#uhtred and his pretty boys

[witchthewriter]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

⤷ female, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

Also this is 18+ ... we acting like grown ups.

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

𝑼𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒅

“Destiny is all… but you were never part of the plan.”

・This marriage is a strategic alliance. An act to broker peace between two warring factions.

・Even though Uhtred wants this peace, he isn't thrilled about it.

・At first his mindset was to keep you alive, but the more you got to know each other...the more he was in denial:

“I don’t care about her. I just need to make sure she stays alive… for the alliance. That’s all.”

・What started as a simple sword lesson had turned into him pushing you harder than he intended. Wanting you to see the true strength of opponents.

・He didn't want to sugarcoat what war and battles were. (Not that you had been fantasising about them anyway).

・Uhtred thought his lesson was going well until you finally knocked him to the ground.

・For a split second, he was shocked...stunned and then he stared up at you, breathing heavily. And then he smirked.

・Showing indifference, Uhtred trains you to fight. And adorns you with proper fighting gear, a shield and gets a blacksmith to make your very own sword.

・Even in the early stages of your marriage, Uhtred would subconsciously protect you - no matter where you were or what you were doing. E.g., even at the tavern, he never let anyone get too close (his men were like three other bodyguards)

・You were glad for Finan, he became like a brother to you. Always making things lighter, bringing the humour.

・Because you were constantly on the road with the four men. And Uhtred didn't trust anyone else to take care of you.

・But he would never say that...

・Sihtric barely spoke to you, but he held a lot of respect for you.

・Over time, Sihtric becomes one of your fiercest defenders, in battle and in life. Like a quiet shadow, a forcefield ensuring no harm comes to you.

・Osferth; he's your first friend, real friend, although he was a bit awkward. You become the sister he's always wanted. And he becomes that little brother who wants to follow you everywhere and do everything you're doing...

・The truth of Uhtred's feelings comes out during a heated argument. After nearly getting himself killed...again, you accuse him of putting too much at risk to gain Bebbanburg, that he cares too much about gaining that castle back.

・Shocked, ashamed, embarrassed that you would say that. Uhtred's face heats, and what you say is truth. Well, it was truth, until:

"I have spent my whole life fighting for Bebbanburg! But then you came along, and now I’m fighting for something else. For you. Don’t you see that?”

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖:

“My Heart” uses this one when you have private moments and when he feels vulnerable. I.e., after a battle or during soft, intimate conversations.

“Shieldmaiden” is used in front of his men, showing his pride in you.

“Wife” is both teasing and affectionate, often said when you’re being stubborn.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Shared Vision and Purpose

Closed Off (Uhtred) x The Person They Warm Up To (You)

Brave Warrior (Uhtred) x Self-Assured Damsel (You)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Home Is Wherever You Are

The Parents Of The Group

Reluctant Allies to Lovers

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Kingdom Dance by Alan Menken

Scotland by BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

I Had To Do That by James Newton Howard

𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏

“I didn’t want this, but now? I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

・Your marriage was a political alliance to strengthen ties between Ireland and the Saxons. Finan, as Uhtred’s right hand, was seen as a valuable connection.

・How else could Finan endure this other than with humour?

・As soon as you met him, he was cracking jokes. Sometimes he was funny, other times you were annoyed - because he was constantly making light of ... everything.

・When you called him out on it, he sighed, "I'm sorry lass. It's ah...the only way I know how to cope sometimes."

“She’s alright, I guess. I mean, for someone who can’t keep up in a fight…” (He says this right before throwing himself in front of an arrow meant for you.)

・Day by day, you were slowly opening up to each other. Learning through talking by the fire, on horseback, walking through the forest.

・Soon Finan began to lean close while talking to you, staring into your eyes, moving a piece of hair behind your ear, brushing past you "accidentally", etc.

・Finan was always looking to see if you were okay. Even in a crowded hall, his gaze would flick to you every few moments, but if he was ever caught, he'd smirk and look away.

・Whenever you feel down, Finan doesn't mind making a fool of himself to make you laugh

・If talking doesn't help, he'd happily slip in the mud during training or let Sihtric carry him around bridal style.

・One night, as a joke, you tied a small braid into his hair, saying it makes him look more "noble." He laughed it off but didn't take it out... he wore it for days afterward.

・His feelings are brought to light during a drunken night around the fire. The others were sharing stories about what they fight for; land, honour, family, ... fun.

・Someone asked Finan and as he was about to make a joke, he glanced at you.

・Your face was illuminated by the light of the flames, and it hit him like a punch to the gut.

"Her."

Silence fell. He looked to you who was wide-eyed, "I'll always fight for you."

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Lass” is his go-to—light, teasing, and affectionate.

“Trouble” slips out when you’re bickering or challenging him (which is often).

“Little One” is playful, his everyday teasing, often when he’s trying to make you laugh.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

You Fell First, But He Fell Harder

Constant Banter

The Sarcastic Duo That Can Finish Each Other's Insults

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Height Difference

Bickering and Banter

Timeless Love

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Say Yes To Heaven by Lana Del Rey

Valerie by the Midnite String Quartet

Happily Ever After by George Fenton

𝑺𝒊𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄

“You make me feel like I belong… like I'm worth loving.”

・For Sihtric, he was forced to marry you. The King willed it so. It was a cruel decision. the King wanted to somehow split up Uhtred's group - make it harder for them to be connected.

・It didn't turn out how the Monarch intended...the group just kept you with them.

“I don’t care if she notices me. I’m just here to protect her.” (He says while carrying a pouch full of the random trinkets you’ve given him.)

・You were trained by all of them in battle; how to defend, attack, how to do a shield wall etc.

・Spending time with the men was fun; even if Sihtric was silent most of the time.

・Finan always made you laugh, and Osferth made you feel comfortable no matter what the context was.

・In time, you truly thought of Uhtred as your leader. And you too called him 'Lord.'

・Sihtric constantly lingered in the background. He was always nearby, however, he was never imposing. Just ensuring you were safe.

・You were very different to what everyone thought. There was a softness in you. A heart of gold.

・When you became comfortable around Sihtric, you started to give him things.

・Particularly things you found on your journeys. E.g., many many rocks; smooth river stones, shiny pebbles (anything shiny really), beautiful feathers from birds, flowers that have specific meanings etc.

・And he keeps every single item.

・His pockets are completely full.

