would be happy to accommodate your request. I remember how reluctant I was to let Elenda out of my sight when we were first wed. And our own courtship was not half as…” he carefully assessed Aemond before finishing his sentence, “hasty as your own.”

“Where is your lovely wife now, Prince Aemond?” One of Borros’ men – one of the Storm bastards – asked.

A seemingly innocent question, but Aemond knew what he was really asking. Larys had said that Daemon’s accusations had made their way throughout the realm. How, he had no idea. But this confirmed it. As had the two score sets of eyes that immediately turned to him, waiting for his answer.

“The Princess Arianwyn left the Red Keep just before me this morning,” he said, noting exactly which men looked surprised by his words. “She and her dragon flew for the Eyrie. They should be there now, assuming they were not delayed in Wickenden.”

He could have sworn he saw two men exchanging coins under the table. The payment of a wager on whether the One-Eyed Prince had truly captured his bride – whether he was the monster he was rumored to be.

Aemond took in a heavy, calming breath before he continued. “It was my hope to return to King’s Landing before her, so I can welcome her home when she arrives. Neither she nor her dragon have been on so long a journey before; she is bound to be tired.”

Another chuckle went through the men, and several lewd comments Aemond pretended not to hear as he turned back to Borros. “I trust you can understand my haste, then?”

“I can,” Borros conceded. “But I still cannot postpone the hunt. So, you will join us, and we can discuss whatever business you have then.”

Though he would rather dine with the Stranger than spend time in the woods with these men, Aemond agreed. And hastily excused himself from the meal. If he was to endure the next day without killing or maiming one of the men, particularly the bastard who had made the crudest comments about Arianwyn, he would need his rest.

And no small amount of prayer.

After an hour of beseeching each of the Seven for the strength he would need to survive the hunt, he, at last, settled into his bed. His hand reached for the scrap of periwinkle cloth he had held close to him for so many years, but it was not there.

He had given it to Arianwyn the day after their wedding.

“I have the sapphire,” he had said, tapping the gemstone with his finger. “It is only fair you have a reminder of our love too. Particularly since I have not had the chance to get you a ring…”

She had been so delighted that even now, as he longed for some reminder of her, Aemond could not bring himself to regret it. So instead, he stood from the bed and retrieved his dagger – secure in its sheath – before sliding back between the sheets.

Aemond fell asleep brushing his thumb over the marks she had left on its hilt.

Arianwyn yawned – again – in the middle of telling Jeyne the very last details she could recall of her first flight as a dragonrider. “After that, King Viserys threw a small feast in my honor. He also had an auroch sent to the Dragonpit as a treat for Emrys. And…”

She was interrupted by yet another yawn, which was soon echoed by Gerold.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, rubbing at her eyes to try and clear their blurriness. “I must have had a little too much wine. I’m afraid I’m quite tired.”

“Nonsense!” Jessamyn said gently. “It is we who have kept you up too late with our thirst for stories. You have had a long day. Of course you are tired.”

Jeyne signaled to a servant, “Perhaps some tea to wake the Princess?”

Gerold groaned and slid his face into his hand. While he loved listening to Arianwyn, he had already fallen asleep in his chair twice, and had been promptly scolded when his snoring interrupted her stories.

“I think,” Jessamyn insisted, grabbing Jeyne’s wrist and lowering it back down, “that we should let her sleep and recover from her journey. We will have more time to talk tomorrow.”

When Jeyne turned back to her godsdaughter to send her to bed, the girl’s eyes were already closed, and she swayed slightly, even as she continued to hold her wine goblet aloft. Gerold, too, had fallen back asleep.

“I am afraid you are right, my dear,” Jeyne whispered to her companion, pressing a brief kiss to her firey red hair. “Forgive me. I’ve wanted to meet her for years, and I let myself get carried away.”

Jessamyn caressed Jeyne’s cheek and smiled sweetly. “It is perfectly understandable, my love. Though, tomorrow you may want to rein your enthusiasm in – just slightly. I am fairly sure she made up many of the details you asked for. Though I cannot blame her. I can’t remember what I wore on my sixth nameday either!”

“Yes, most of that wasn’t actually that important, was it?” Jeyne asked with a wince. “I just want to know everything I missed. Everything Rhea missed…”

They were interrupted when Arianwyn’s hand went slack, and her goblet fell to the floor with a loud clatter. She and Gerold were both startled awake, the old knight stumbling out of his chair and reaching for his sword.

“What happened?” he asked, glancing around blearily.

“Nothing,” Jeyne assured her friend, then looked back at Arianwyn. “Nothing but an old woman being foolish. I’m sorry dear, of course, you should rest.”

The Princess was too tired to do anything but nod gratefully as Gerold offered his arm to lead her to her chambers. But Jeyne and her close companion did not mind. They only smiled fondly as she left the room.

Arianwyn had nearly fallen asleep on her cousin’s shoulder when he opened the chamber doors for her, and she stumbled into the room.