・Sihtric is constantly staring, but instantly looks away when he's caught. A small blush dusting his cheeks.

・Another thing is his quiet gestures...he'll fix your armor, puts extra supplies on your horse, sharpens your sword without saying a word.

・The love you hold for each other comes out during the aftermath of a brutal fight.

・You were tending to Sihtric's wounds, hands trembling as you stitched a deep cut on his arm.

・Sihtric couldn't help but watch your face, the concetration, the look of concern.

・You were both silent until you uttered, "You...you could have been killed," your voice was soft but full of emotion.

・Sihtric caught your wrist, his blood-stained fingers entwining with yours.

In a voice so wrapped with truth, Sihtric whispered, "I would die for you. Without hesitation. "

・This marriage wasn't duty anymore. Now...it was love.

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Little Blade” pops up during training sessions or when you sass him.

“Mine” is possessive, intense, and usually slips out during high-stakes moments.

“Angel” when he’s overwhelmed with how much he adores you.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Madly In Love (Sihtric) x Ridiculously Oblivious (You)

Sun (You) x Moon (Him)

Always Bringing Them Rocks They Think They Would Like (You) x Keeps The Rocks (Him)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Healing and Redemption

Unbreakable Bond

Emotional Intimacy

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Me and Your Mama by Childish Gambino

Sex On Fire by Midnite String Quartet

Fire In The Water by Feist

𝑶𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒉

“You make me brave. Brave enough to be yours.”

・The marriage was to save your life. Many Saxons wanted you dead, but a marriage to a religious Saxon meant you'd be safe.

・Early on in the marriage Osferth would blush at everything you did. From compliments to teasing, he was constantly red-faced.

・But as your time together grew, he started seeking out those moments.

・Even though he’s usually mild-mannered, if anyone speaks poorly of you, Osferth is the first to step up; sword in hand, voice shaking, but unwilling to step down.

・Osferth would give you thoughtful gifts. Small items like a bunch of wildflowers, a smooth stone, etc. But never admitting they’re from him.

“She’s just being friendly. That’s what this is… right?” (As he turns red after you compliment his sword-fighting.)

・Both of you faced your feelings when he thought he lost you.

・It was after a battle; a close one where you all were separated from each other. You were missing for a few hours, and Osferth had been searching unrelentlessly.

・With each moment his panic had risen. His heart beating so fast he thought he might die.

・But he did find you. You were unconscius but alive.

・Osferth cradled you, tears in his eyes while whispering his feelings:

“Please, don’t go. I… I love you. I should have said it before.”

・You stirred at his words, opening your eyes, smiling lightly.

・Blinking slowly, you hummed. Moving to hold onto his arm.

"I love you too."

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Sweetheart” is his everyday term — filled with gentle love.

“Dearest” slips out when he’s overwhelmed with love — often in moments of shyness or soft confessions.

“Braveheart” is used when he’s overwhelmed by your strength, often after emotional or dangerous moments.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

He Confessed His Love When Thinking You Were Unconscious 

Black Cat (You) x Golden Retriever (Osferth)

Menace To Society (You) x Living Moral Compass (Osferth)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Trust and Dependence

Intertwined Destinies

Love Conquers All

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush

The Train by James Newton Howard

Let The Light In by Lana Del Rey

𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒈𝒈𝒓

“I would follow you to the ends of the earth—because without you, none of this matters.”

・There was constant tension whenever you were around Sigtryggr.

・He rarely spoke to you in the early days of your marriage.

・Seeing it only as a way for him to gain more power

・And in return, your family would be safe - your village, kingdom, would not be harmed by any Dane.

・You kept your own beliefs and wore your traditional family clothes, even though you did not know when you would see your family again.

“She talks too much… but I don’t want her to stop.”

・Watches you when he thinks you aren’t looking.

・His stoic exterior hides it, but he studies you. Including how you smile, how you move, how you speak.

・Sigtryggr knows what your favourite colour is, what you like to do with your time - all because he notices things. And he wants to know more about you.

・He lets you in; allows you to see glimpses of his vulnerable self.

・He shares stories of his past, things he’s done, things he regrets and waits to see if you’ll turn away. You never do.

・And in a world where he controls everything...he lets you make decisions. E.g., about where to travel, what to eat. He values your opinion.

・When both of your feelings were revealed, it was during a difficult situation.

・You had confronted him after a harsh decision in battle. He had executed someone who defied him.

・It shocked you. But ... you understood. Traitors had to be punished, maybe he went a bit far this time but you understood.

・In the comfort and seclusion of your shared bedroom, you spoke your thoughts.

"Don't you think that was a bit ... brutal? I mean, yes he was a ... traitor but you could have done anything else-"

"I know you think I'm a monster," he replies, his voice low. He wasn't facing you, almost as if he wouldn't. Or couldn't.

"A monster?" You replied, shocked.

"Yes! Do you think I wanted this? To be this man?" His words came out like venom.

You soften, and step closer, "No. No, you aren't a monster. Sigtryggr, I have seen the good in you!

His gaze turns to you, utterly and completely. Gently taking a hold of your wrist, voice low and vulnerable: “I’ve done terrible things… but I would burn the world for you.”

・No more pretending. You had the realisation that...he is completely, undeniably yours.

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Beloved” used during rare, emotionally charged moments e.g., after a battle, during confessions, or when you’re vulnerable together.

“My Flame” is used when there's passionate, heated arguments or intimate moments.

“Little Chaos” he calls you this when you’re being unpredictable or teasing him.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Soulmates

"I've done terrible things in the past" (Sig) x "All i care about is who you are in the present" (You)

The Hyperactive (You) x The Unheeded Voice of Reason (Sig)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

I Can't Exist Without You

Healing and Rebuilding Together

I Go Wherever You Go

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

One More Hour by Tame Impala

Margaret by Lana Del Rey

Dance Me To The End Of Love by Leonard Cohen

[zaldritzosrose]

Valentine's Icons: TLK Edition

Just a little late Valentines treat for some of my favourite TLK boys!

Please like, reblog and tag if you use!

[transfinan]

If u ask me (I'm gay) Haesten wanted in on their poly group (they are not looking for a 5th)(they need a bear)(up the diversity in that group)(too many otters)(plus Osferth counts for 2 twinks)

[all-that-is-gold-is-now-gone]

Finan: Everyone shush. The adults are talking. Osferth: Uh…Finan? Sihtric: You’re talking yourself Finan: Thats cause I’m the only adult here Uhtred: Rude

[finanmoghra]

just a normal night at the alehouse in coccham

[lady-wyrd]

The Last Kingdom 4x01

[71starsmusic]

I should be working on music but made The Last Kingdom & Vikings wallpaper for my laptop instead. 😂❤️🎶 hopefully some of you will enjoy it

[bilbotargaryen]

🧍‍♂️

[tovalhallaandback]

I am once again thinking about how we were ROBBED of seeing more of the Danish/Norse/Pagan culture in TLK. We occasionally got the juxtaposition when the Danes raided towns/strongholds, then the stuff with Skade (S3)/Brida (S5).

Also still wondering why we had Rumcofa celebrating Blood Month but not Eoferwic?! Like can you imagine how much more impactful Brida's attack would have been had it coincided with their preparations for Blood Month as well?!

[finanmoghra]

coccham squad but they are the four elements.

finan is earth

sihtric is water

osferth is air

uhtred is fire

[bilesandthesourwolf]

go nuts: uhtred and his pretty boys

stop: literally everyone else in the show

matching shirts for you and your bff

[pyschosoda]

Caught Staring

feat - Osferth, Finan, Uhtred, Sihtric

In which Uhtred and his pretty boys are caught staring at the woman their heart desires

a/n: my first post finally!!! I decided to start small in order to get the feel of writing for these characters! likes and reblogs are appreciated!!

“I can feel you staring at me…”

You watch the timid monk stiffen and look away from your peripheral. You often noticed Osferth’s eyes were drawn towards you when in the same room. You didn’t mind, of course; it was quite cute, so you never felt the need to call him out on it, but the poor boy looked as if he was about to explode if you didn’t speak up soon. 

“Ah…apologies… I don’t mean to stare." His eyes involuntarily straying back towards you for a moment before he forced his gaze to the wooden floorboards beneath his feet. 

 

“Have I got something on my face?” You tear your gaze from the arrow you had been crafting, now trailing over the anxious-looking monk. “Or perhaps my hair is askew?” A smile curls its way onto your lips as you watch Osferth shake his head at your teasing, his eyes flickering up to your face before dropping back down as if he couldn’t decide if he wanted to meet your gaze. 

 

"N…n-no, my lady, you-“

 

"I’m teasing you, Osferth,” you cut him off, not wanting him to embarrass himself further, his own lips curling into a smile as his eyes finally decided that he did want to meet your gaze. 

 

“Oh…” His voice is barely above a whisper. “Right…”

 

The two of you fall into a comfortable silence as your attention is drawn back to what you were doing before. 

 

and again, Osferth is staring. 

 

He watches as your hands craft arrow after arrow as if it were nothing more than muscle memory. 

 

From the corner of your eye, you notice Osferth fidgeting again, unsure if he should leave or try to start another conversation with you. 

 

“Come, sit,” you break the silence, making the decision for him as you offer him the seat across from you. “I’ll show you how to make an arrow.”

“I can feel you staring at me.”

 

Your voice cuts through the loud ale house, but Finan seemed to hear you just fine from where he was standing, slumped against the wall next to where you sat. 

 

“What? Now I’m not allowed to look at ya?" He scoffs, bringing the mug to his lips. 

 

“First ya take my seat, and now ya won’t even let me look at ya?" He jests, shaking his head as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. 

 

Your eyes roll at his words, unable to hide the smile Finan seemed to always bring to your lips. 

 

“I’m going to get us some more ale,” you state with a laugh, plucking the mug from his hands as you stand up and make your way to the barmaid behind the counter. 

 

Of course, once you left, Finan reclaimed his stolen seat. You opened your mouth to protest, but before you’re able to get a word out, he’s pulling you into his lap, the ale in the mugs sloshing around, coating your hands in the sticky liquid. 

 

“Finan!” you scold. “I’m covered in ale now, you bastard!”

 

He shushes you as he takes one of the filled mugs from your hands. “I’ll help you clean it off later; just sit still and let me enjoy a nice cup of ale with a pretty girl on my lap.”

“I can feel you staring at me,”

 

A grin stretches it’s way onto Uhtred’s face as he tore another piece of chicken from the bone, his eyes flickering down to the meat as he slips it into his mouth before his gaze moves back to yours. 

 

“Am I not allowed to look at my woman anymore?” He said in his usual smug tone that only added to his charm. 

 

“There’s a difference between looking and staring,” you say with false annoyance lacing between your words. 

 

This, of course, only makes him more smug, causing laughter to bubble up past his lips as he continues to enjoy his meal. 

 

“I can’t help that you look so beautiful tonight." Uhtred shrugs, looking back down at his plate as he finishes his food. 

 

“I look the same as I always do,” you argue, standing up to put away the plates.

 

As you walk by, Uhtred catches your waist with his hand. He leans back in his chair, his thumb gently moving back and forth, tracing the skin beneath your clothes. 

 

“That doesn’t make you any less beautiful to me." His voice was softer than before; the smugness was gone as he gazed up at you. 

 

“Sit, I would like to enjoy this moment with you a little longer." He releases your waist at the request, and you obliged, of course. Who are you to deny Lord Uhtred such a simple request? A request that ended up leading you right into his bed. 

“I can feel you staring at me.”

 

You pull your hands from the cold water of the river, giving Sihtric your full attention. It was hard to believe he was the warrior that people said he was because every time you got a look at him, he looked more like a puppy than a man to you, much like he did now, staring at you with wide eyes, shifting in the place he stood as he worked up the courage to speak more than his usual two words to you. 

 

“I wasn’t staring." His voice was light, almost light enough to be carried away in the wind, but you heard him. You always did. 

 

“No?” you hummed, turning your attention back to the wet dress in your hand. “Just happened to be strolling by the river, looking in my direction then?” 

 

There was a pause; for a moment, the only sound you heard was the sound of the river as you used it to wash your clothes. 

 

“You shouldn’t be out here alone." Sihtric spoke up, changing the subject. It seemed he’d rather focus on you in this moment. 

 

“I’m not alone,” you replied, squeezing the water from the dress you were cleaning. “You’re here.” You look back at him from over your shoulder, smiling at the sight of him moving his gaze down to his feet. 

 

“Will you come and make yourself useful, or are you just going to stand there and stare at me?” Your invitation seems to break the barrier between you two, the leaves crunching beneath his feet getting louder as he gets closer. 