“Servants retrieved your things from Emrys earlier. I am told he did not wake once. Do you need a maid to help you?” Gerold asked. “I can find one to wake and send to you, if you wish.”

“I’ll be fine, but thank you,” she said. Then, mustering the last of her strength, she lifted herself onto her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “I missed you very much.”

He gazed warmly at her, cupping her chin in his hands to kiss her hairline. “I missed you, too, Aria. Sleep well, and I will see you tomorrow. There is something I would like to give you before you leave. A wedding present, of sorts.”

Her smile fell at his words, but then she laughed bashfully as her cheeks flushed. “I… I forgot that I would be sleeping alone tonight. I have so quickly become accustomed to having Aemond next to me.”

“Oh, Aria,” Gerold pulled her into a tight embrace. He laughed with her as he stroked her hair, tears once more coming to his grey eyes. “I am so blissfully happy for you.”

“I am blissfully happy, as well, and nearly as tired,” she giggled, pulling away from the embrace.

Gerold patted her cheek once more. “Then I will leave to your rest, my dear.” He took a deep breath, and Arianwyn thought he might cry again. “I love you, Aria. And I am so proud of you. Your mother would be, too.”

She brought a hand over her mouth as she held back a sob. Every bone in her body cried out to hug him again, but she knew that if she did, she would cry through the night and not get any rest. She lowered her hand as she nodded furiously and whispered her thanks as Gerold left and shut the door behind him.

Thankfully, her tears had calmed by the time she removed her dress – Jeyne had been only just convinced to let her remove her armor before her meal. She was too tired to cry and too tired to don a nightgown. She slid into the bed, wearing only her chemise to cover her, and holding a small scrap of periwinkle silk in her hand.

Aemond had given it to her after he noticed it on the floor the day after they were wed, to be a placeholder of sorts until he found her a wedding ring. But she had already decided not to give it back to him, even after she had her ring.

It smelled of Aemond. His scent of parchment and steel thoroughly steeped into the fabric after he kept it for so long in either his breast pocket or under his pillow. And somehow, it seemed to retain some of his warmth, as well.

Arianwyn fell asleep cradling that small scrap of silk to her cheek.

Next Chapter

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tact-and-impulse · 5 months ago

Text

At Arm's Length Chapter 25

Thanks for waiting! I had a busy few months at work, and the muse finally woke up when I was working nights. On FF.net and AO3!

Chapter 25: Red Maple Leaves

The return home was uneventful, and as the train passed by the surrounding scenery, the landscape was deepening in shades of autumn. The three of them were laden with seasonal gifts from the Aoiya too: boxes of sweets, paper, inkstones, and matcha. Business was clearly good. They were enthusiastically told to return for a full vacation, and while it was definitely a pleasant idea, they needed a break.

“It’ll be October in a week, and that means your birthday, Otou-san.” Kaoru turned to him, beaming. “What would you like?”

“A peaceful day.” He dryly said. “Except that, all my wishes have been fulfilled.”

“How do you usually celebrate, Kamiya-dono?” Himura was sitting across from them. Since yesterday, he had adhered to the arm’s length distance from Kaoru, but their shared glances were telling enough.

However, Koshijiro wanted to be home first, before further discussion.

As for Himura’s question, he answered. “Mostly, it’s quiet. We tend to the family graves and if there’s an event in town, we’ll attend. We have dinner together.”

“Otou-san’s favorite foods, especially takikomi gohan.” Kaoru confided. The seasonal dish made the most of fall’s bounty, cooking an assortment of ingredients in broth and rice.

“Kaoru also enjoys it.”

“Father and daughter have similar tastes then.” Himura grinned. The conversation turned to their favorite ingredients; it appeared Himura was going to remember them. The smile didn’t leave his face as they disembarked.

A partly cloudy sky was over the house. The main gate was undergoing repairs but the new beams looked sturdy. Red maple leaves were strewn across the front yard, as if to celebrate their safe return. Then, Yahiko barreled out of the house to greet them, and the rest followed in the exclamation.

“Welcome back!”

***

After the entire ordeal, a normal day was a blessing. Koshijiro dusted the altar, and bowed to Kyoko’s portrait. When he lifted his head, Kaoru was at his side, beaming in a rosy kimono.

“Happy birthday, Otou-san!” She hugged him, and he patted her head.

“Thank you, Kaoru. After breakfast, we’ll head to the cemetery.” Both his and Kaoru’s headstones had finally been removed, and he wanted to see for himself.

“Kenshin wants to come too.”

He wasn’t the only one; the others also hovered by the gate. Other than Shinomori’s flitting gaze and Sagara casually rolling his shoulders, they seemed relaxed. However, the experience was too fresh to lower their guards yet. The group stopped by Reijo’s new grave first, spending a few somber minutes of silence.

Makimachi tried for positivity. “It’s not a bad spot at all, the shade is cooler.”

Surprisingly, Yahiko then added. “My parents’ is under a tree.”

“Oh, really? Is it the same cemetery?”