 

“I was not staring,” he mumbles, taking one of the dirty pieces of clothing from her basket and dipping it into the river. 

- dividers by @dollywons and @thecutestgrotto -

a/n: again, this is my first post!! feedback in the comments would be appreciated! ^-^

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

Broken Hearted Lovers

note: a requested fic by @scorpioada, thank you so much for the request! I really enjoyed writing this one and I hope it's what you had in mind. This fic turned out way longer than I expected, oops. I did proof read, but there could be some mistakes left, sorry!

warnings: 18+. angst/fluff/suggestive. mention of alcohol, heartbreak and being cheated on, but know that this fic is actually rather light and fluffy!

pairing: modern!Sihtric x fem!reader (no use of Y/N)

summary: After your ex kicked you out of his house, you are forced to move in with your brother, Uhtred. And while you were dealing with your broken heart, you couldn't ignore the feelings that resurfaced upon seeing Sihtric, because he had secretly been your life long crush.

word count: 9,4k

Masterlist

Reblogs & comments are immensely appreciated.

Being Uhtred's sister wasn't always easy. You were only a few years younger than him, but he was as protective as an older brother could be. In the streets, the other kids used to stay clear of him, while in school most kids wanted to join him and his friend group. Uhtred and his friends were named 'the pretty boys', because surely they were all good looking, even as youngsters. And there was one friend of your brother in particular who you always had a crush on, for as long as you could remember, and that was Sihtric.

You and Uhtred were close, so you often hung out with him while his friends were around too. You would do your own thing usually, like playing with dolls or dressing up. But sometimes the guys would help you build a fort out of blankets and furniture, and other times you joined them to play a couple of video games. However, playing games with Finan, Osferth and Sihtric was always short lived, as none of the boys ever showed mercy on you. So after a couple of losses you'd always storm off in tears, only to feel even more embarrassed when Uhtred made his friends apologize to you for making you cry.

But despite all of that, they were Uhtred's friends and you were just the younger sister, so Uhtred's fellow pretty boys knew you would always be more or less off limits to them, and they never had an issue with that as they grew up. They kept their respectable distance as you all got to the age of dating and clubbing, but they weren't shy to chase away anyone who could end up hurting you, or was simply bothering you on nights out. Which also meant that for most of your life every guy you were somewhat interested in was afraid to get near you, as they knew they'd have to get past Uhtred and the pretty boys first. You always hoped that once you had passed your teens you would be able to escape your brother's protective nature, but the dating problem remained as everyone in town knew far too well who your brother was.

You never stopped crushing on Sihtric though, but as you both matured over the years you had also been the unfortunate witness to his dating life. It was always a painful jab in the face to see him with someone. Until one day you woke up and just felt it was time to get over those silly feelings for him, because you knew Sihtric would only ever see you as Uhtred's younger sister.

After some time you ended up with a decent job and you shared an apartment with some friends in a different town, free of Uhtred's protection, and you finally participated in the dating scene. A handful of guys were boyfriend potential over the years, but every time you brought someone over to meet Uhtred, your brother would make sure to show his disapproval and chase them away. And so your dating life was still disastrous because of that, but you also couldn't pretend that you didn't still feel butterflies whenever you saw Sihtric. 

You only saw him a few times a year, when Uhtred threw a party or when you'd come over to surprise visit your brother during a weekend off. You saw Sihtric with all kinds of haircuts over the years, and each cut had made him look as good as ever. You hated how you couldn't get over him. But once you heard he had gotten married, you told yourself to stop being so stupid and delusional. 

You threw yourself in the dating scene again and ended up with a guy named Eardwulf. You and him worked out, for a while, since you never mentioned him to Uhtred. Until it was too late…

'What do you mean you have a boyfriend?!' Uhtred half yelled, his face pale as he tried to accept the fact his younger sister had been secretly dating.

'Had a boyfriend,' you sniffled.

Only a few days ago you found out that Eardwulf, your secret boyfriend of almost two years, had cheated on you multiple times throughout your supposedly committed relationship. You felt so betrayed and disgusted by him that you couldn't stand being around him anymore. And on that note he had kicked you out of his house, leaving you with no place to go. You had packed your belongings and left to the one person who would have warned you about him if he had known; your brother. Uhtred was furious at first and demanded you to tell him your ex's address, but you told him to forget it because it was all over anyway.

'But why on earth did you move in with this Earthworm guy without talking to me?!' Uhtred asked, angry and confused.

He still felt unwell knowing you had lived with a man, and therefore probably also had slept with a man. He shivered visibly at the thought.

'Because that was my freedom!' you threw your hands up. 'I finally found a guy who liked me, at least I thought, and after a year of dating I moved in with him. It meant that I sort of had a place of my own. No more sharing the kitchen and shower with housemates. I finally had privacy and someone who I believed I could build a future with,' you said with a sob, 'but I was so wrong… and now I have nowhere to go.'

Uhtred had sighed and, once the colour on his face had somewhat returned, he told you to not worry about a place to stay. You could move in with him for a while, until you'd find an affordable and decent place to live at again. And so you moved in with Uhtred that very same day. 

His spare bedroom wasn't very big, but it would do for the time being. You cheered the room up a little by unpacking some of your decor. You placed several candles on the dusty shelves and hung a few picture frames on the empty walls. Uhtred told you he'd be out for a moment to get some groceries, and he informed you that he had a friend coming over later, but that they wouldn't keep you up late and they'd be quiet. You shrugged at that and took a refreshing shower, after which you treated yourself to a thorough skin care routine in absolute silence, with only some music blasting in your ears through your earpods. And after you had rinsed your face, you decided to go and pour yourself a well needed drink in the kitchen, knowing your brother always had more than enough liquor at home.

But instead of that well needed drink, you got the scare of a lifetime when you walked out of the still hot and steaming bathroom. While wearing fluffy pink booty shorts with a matching bra, you found a homeless looking man standing in the kitchen with his back turned to you, and your heart skipped numerous beats upon spotting the intruder.

'Jesus fucking Christ!' you screamed and almost fell on your ass, your earpods falling out of your ears at the sudden jump backwards.

'What the fuck!' the man also slightly jumped, and knocked over the shot glass he had just filled up.

He managed to save the bottle from clattering onto the wooden floor, and he quickly turned to look at who on earth had almost ended his life early. You stared back at him; his shoulder length hair was dark and clearly uncombed, but his facial hair was rather well kept. His white shirt had some holes in it, his black sweatpants had clear tomato sauce stains on them, and to top it off you saw one of his toes sticking out of a hole in his grey socks.

'Who the fuck are you!?' you shrieked, your back pressed against the bathroom door.

'Me?!' the man yelled, leaning back against the kitchen counter, 'who the hell are you?! Where's Uhtred? He didn't warn me that he had one of his fuck buddies over-'

'Fuck buddies?!' you shouted over him, with a face of disgust, 'Uhtred has fuck buddies?!'

'Of course he does!' the man snarled as he looked you up and down, 'and they all look… you know,' he gestured at your outfit, 'they dress like you!'

'Like me?!'

You gagged at the words while the spooked man in the kitchen kept his distance, waiting for you to reveal who you were while he was also ready to grab a knife from the kitchen island that separated you. He would chase you away, if he had to. You stared at him as you took a cautious step closer, seeing his eyes were wide and… 

his eyes.

Your mouth went dry and you felt your cheeks heat up at the sight of his eyes, one bright and one dark. And only then you noticed the familiar scars on his face, half hidden behind thick strands of messy hair. You became light headed with your knees weakened when you realised who you had just walked into.

'S-Sihtric?' you stammered, 'is that… you?'

'Maybe,' Sihtric half growled, his eyes darting between you and the knife on the counter, 'depends who's asking.'

He remained in a cautious state, wetting his lips with his tongue while his eyes were still wide and darting between you and the knife. You followed his eyes and then took a step back again, remembering that Sihtric was pretty good with weapons as a kid already, always carrying a pocket knife back then. And you were utterly convinced that it was Sihtric who was in front of you. He had changed, absolutely. He was a man now, but you would recognise those eyes anywhere.

'Sihtric!' you yelled, 'it's me, you fool!'

Sihtric looked at you and squinted his eyes, as if he couldn't see clearly, but then suddenly his eyes widened again as his jaw dropped, and he gasped with both shock and relief when he finally recognised you.

'What,' Sihtric said, 'when… when the hell did you grow up looking like that?!'

'Looking like what?' you made a face, 'what is that supposed to mean?!'

'You… you were… you are Uhtred's little sister!' Sihtric scoffed, 'you… you know,' he panicked and tried to look anywhere but at you, 'you're not supposed to look like… like-'

'Like what!?'

'Like one of Uhtred's girls!' Sihtric yelled and threw his hands up, then covered his eyes for a moment, 'gods, why are you barely dressed?!'

'Excuse me?' you hissed and rolled your eyes, 'Jesus fucking Christ, Sihtric,' you sighed and walked over to grab the bottle of liquor next to him, purposely bumping into his shoulder as you did, 'you've never seen a woman in lounge wear before?!'

Sihtric stammered something inaudible as he watched you grab another shot glass from the cupboard. You poured yourself a drink and downed the liquor in one go, and you made a face as the burning sensation went down your throat, while Sihtric was still gaping at you.

'How on earth did you get in here?' you asked, your voice raspy because of the strong alcohol.

'I… I have a key.'

'Why the hell do you have a key to Uhtred's place?'

'Because,' Sihtric began with confidence, but then stopped talking and mumbled inaudibly again as he went to clean up his spilled drink.

'What did you say?' you gave him a curious look.

'I've been spending a lot of time here,' Sihtric finally said as he poured himself a new shot, 'Uhtred gave me a key so I can let myself in when he's not home yet.'

'What? You mean like… you live here?'

'No,' Sihtric said. He downed the alcohol quickly and made the same face as you had done, and then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. 'I don't live here, but I come here when I'm having a rough day. Uhtred knows I was coming over today.'

'Rough day?' you snorted, 'yeah, looks like you've been having a lot of rough days, huh?'

Sihtric frowned, and you pointed at his clothes.

'Fuck,' he muttered as he looked down at himself, 'I'm… I'm sorry for this. If I knew someone would be here I'd have showered.'

'Just showered?' you raised an eyebrow.

'... And washed my clothes,' Sihtric added with clear embarrassment.

You stared at each other for a few long seconds. You were still in shock that your life long crush was suddenly right in front of you again. Sure, he looked a little rough, but every feeling you have ever had for him came right back up, and they hit you like a smack in the face. You couldn't even think straight whenever he gazed back at you. He was clearly shy and embarrassed by the way he looked, and he tried so hard to keep his eyes off you. You were Uhtred's sister, he knew he shouldn't be looking at you the way he did. But he couldn't help himself, because you looked like a dream to him, and he had never seen you like this before.

'What,' Sihtric said, but his voice faltered and he needed to clear his throat, 'what are you doing here… looking like that?'

'I found out my boyfriend-'

'You have a boyfriend?' Sihtric frowned, 'Uhtred never told us anything about that.'

 'Had a boyfriend,' you sighed, 'he cheated on me and kicked me out of his house.'

'Wait, you live with a guy?' he chuckled, 'does Uhtred know that?'

'I don't live with him anymore,' you rolled your eyes and walked around the kitchen island. 'And yeah, Uhtred knows now. That's why I'm here, I have no place to go. I'm staying here for a little while, until I get back on my feet.'

'Fuck,' Sihtric mumbled and joined you at the island, leaning on the marble surface across from you, 'I'm sorry to hear that.'

'Yeah,' you shrugged, 'it is what it is. But I still don't understand why you have a key to this place.'

'I recently got divorced,' Sihtric confessed, 'my ex-wife cheated on me, so I know how you feel there.'

'Jesus, Sihtric… I'm so sorry.'

Sihtric shrugged and forced a faint smile, then filled the two shot glasses up once more and pushed one your way.

'Here's to shitty exes,' he said with a pained smile, 'and to us, may we finally find our soulmate and receive the love we deserve.'

You clinked the shot glasses together before you each downed the drink. You then both made an unpleasant face again, and you couldn't help but laugh at each other and at how bizarre the situation was. But the laughter soon died down, after which you and Sihtric carefully gazed at each other again as you both leaned on opposite sides of the island.

'You look good,' Sihtric said softly, 'despite everything going on in your life, you know? I wouldn't know you're going through it if you hadn't told me.'

'Thank you,' you smiled shyly, 'you look…'

Sihtric furrowed his brow as he waited for your answer, suppressing a smile while he tried to look offended.

'I don't look good,' he chuckled, 'I know.'