“Yeah. Their grave is over there.” He pointed eastward, his face giving nothing away.

“Would you like to visit?” Kaoru gently asked, and although he shrugged, he had already picked up his feet. They followed him to a small plot, where the headstone read ‘Myoujin’. Small weeds had sprouted, and Yahiko hastily tore them up.

“I haven’t been here in a while, it was too crazy…”

“May we help you?” Himura offered. “And we should pay our respects as well.”

The answer was a small nod, with reddening ears. Since he didn’t protest, they all took part in the cleanup. The result was much tidier, with the additions of two sticks of incense and a wreath of susuki grass crafted by Takani. In a choked voice, Yahiko said. “It looks great. Thanks.” He clasped his hands and squeezed his eyes shut.

Koshijiro also lowered his gaze, praying. Thank you for giving Yahiko life; he carries your family name with such pride. He’s a promising young man, and we’ll do our best to guide and care for him.

Once the Kamiya family graves were tended to, they headed downtown. It was Koshijiro’s plan to revisit everyone who attended the mock funeral, and return the kindness in some form, whether it was through purchasing their market wares or sneaking in a new candle for the longer nights. And nobody failed to be surprised at Kaoru’s healthy appearance. Each stop seemed to heighten the enjoyment; it then became another kind of game to speed away before the recipients realized the extra change or the gift. Watching the others gasp for breath and laugh, Koshijiro couldn’t help but smile.

Lunch was a quick meal of cold soba, given how much they’d been running around. The handmade noodles were springy and pleasant to chew, the dipping sauce was well-balanced. The bowls were empty in no time, and they were off again at a more leisurely pace.

A play was advertised in the nearby theater, and they were lucky enough to find good seats. It was an adaptation of a book that Koshijiro had brought Kyoko long ago, and although he vaguely recalled the main plot points, it was refreshing to watch in person. They were all attentive to the performance, especially Kaoru and Makimachi. The finale was a heartfelt reunion of the two main lovers, to the entire theater’s applause.

At this point, it was sunset, and they walked home under a glowing orange sky. Kaoru turned to him. “By the way, Otou-san, we’re going to have some visitors when we’re back.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t worry, you know who they are!”

Noisy conversation was coming from the dojo, and when they entered, there was a loud cheer. Smiles abounded from their friends: Maekawa and his wife, Dr. Gensai with his family, a handful of kenjutsu students and other local teachers, the group of fifteen rookie officers, and even Tsunan whose dark eye circles had somewhat lightened.

Tae and Tsubame were near the door, ushering them in. The former explained. “I spoke with Kaoru about planning this. It seems everybody accepted their invitations, I hope we’re not too intrusive.”

“Not at all. It’s a shame this wasn’t at the Akabeko. Perhaps, next year.” It really wasn’t a bother, although it would’ve been nice to send more business to Tae. He took his seat, noticing that his daughter and Himura had already found cushions next to each other.

“Speech! Speech!” Sagara hollered, and Koshijiro flashed him a disgruntled expression. The chant was picked up by Yahiko and the rookies, so with a sigh, Koshijiro stood. A sake cup was pushed into his hand, as a hush fell over the dojo.

…I don’t like public speeches.

“Firstly, thank you for being here. It’s been a harrowing few weeks, but your kindness and support were vital to our success. I’m glad to share this evening with all of you. Thank you.” He lifted the sake cup in a toast, and everyone followed suit. “Now, let’s eat.”

“Cheers!”

Then, it was a whirl of commotion, conversation interweaving with the sounds of heart eating. There was takikomi gohan, and Koshijiro’s first mouthful had a gingko nut to his pleasant surprise. Seared tuna, vegetables in sesame sauce, and agedashi tofu rounded out the rest of the menu.

He looked across the room, from Sagara leading some of the rookies in a rowdy offkey song, to Takani’s obviously wry responses and Shinomori’s attentive nods to Makimachi’s excitable mood, to Yahiko dramatically regaling a wide-eyed Tsubame. Finally, he saw Kaoru, helping Himura on his recovering side, to make sure everything was in reach for him. He caught Himura’s lowered gaze on the back of her head, the smile at the corner of his mouth. For a moment, the scar was practically invisible. And the memory of a certain talk by the river popped into the forefront of Koshijiro’s mind…

He downed his sake cup in one shot. Just for tonight, he would evade the subject entirely, the looming reality of what would happen next.

***

But soon after, on a day they spent at the Oguni clinic for their check-ups, Takani announced. “Since everyone is on the mend, I think it’s time. I’m returning to Aizu, to join a clinic.”

The others were clearly stunned by the news, while Koshijiro said. “I haven’t received another response yet from the Aizu police, regarding your lost mother and brothers.”

“It isn’t just for them. I want to move forward, and I know this is the right step for me. I’m saying goodbye to the rest of the clinic patients and tying up loose ends, before my train leaves in a week.” She appeared resolute, and the confidence in her face was apparent.

“Still, it’s so sudden…” Kaoru trailed off. “Then, do you need help moving?”