'No,' you said quickly, 'you… you do look good, actually. It's just your clothes,' you laughed.

'Well,' Sihtric cleared his throat, 'I believe that as a recently divorced man, I have earned the right to wear the same clothes for weeks on end.'

'That's disgusting,' you laughed, 'but you do have the right to be dressed in pizza stained sweatpants, sure.'

'Well, we can't all be dressed in booty shorts and little pink bras,' Sihtric taunted.

'You should try it,' you grinned, 'I bet you'd look sexy.'

'Maybe. But nowhere nearly as sexy as you look,' Sihtric said with a wink.

He then laughed again at how stupid he had sounded, while you were clearly blushing at his words.

'You're saying my little sister is what now, Sihtric?' Uhtred suddenly asked.

You and Sihtric both jumped at the sound of Uhtred's voice, and you made haste to grab a random towel off the kitchen counter to cover yourself a little up for your brother.

'That's… you heard that out of context,' Sihtric said quickly, 'I swear I didn't… I wasn't hitting on your sister.'

'He wasn't!' you agreed, knowing how Uhtred could be, 'it was my fault. I didn't know someone was here when I came out of the bathroom. I… I should've dressed up decently.'

'You should,' Uhtred said sternly, 'and you will, now! And you,' he looked at Sihtric, 'you will not be looking at my sister!'

'I will not,' Sihtric said, his eyes fixated on his own worn out socks.

You ran past Uhtred and to your room, where you slammed the door shut before you jumped in bed and hid under the covers. Your whole body felt as if it was on fire. Your heart was beating out of your chest and your cheeks were burning so brightly, you couldn't possibly show yourself again. You buried your face in your pillow, fighting all the feelings that had resurfaced so easily upon seeing Sihtric again. But you were also fighting the smile on your flushed face, due to the fact that he had clearly been checking you out. Sihtric might be recently divorced and a bit of a mess right now, but you were more than sure that he was somewhat flirting while you had shared that drink together. 

But still, you felt awkward and hungry, and you needed something to eat. But instead of joining your brother and his friend in the kitchen for dinner a little later, you only snuck out while they were gaming on the couch, and you grabbed a plate of food with you to eat alone in your bedroom, not knowing Sihtric had glanced over his shoulder to get one last look at you that night.

A few days had passed when Sihtric came over again, and this time you were both decently dressed upon greeting each other. Uhtred had informed you of Sihtric's arrival beforehand, so you had put on an oversized shirt to cover yourself. And Sihtric in turn had made the effort to wear some clean clothes and to tie his long hair back in a bun. Only then you noticed he had an undercut, which was freshly shaved by the looks of it, as you could clearly see the tattoo that ran from his neck up to the side of his head and into his hair. And even Uhtred noticed how his friend looked cleaned up again for once, after a few long weeks of not being able to really take care of himself, and your brother couldn't help pointing it out as you all ate dinner together.

'Yeah,' Sihtric said quietly, 'I figured a part of healing is looking after myself too.'

'That's a good start,' you smiled at him.

And Sihtric smiled softly at you in return. But your smiles lasted a little too long for Uhtred's liking, so he cleared his throat loudly to break the ongoing eye contact you and Sihtric had.

'Oh, Uhtred,' you changed the topic, feeling your cheeks were heating up, so you turned the attention to your brother, 'how many fuck buddies do you have?'

Sihtric choked on his drink while Uhtred dropped his fork in pure horror, and both men stared at you with big eyes. Sihtric hid a grin behind his hand, trying his hardest to not laugh as he coughed, while Uhtred blinked rapidly as he processed your unexpected question.

'I beg your pardon?' Uhtred managed to ask.

'Yeah, I heard about your girls,' you said, subtly ratting out Sihtric, who gave you a light kick under the table. 'And I just want to make sure I won't ever walk in here on something,' you said.

'You won't ever walk in on something!' Uhtred snarled and glanced at Sihtric for a split second when his friend snorted, and he then looked back at you, 'and the same goes for you, young lady! I don't ever want you to bring a guy here, is that clear? I don't ever want to walk in on something either!'

'Fine,' you shrugged and got up from the table.

You returned to your bedroom, giving the guys their usual time to play some video games in the evening. But you didn't leave the room before flashing Sihtric a grin, knowing that Uhtred would definitely have a word with Sihtric about running his mouth to you about his private life.

As the weeks continued, you slowly picked yourself up again and every day you felt a little better. But that didn't mean that you weren't hurting anymore. Because you still had your emotional and low energy days, on which your break up just hurted a little more. But you couldn't deny the fact that seeing Sihtric a few times a week, even if it was only briefly during dinner sometimes, definitely made you feel better and made it easier to forget about your shitty ex. But when you did have an off day, it seemed that nothing and no one could cheer you up. At least, not until Sihtric had tried it.

'She's not eating with us today?' Sihtric asked when your seat at the dinner table remained empty one evening.

'No,' Uhtred sighed sadly, 'she's been in her room all day again, crying. I just don't know what to do. Everytime she seems to be going good for a few days, she has one bad day like this, and then all she does is cry and hide. She refuses to eat too, I don't get it.'

'Heartbreak messes with your appetite,' Sihtric said, clearly speaking of experience, 'have you talked to her today?'

'Not really, she won't let me in her room,' Uhtred threw his hands up, 'so I gave up, you know?'

'Do you think I can talk to her?'

'You?' Uhtred scoffed lightly, 'she doesn't want to talk to me, why would she want to talk to you?'

'Uhtred,' Sihtric sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, 'me and her, we've both been cheated on. And, no offense, but you don't know what that feels like. You don't understand what that does to someone because, and again no offense, you've been the cheater ever so often in your relationships.'

Uhtred looked at his friend, stunned and mildly hurt even. He knew he hadn't been a loyal boyfriend, but he never even considered that he had been hurting women the same way his little sister had been hurt by someone, and he felt a pang. He wanted to help you, but he knew that Sihtric was right, because he could never understand the pain you felt which was identical to the pain that he himself had caused so many others before.

'Let me talk to her,' Sihtric pushed politely, 'let me at least try.'

'Fine,' Uhtred shrugged, trying to hide his inner conflict, 'go ahead. But if she throws something at you, then that's your own fault.'

'I'll take the risk,' Sihtric chuckled softly and got up from the table.

You had been hiding away almost all day already, only leaving your room for a brief moment to get yourself a drink and a sandwich when Uhtred was taking a shower earlier that day. You couldn't talk to your brother, he would never understand how you felt, and you didn't have the heart to call him a cheater in his face, no matter how much you wanted to. You were angry today, angry at everyone and everything, when suddenly a soft knock on your door interrupted your sniffling.

'Leave me alone,' you said weakly.

'It's Sihtric,' his voice sounded muffled through your door, 'are you okay?' 

Your heart stopped for a moment after hearing his voice, and you quickly wiped your tears with the blanket you had been hiding under all day.

'I'm fine,' you lied after a few long seconds.

'Are you?' Sihtric asked and cautiously opened your door.

He waited for a few seconds, then stepped in your darkened room when you didn't yell or throw anything at him, and you even allowed him to switch on a light.

'I'm fine,' you said again and hid your face.

'No you're not,' he said and closed the door behind him, 'but that's okay.'

Sihtric sat down next to you on your bed, at a comfortable distance as he allowed you to decide for yourself if you wanted to talk or not. And you desperately needed to talk, but you didn't want to constantly bother your own friends. Uhtred was the only one always around, but he had no idea how to handle your emotional breakdowns over some guy he had never even met; some guy he wanted to strangle with his bare hands. Uhtred would get angry whenever he saw you cry. Not angry at you, but angry at the man who had hurt you. And that always made him realise he was one of those kinds of men too, and it had gnawed at him. And it still gnawed on him, so much even that when he saw how you allowed Sihtric to come into your room, he had shoved his plate aside on the dinner table and left the apartment, as he needed to go for a walk and clear his head.

'I'm just so embarrassed,' you sniffled quietly, 'why do I cry over some stupid guy who cheated on me?'

'Because you loved him,' Sihtric said, compassionately, 'I get it, because I've been there. And sometimes I'm still in that place too. You wouldn't believe how many nights I still cry in bed.'

'You do?' you finally looked at him, 'how long has it been?'

'I do,' Sihtric sighed softly, 'it's been a few months since we separated. The divorce still needs to be finalised, but we're getting close.'

'I'm so sorry,' you whispered and started to cry again.

'Don't be,' Sihtric whispered and instinctively wrapped his arms around you, 'and don't feel embarrassed for crying either. I sure as hell am not ashamed that I still get upset sometimes. Because I know why I cry.'

'Why?' you asked, your face buried in his warm chest, 'because you miss your ex wife?'

'Oh, no,' Sihtric laughed softly, 'I don't miss her at all, and I definitely don't cry for her. I cry because I miss the life I had in a way. I miss the company mostly. I was used to coming home to someone. To have dinner with someone, to talk to someone and to fall asleep with someone. And I think that's the hardest part, missing that company. I feel lonely very often, and then I get stuck in my head. But I don't want my ex back, never,' he emphasized, 'and I'm pretty sure that you don't want your ex back either, do you?'

'Never!' you said and sat back, looking up at Sihtric as you wiped your tears again, 'I never want him back.'

'I know,' Sihtric smiled softly, 'because we both don't miss the people we were with, but we miss the company we had. And it's okay to miss that, you have to allow those feelings too. And that's what makes us different from them. Because we feel, and they clearly don't feel anything, why else would they hurt us like that? And I think it's important that we continue to feel, even if it hurts sometimes. Because we can't let them ruin the good in us, we can't let people like them ruin the fact we are able to love so deeply while they can't.'

'You are right,' you said after a moment, and you hugged him again, 'thank you.'

'Are you feeling a little better?'

'I am.'

'Good,' Sihtric smiled and got up from your bed, 'I think you should eat something. There's some dinner left in the oven, it should still be warm. I can bring it to you if you like?'

'No,' you got up too, 'I appreciate that, but I'll eat with you guys.'

'Well,' Sihtric chuckled after he had opened your door again and found the apartment empty, 'I think it's just me.'

'Did Uhtred leave again?' you rolled your eyes, 'he always does that.'

'I might have upset him,' Sihtric said, 'he struggled that you were feeling upset, and that he didn't know how to help you. So I told him that's because in relationships he has been a cheater. And he is clearly aware of that, but it's only now that he understands what effect that has on someone. And I think he didn't like hearing that.'

'It was about time he heard that,' you shrugged.

Sihtric agreed and went into the kitchen to get you a plate with some food. You joined him and quietly ate your dinner, while Sihtric was just scrolling on his phone for a while until Uhtred came back. Your brother was happy to see you had gotten out of your room and ate something, but he still didn't quite know how to behave around you. Sihtric felt the awkward tension and suggested playing some video games, as usual. Normally you declined spending time with them during their gaming, but you needed the distraction so you agreed to tag along for one evening. And you were glad you did, because you got to sit next to Sihtric and, as the evening progressed, you both became more relaxed and comfortable, resulting in your shoulders resting against each other while your eyes were fixated on the big tv screen in front of you. Uhtred was glad he didn't have to try and cheer you up, and as he was so focused on winning each round of Mario Kart, he didn't even notice that you and Sihtric sat a little too close for his liking, had he seen it.

But you enjoyed it, leaning into Sihtric while he leaned into you, feeling the warmth of his body and comfortable weight pressing against your side. It made you feel warm and safe, a little giddy even, and it was hard for you to focus on the game with him so close by your side. He smelled so nice too, it was comforting, and he radiated calmness and warmth to you. You wished that every day could be like that, but you also knew that Uhtred would never allow it if he'd find out.

You and Sihtric continued to bond and heal as time went on. All while Uhtred never once noticed the way you looked at Sihtric, or how he smiled at you, nor the way you and him sat shoulder to shoulder every time you joined the guys for a few rounds of playing video games. Uhtred was just glad that you and Sihtric both seemed to feel better, that he never even considered the reason you both were slowly becoming happy again was because of each other. And therefore Uhtred also wasn't even bothered when you and Sihtric got a drunk and danced together at the party your brother was throwing in his apartment.

You were a little more drunk than Sihtric was and, while the party was far from over, he decided to help you back to your room when you could barely stand on your legs anymore. You both stumbled into your bedroom, where Sihtric closed the door for some privacy before he walked you over to your bed. He tried to carefully lower you down onto the mattress, but the room was spinning for him too, so it didn't take long before you both fell in bed and had a laughing fit. And after the laughter died down and the loud music still sounded outside your closed door, you and Sihtric just laid there, shoulder to shoulder, staring up at the spinning ceiling while your thoughts wandered.