“I don’t have many things, but thank you for the offer.”

“It’s not that far anyway.” Sagara pointed out. “You can get there by nightfall.”

“Only if you sprint at full speed, and only with your reckless behavior.” Takani tartly replied, as Himura lifted his head.

“At the very least, we can have one last meal together, as a send-off.”

“Yes, that sounds like a plan.” Then, her gaze clouded over. “There is something you have to know, Ken-san.”

However, he seemed to be expecting it. “It is about this one’s health.” Takani affirmed it, and this was regarding the toll of Hiten Mitsurugi on his body, which was news to everyone else except Kaoru and Koshijiro. It didn’t faze Himura and he wasn’t regretful either.

But Takani then said. “If I had to estimate, in four to five years, you won’t be able to use Hiten Mitsurugi at all.”

Silence fell over the group, but Himura only nodded. “Thank you, Megumi-dono.” He didn’t say much more on the walk home, merely enjoying the brisk wind. His expression was contemplative. It was a bitter twist; his new vow was about using both sword and heart to live on. What would he do?

Koshijiro was mulling over this, as he prepared for a late work shift, covering a sick colleague. He stepped into the front yard, the fallen leaves crunching under his shoes, and noticed he wasn’t alone. “Hello, Himura-san.”

His hands were folded in his sleeves, and he softly said. “Kamiya-dono. May this one accompany you to the station?”

“Of course.” It wasn’t until they were on the main path that he ventured to ask. “Is there something the police can assist you with?”

“This one is actually going to speak with Saito-dono.” He revealed a sealed letter between his fingers. “Are they still searching for Enishi?”

“No, the trail has gone cold, from our standpoint here. But the chief had mentioned wanting to repay you for your deeds, and offering you a position as backup in emergencies.” Himura had become a minor celebrity among Koshijiro’s coworkers, given all that he’d done for the safety of the public.

“The payment is not necessary, but this one would like to participate in emergencies.” He conceded. “For as long as this one can wield a sword. After that…”

“Then, what about a shinai or bokken?”

His eyes widened. “Oro?”

Koshijiro pressed on. “It would be a way for you to keep your new vow, while minimizing the physical stress to your body. If you’re willing to learn Kamiya Kasshin, to continue protecting life, we would be happy to have you as a student.” In fact, Kaoru would be ecstatic.

“That is…” Himura was struggling for words, his voice shaky and uncertain. “This one will likely never be a master of Kamiya Kasshin.”

“And you don’t need to be. Even learning the defensive maneuvers would be enough. But you don’t have to decide now.” They had arrived at the station, and Koshijiro directed them away from the bustling employees and straight to Saito’s desk.

Saito barely acknowledged their entrance, pulling a sheet from a moderate stack of paperwork in monotonous routine. He wasn’t alone, a familiar tall individual sitting in the opposite chair. Free of any bandages, Sawagejo raised a hand in greeting. “It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has. How are you doing?”

“Back to normal, which means I’m going on another assignment soon.” He nodded towards Saito.

“Not as intensive as recent events, but an adequate investigation. So, why are you two here?”

Himura stepped forward, handing over the letter. Their gazes locked for an instant, and then, Saito perfunctorily opened it. The message must have been short, because he tossed the paper on his desk and narrowed his eyes.

“Why now?”

“This one believes there will not be a better opportunity in the future. It is the final chance to settle our dispute, as former Ishin Shishi and Shinsengumi, for good.” With that, Himura bowed. “Kamiya-dono, this one will return home first.”

After he left, Sawagejo asked Saito. “Did he challenge you to a fight?”

“One last duel. In a place known to both of us, at midnight. But you won’t be there, get moving. Kamiya, wait.” He ignored the griping of his new subordinate, waiting until the door shut again. “This time, he’s serious.”

“Yes, he is.” It made sense to Koshijiro, that Himura would request this fight before it was too late. However, he couldn’t repress his concern; neither of them would have any reservations in a true duel.

“Hmph. And there’s no outside interference, like the previous time. Unless, you decide otherwise?”

“The dispute is between you two, but I hope you will receive what you want from it.” Slightly irked, Koshijiro added. “Is there anything else you would like to know?”

He laid a hand upon the hilt of his katana. “No. You’re dismissed.”

The rest of the shift was quiet, but Koshijiro purposefully stayed longer, late into the evening. He did not notice Saito leave. The clock hands aligned at midnight, without further sign of the assistant chief. An hour dragged in excruciating silence. At last, his impatience got the better of him, and he headed to the small office.

Saito was still there, smoking by the window. His eyes bored into Koshijiro, unimpressed. “Of course, you stayed.”

“I wasn’t planning on following.” He defended. “But it is past the time for your duel.”

“I never said I accepted the challenge.”

Actually, that was true. “…This chance will not happen again.”

“I’m aware. But I wanted to settle the score with Hitokiri Battousai, and after seeing him, I realize that possibility has vanished. I will have no joy in fighting the man he is now. The hunt has ended.” He blew out a dense stream of smoke, obscuring his features. Barely audible, he gave a low resigned utterance. “Fool.”

The rivalry may not have culminated in a bloody battle, but that was perfectly fine with Koshijiro. “Did you find what you wanted, at least?”

“I had the answer a while ago.” He extinguished the cigarette. “Your shift is long over and the weather is growing colder. It’s already snowing in Hokkaido.”

Koshijiro took it as an order to go home, although he didn’t expect Saito to lock up as well. The night air was bracing, the moon high overhead. “Then, good evening, Saito-san.”

“Don’t look so relieved, Kamiya. You have your work cut out for you, in this department and your dojo. Good luck.” His voice was sardonic, but in the time of their acquaintance, it was the most well-intentioned statement yet.

“In that case, I wish you the same in your mission to slay evil.” He paused. “And in carrying the memories of your fallen brethren. They were truly fortunate indeed, to have your loyalty.”

Saito didn’t verbally respond, giving Koshijiro a long stare. Then, he curtly nodded and went on, straight as a rod, in focused pursuit of the absolute justice he desired.

The house was mostly dark, save for a lantern in the dining room. Kaoru was mending an article of clothing, probably a haori, and she looked up with a smile. “Otou-san, welcome back.”

“Thank you, Kaoru. You’re still awake?”

“I’m not tired. I was waiting for you and Kenshin.” She set her needle aside, and her expression was thoughtful. “He’s been gone since dusk, and…he told us where he’d be.”

“You don’t have to worry. The matter was concluded before it even began.”

She exhaled. “Oh, good. Did you want some tea before bed?”

“I’ll have a cup, but I’ll stay with you as well.” He sat on the cushion across, noticing the haori was about Yahiko’s size while she retrieved the tea.

“Otou-san?”

“Hm?”

“Um…well, I was wondering.” She had also taken a cup for herself, staring into the bottom. Haltingly, she said. “I know your first impression wasn’t great, with the arm’s length rule, and how everything’s occurred since then, but…what do you think about Kenshin?”

He hadn’t expected her question, and he steadied his grip on his drink. “Kaoru, I don’t hold your capture against him.”

“Geez, Otou-san, I could tell that much.” She sipped from the top, before resuming her mending. “But if there’s anything you don’t approve of him, for a valid reason, I want to hear it from you.”

This was treading into the territory Koshijro was wary of, and he cleared his throat. “I see. Then, nothing.”

Her mouth fell open. “What? Really?”

“He’s a swordsman, with the protective, honorable, and courageous traits of the best. He’s kindhearted and responsible around the house. And…he deeply respects and cares for you. I’ve noticed how you make each other smile.” Embarrassed, he glanced away, only to face Kyoko’s altar picture. He could blame the late hour for his rambling. “I did misunderstand at the beginning, but perhaps, deep down, I anticipated it would come to this. Your mother and I always wanted you to choose for love, so…if he is your choice, I won’t disagree.”

“A-and the rule?”

Then, they heard the door slide, and Himura shuffled in. “This one is home.”

“Welcome home, Kenshin!” Kaoru immediately stood, her cheeks a little flushed. “You must be cold, we have fresh tea. If you’re hungry, I can make chazuke.”

“Tea would be enough, thank you.” He joined them at the table, and he peered at the fabric. “Is this for Yahiko?”

“It is, he’s growing out of his clothes. My first student has to look presentable, after all.”

“He will certainly appreciate feeling warmer too.” The atmosphere between the two was very cozy, soothing even.

The shadows shifted, and the lantern illuminated the looming figure of Shinomori. “You’ve both returned.”

Kaoru gasped. “Sorry, if we woke you.”

“I don’t sleep heavily in the first place.” He did sit down and take a teacup though, his voice hesitant. “Himura. How was your challenge?”

Despite how tired he must have been, he offered a gentle smile. “It seems this one has been given up on. Saito-dono did not accept.” He met Koshijiro’s gaze.

“No, it appears he lost interest.” The conversation lasted a few minutes longer, a mundane talk of what to eat for their dinner with Takani, before they went to bed for the remaining hours of the night.

They had a lazy morning in, and it was shaping to be a similar afternoon when Makimachi declared they had visitors. “Eiji-kun, is that you?!” She had met the boy with Himura, on the road to Kyoto. Her eyes then boggled. “And the…the Bodhisattva…”

He wasn’t alone, accompanied by Tokio and a bigger Tsutomu now standing beside her. He looked rather serious. “We’re here to say goodbye.”

Tokio explained. “My husband’s duties have abruptly called us elsewhere. He’s gone ahead to our new home, but I wanted to thank you for your friendship over the past few months. We wish you well.” She bowed, and the boys copied her. “If our paths cross again one day, I hope it will be under more peaceful circumstances.”

“Agreed, and please take care.” Koshijiro responded in kind.

Makimachi couldn’t resist inquiring. “And where are you moving to?”

“That would be a secret.” Tokio mildly answered. “But to you, Takani-san, send my regards to Lady Teru in Aizu.”

“Absolutely. If you happen to be near our home province, send a message.” She provided the name of her future workplace, a large clinic in the heart of Aizu. The trio departed, not lingering a spare minute and without looking backwards.

“Sent his family to deliver the news, while he stalks off in the middle of the night.” Sagara cracked. “I wonder where he went.”

In understanding of what Saito had said, Koshijiro turned his gaze to the north. “I suppose, a place fitting for wolves.”

At the station, Saito’s desk was completely cleared, as if he had never worked there. A short notice had been given to the chief, who announced that Assistant Chief Inspector Fujita had been reassigned by higher-ups. For Koshijiro, he privately said. “Also, he left an evaluation for you.”

“…What did it say?”

Chief Uramura only smiled, handing over the paper. “I think it’s best that you read it yourself.” The words were shockingly generous.

Remarks on Officer Kamiya Koshijiro: An interferer with many personal attachments, but more skill and discipline with one arm than anyone else in this department.

***

The end of the week drew near, and the day before Takani’s departure, Shinomori spoke to Makimachi. “It has been long enough, for the Aoiya to be without us. It’s the right time for us to leave. The first train leaves at dawn tomorrow.”

“Eh?! Tomorrow? But we still haven’t seen Asakusa and Ginza…”

“The ground will soon freeze in the mountains. We need to find a place with more sun for them.”

It clicked for her. “Oh! You’re right.” She held up her hands in apology. “Sorry, sightseeing will have to wait for next time! We have to go home with the others.” They could only be Shikijou, Hyottoko, Beshimi, and Hann’ya. But it was good, that they would rest easier in Kyoto before the snow fell.

While she and Shinomori packed their things, Koshijiro and Kaoru went to the market, buying castella for the pair to take to the Aoiya. It was a short errand; on the way back, Kaoru said forlornly. “Everybody’s leaving at once…”

“It feels sudden, but Takani-san will learn new treatments in Aizu, and Makimachi-san is the leader of the Oniwabanshuu, with Shinomori-san supporting her. They’ll grow for the better, and so will we.” Koshijiro responded. Still, it didn’t totally dispel her mood.

In the foyer, Makimachi was tying off her packed bag. When asked about Shinomori’s whereabouts, she informed them. “Aoshi-sama and Himura are having tea. Something long overdue, apparently. But Kaoru, you’ll write, won’t you? And I can come visit when it’s springtime?”

“Yes, of course! I want to stay in touch too.” The girls interlaced fingers, palm to palm.

“We can practice spar again, that was fun in Kyoto! And we’ll both do our best, me with Aoshi-sama and you with Himura.”

“Misao!”

“Right, I forgot Kamiya-san’s here.” She grinned.

Flustered, Kaoru made the excuse to cut slices of castella. However, the tea talk must have ended. They weren’t acting differently, the taller man unreadable as ever and Himura with an easygoing smile as he took a piece of cake.

Dinner was at sunset, golden light pouring over the autumn foliage. Sagara had procured a grill, so they had a raucous time, cooking over the charcoal smoke. Sanma with salt, chicken skewers, mushrooms, cubes of pumpkin. Yahiko raided the kitchen for leftovers, eager to add onigiri to the mix. Kaoru found the sweet potatoes at the last minute, and she was thrilled by Himura’s wide smile as he bit into the first one. Everyone had their fill, encouraging each other to try a freshly grilled item. Koshijiro put their happy faces to memory, as he ate in contentment. At the end, Takani served tea, and Makimachi opened a box of sweets, sharing that the cinnamon-flavored yatsuhashi were Shinomori’s favorite. The fire dwindled to embers, and all too quickly, the night passed.

The sun hadn’t even risen over Shinbashi Station, yet the train was boarding early. Shinomori dipped his head. “Thank you for hosting us. It is one of many things we owe you. And we can have tea again another time.”

Makimachi gazed at each of them in turn, but she put on a brave smile. “We’ll send plenty of letters, and New Year’s gifts too! See you later, everyone!”

Then, they had to board, their figures intent on their destination in the mountains. In a matter of minutes, the train began to pull away, and Makimachi exuberantly waved from the window; as for Shinomori, he granted the flicker of a smile.

Takani’s coach arrived later that morning, the safe passage obtained by Dr. Gensai as a parting gift. Yahiko carried her bags to the opposite seat, not even struggling with the weight. “This is nothing, you saved me from poisoning that first time.”

She had a bittersweet smile. “Ah, yes. It felt like so long ago, but it really hasn’t been. I’m grateful for how kind you all have been. Please take care.”

“You’re always welcome at the Kamiya dojo, and thank you for looking after our injuries.” Koshijiro passed her a slip of paper. “This is the info for the Aizu police, they’re aware of your arrival. We wish you well.”

“I won’t stop looking. Once I’m settled in, I’ll expand my search.” She promised. “Ken-san, remember what I said. If you feel anything wrong at all, please send a telegram to the new clinic and I’ll rush over.”

“Thank you, but this one will try not to disrupt your work.” He kindly said. “You have the important duty of caring for those who need your expertise. Do your best.”

“Yes, I will.” Then, she turned to Kaoru, lifting a familiar medicine chest. “And this is for you. These are the prescriptions and medicines for emergency treatment, everything’s labeled with the correct dosing, and…look at you, you’re so gloomy.” She tutted.

Kaoru was downcast, now that the moment of parting was here. “I just hate saying goodbye, and to do it again and again…”

“Aw, come on, Jou-chan.” Sagara clapped a hand on the top of her ponytail. “Whether it’s Aizu or the Aoiya or at Tomoe’s grave or even just the dojo, we can visit each other any time. This isn’t goodbye forever.”

Takani’s eyebrows shot up, as she concealed a smile behind her hand. “You really do say nice things sometimes.”

“I say nice things all the time.”

She let out a short laugh. “If you’re ever in Aizu and need your left hand treated, I can see you as well.”

“Thanks.”

“With that said…” Takani promptly thrust the chest to Kaoru, who leaned forward with the burden. “But the most important medicine for Ken-san isn’t in there. It’s your smile, the smile of the one he’s chosen. Not me, not Tomoe-san, but you. And maybe, it could even heal a scar.”

“…I understand. Megumi, let’s meet again someday soon.”

Her countenance lightened, and she set her shoulders in confidence. “Well then, everyone. Goodbye.” And then, she elegantly climbed into the coach. The driver snapped the reins, joining the bustling crowds.

They drifted away from the station, and Yahiko pointed out a restaurant, a line already starting to form. “We came all this way, so can we eat a Western lunch?”

But before anyone could reply, shouts broke the air. “Found him! Stop that spiky-haired bastard!” Two officers in unfamiliar uniforms were running in their direction. Were they referring to Sagara?

Kaoru suddenly exclaimed. “What is this?!” She pointed to a nearby wanted poster, with a surprisingly accurate portrait of Sagara.

Himura took it down, reading the text. “For the crimes of disrupting the peace, damaging the silk trade, assaulting Magistrate Fudosawa…”

“Damn, I didn’t realize they chased me all the way from Nagano.”

They stared at him, and Koshijiro recalled his story. “When you fought alongside your father, against those corrupt individuals…”

“Yeah, they were linked to the Ishin Shishi.” He stepped forward, closing the distance to the men and in a blur of motion, knocked them out. But it wasn’t over. A block away, more uniformed men were shoving through the pedestrians. “And they brought all their friends too.”

Yahiko was slack-jawed in dismay, and Kaoru blurted. “Sanosuke, what even-”

“Oops. Gotta run.” And he sprinted off, gone in the blink of an eye, leaving the four of them dumbstruck.

He never came to the dojo that night, or even the following morning. He had to be laying low; the Nagano officers were prowling the streets, but they stuck to the gambling halls and row houses, from the gossip at the station. None of Koshijiro’s colleagues were pleased by the unexpected arrival of these men, or their crass behavior. One of the ringleaders had shouted outside, demanding to speak to the chief. Chief Uramura, who had just healed from his injuries, had attempted a more polite conversation. It didn’t go over well, the other man barking in his face.

“From what I was told,” Koshijiro shared over dinner. “Sagara-san is a person of great interest to their employer. The magistrate on the poster had been found beaten in his house.”

“Probably deserved it, since it was Sano.” Yahiko said around a mouthful of udon. “But now, he’s a fugitive.”

“I’m wondering why he didn’t tell us the Ishin Shishi connection.” Kaoru murmured, stirring her soup spoon.

Himura thought aloud, his eyes deeply serious. “Perhaps, he anticipated this would occur, and did not want to involve us. And as a former member of the Sekihoutai, he has his pride.”

“So, what can we do to help him?”

Yahiko suggested. “Throw the Nagano people off his trail? Leave fake clues, mislead them away from where Sano could be?”

“Yes, or switch targets to the magistrate.” Then, Himura tilted his head. “There is someone who owes this one a favor. Tani-dono, who was shielded by this one and Sanosuke when Jin-e attacked. It would be a gamble, but they are related through the Ishin Shishi.”

“These are great ideas!” Kaoru agreed. “In the meantime, we can make the strangers feel as unwelcome as possible. I’ll talk to Tae, she still needs Sano to pay off his tab, and we’ll spread the word.”

“I can also speak to the chief, to inform further along the chain of command.” Koshijiro frowned. “If the corruption’s deep enough in Nagano, it will be readily obvious.”

So, they set out with their plans. Himura relayed that he had a good conversation with Tani; Koshijiro was very curious as to the details, if it forced the politician into writing a letter to the magistrate. The intruding officers had less presence each day, Yahiko cackling that they were frustrated and lashing out at each other. Kaoru stated that in town, they were rebuffed, ignored, or given nasty looks. Despite the changes, Sagara’s absence continued. They visited the row house where he occasionally stayed after a night out; the bedding was unkempt, he had obviously slept there, but no other signs of life.

After a week, an unfamiliar young man approached. Or rather, he peeked over one of the side walls and hissed in a confiding tone. “Our friend Sano says to meet him at the docks at midnight, he’ll be waiting.”

When the hour arrived, it was Tsunan who pointed them to a small fishing boat. “Over there.”

Sagara was standing by the oars, an eager expression on the dark sea. “It’s about time. I’m leaving Tokyo.”

“In that thing? You’ll capsize!” Yahiko protested.

“I’m not going that far, my first stop is in Osaka. Then, I’ll go south, travel along the coast. I’ve never been to the other islands, like Shikoku, or the mainland and beyond. There’re plenty of strong people in the world; I’m looking forward to challenging them.” His eyes blazed hungrily. “But I wanted one last goodbye, like everyone else did.”

“We’re trying to smooth things over here, but as you rightly said, it isn’t goodbye forever.” Koshijiro shook his hand. “See you later, Sagara-san.”

“See ya, old man.” He grinned. “Go easy on Kenshin, okay?”

At that moment, a whistle pierced the air. By the heavy footsteps, they were on the verge of being discovered. Koshijiro volunteered to stall, but when he climbed up to the streetside, he found a familiar silhouette, directing the Nagano officers away from the docks. “Chief Uramura.”

“Officer Kamiya. Thank you for working overtime, but I can take it from here.” He lightly said. “As for your earlier question, it seems a certain person will soon be removed from his post.”

“I appreciate the update, and your understanding.” He nodded to the disappearing shadows. He crept down the docks again, to hear his daughter speaking.

“No matter what, you can always come and see us. We’ll miss you.”

“Thanks, Jou-chan. Next time I visit, there should be a wedding. Plus or minus a kid on the way.”

“What?! That’s, you…!” She spluttered, her face red. Koshijiro’s own expression was flat and unamused.

Then, Sagara turned to Himura. No words were exchanged between them, only a look of mutual understanding and a hearty slap of their palms. With a broad grin, Sagara crammed his legs into the boat and grabbed the oars. A few splashes, and the snug vessel slipped out to the bay’s undulating waters.

The atmosphere at home was less tense, now that it was concluded, but stillness had settled in. It was true sense of quiet, that expanded in each room, and prompted an overdue cleaning session to busy their hands. When Koshijiro had finished his tasks, he took his break on the porch, next to Yahiko. He had a small glinting item in his fingers, thoughtfully staring at it, and explained.

“It’s the key to Sano’s row house, for me to use.”

“And why did he give it to you?”

“Sano said that it’d be awkward to stay in the same house with a couple.”

The phrasing of ‘couple’ was something to be left for another day; instead, Koshijiro said. “Maybe for him, but you’re still young, Yahiko. Yes, you’ve seen and done things beyond your age and beyond the capacity of many men. However, you’re eleven years old. I would prefer that you stay here, because this is your home and we can look after you. It isn’t easy to live alone, especially in the row houses. Also, when Sagara-san returns, I doubt the row house is the first place he’d visit.”

“Yeah, he’d come to the dojo right away.”

“Indeed.”

“Actually, I don’t really want to leave either. And you’re staying too, Kamiya-san.” He scratched his cheek. “I never got to know my dad; I don’t even know what he looked like. I guess…he’d be something like you. Not the face, obviously! But like, the way you talk and stuff…”

Koshijiro was also embarrassed. “Kyoko and I never had a son, so I suppose we’re in the same situation.”

Yahiko gave a toothy grin. “Yup!” They sat in companionable silence for a bit, until the boy asked. “So, what’s Kenshin going to do?”

“The same as usual, only minding the limits of his physicality. A more difficult balance now, but he will persevere, as he promised.” He hadn’t provided an answer yet in regards to learning Kamiya Kasshin, but the possibility remained open.

Yahiko made a scrunched face in exasperation. “I already knew that! I was talking about him and Kaoru. Even if it’s not a big deal, how much longer will the mushiness last?”

“…I think that’s best answered by them.”

“Ah, there you are!” Kaoru rounded the corner, a broom in her grip. Himura was amiably following in her wake. She gestured to the crisp cover of multicolored foliage and pine needles in the courtyard. “Let’s keep at it until dinner.”

“There are plenty of ingredients for takikomi gohan tonight, a reward for such hard work.” Himura caught a falling maple leaf in midair, and he offered it to Kaoru with a smile. “For you, Kaoru-dono.”

She happily accepted. “How pretty. Thank you, Kenshin.” Had their pinkies touched? It was hard to tell.

“Ugh, come on.” Yahiko griped, but he didn’t sound genuinely upset. “Here, I’ll take the broom while you two are occupied.” They did pick up their feet, but shared little smiles while the yard was cleaned.

Koshijiro knew exactly what he was expecting, but he would wait.

#rurouni kenshin #kenkao #at arm's length

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