'You know,' you slurred after a moment, 'I think… you're really hot, Sihtric.'

'What?' he snorted.

'I said,' you dragged out your words, 'I think you're really hot.'

'Oh,' Sihtric chuckled, 'okay.'

'Okay?'

'I mean… thank you?'

'Do you think I'm hot?' you pouted and sat up.

Your eyes were heavy and your cheeks rosy as you stared down at the handsome man who lied next to you.

'Uhtred would behead me,' Sihtric laughed.

'Fuck Uhtred,' you hiccuped.

'I'd… I'd rather not,' he made a face of disgust.

'Huh?'

'What?'

'Do you think I'm hot?' you asked again.

'Of course,' Sihtric smiled and lightly trailed his fingers over your cheek, 'of course I do. But you,' he slightly panicked, 'y-you can't tell your brother.'

'My brother is stupid,' you sighed.

'He is sometimes.'

'Fuck me,' you blurted out.

'What?'

'You,' you giggled and took his hand, 'please?'

'I… I-... you mean, now?'

You laughed and leaned in, going for a kiss, but Sihtric stopped you and told you that you were both a little too drunk right now. You said you didn't care, and then suddenly blurted out how you've always had a crush on him and that you were done waiting around. You had wasted years of your life already, and you were done with that, you just wanted to be with him. Now.

'O-okay,' Sihtric blinked rapidly after your confession, 'well… then… okay.'

'Okay?'

'Yeah,' he shrugged, 'we… we can fuck, I guess.'

'Okay,' you smiled and went to take off your dress.

You got stuck in your dress and Sihtric had to help you out, but as he saw double too, it took him a moment to free you. You then laid back down on the bed, wearing just your lingerie. You pulled Sihtric on top of you, who almost fell over and crushed you in his drunk state, which you both laughed off while your hands roamed each other's warm bodies. You kissed his neck while you felt his hands run up your thighs, and you took off his shirt. You blushed even more as you took in the sight of his muscular body above you. Sihtric took your hands and kissed them, and he then told you to relax as he started to take off his belt. But he was more drunk than he had anticipated, because for minutes he fought with his belt and couldn't seem to unclasp it. And once he finally did and lowered his jeans, he looked down at you again, only to find out that you had fallen asleep. Sihtric laughed softly at that and got off you, then lied down next to you and pulled the sheets over you both, after which he fell asleep too.

You woke up late the next morning after the party, with a headache taunting you right away and you struggled to open your eyes for a moment. But once you opened your eyes properly, they surely stayed wide open, as you were shocked to find Sihtric sleeping next to you. And if him sleeping next to you wasn't enough of a shock, you found yourself in just your lingerie while Sihtric's jeans were unzipped and lowered to his knees. 

You tried to remember what had happened the night before, but everything was a blur. You didn't remember ending up in your room together with him, nor did you remember why you were both half undressed. The fact that you and him were still wearing your underwear told you that you most likely didn't have sex. But you weren't sure if you were relieved or disappointed at that.

You couldn't help but stare at Sihtric as he was next to you, peacefully asleep and so handsome, it was like a weird dream come true. But that dream could turn into a nightmare soon, as you suddenly heard Uhtred cough from the living room. You jumped out of bed, made haste to lock your bedroom door, and you then started to panic. There was no way Sihtric could leave your room unseen, and you both wouldn't live if Uhtred found out you had spent the night together. You yourself weren't even sure if anything had happened, so how were you going to convince your brother that nothing had happened?

You paced back and forth in your room, your head was still spinning and the headache was pounding behind your eyes. You then crawled back in bed and woke Sihtric, covering his mouth with your hand as soon as he woke so he couldn't betray his presence by talking.

'Uhtred is still home,' you whispered, 'you have to be quiet.'

Sihtric quickly understood where he was and the trouble that could come with it, so he stayed quiet and dealt with his own headache. You managed to sneak out of your room, leaving Sihtric behind in your bed. You greeted Uhtred and told him you were probably going to stay in bed all day to deal with the hangover, to which your brother laughed. You grabbed yourself a big cup of coffee and some breakfast that you could share with Sihtric, and once back in your room you locked the door again. 

You and Sihtric quietly discussed the night before, trying to figure out what had happened with the vague memories you both had, piecing them together to make more or less a whole story. You both came to the conclusion that you hadn't had sex, but neither of you were sure if you had kissed or not. 

'Undressing without even trying to kiss?' you whispered, 'did we do that?'

'I think you kissed my neck,' Sihtric whispered, 'do I have marks?'

You quickly checked his neck and found he did not have a mark, but you agreed that you probably had kissed his neck, as that sounded like something you would do. You did remember you called Sihtric hot, but you didn't want to bring that up as you felt embarrassed by how you had blurted that out. And Sihtric remembered that moment too, but he also didn't bring it up, because he remembered there was more to that story as well. He remembered your somewhat love confession too, but now was not the time to discuss that with your brother around in the same building.

'So, now what?' Sihtric whispered and put on his shirt, 'I stay here all day?'

'You'll have to sneak out when he goes to the bathroom or something,' you said, 'there is no other way. I'm sure he'll take a shower after he finishes his coffee.'

And you were right. Your brother dragged his feet past your bedroom door after an hour, going into the bathroom. And as soon as you heard the water run, you and Sihtric jumped up. Sihtric nearly tripped over his own feet as he tried to make haste to your door while putting on his black boots. He reached to unlock your door but then stopped, turned and looked at you.

'What are you doing?' you hissed, 'go!'

'Can I at least have your number?' Sihtric asked.

'Are you serious?' you scoffed, 'you… I mean, yes, you can have it, but you have to leave, now!'

'I will,' Sihtric calmed you, 'just give me your number.'

You quickly wrote your number on a sticky note and shoved it in his back pocket, you then unlocked the door and grabbed his hand, dragging him to the front door as quickly as you could.

'Text me,' you whispered as you pushed Sihtric out of the apartment.

'I will,' he smiled.

And for a moment it seemed as if everything went quiet, when you stared into each other's eyes and slowly leaned in closer. Sihtric pulled you close and cupped your cheek, going in for the kiss he had been longing for since you had scared him that first evening in the kitchen. You felt his warm breath on your skin, his lips grazing yours lightly before wanting to capture you in that long overdue kiss. But before he could do that, you gasped and gave him a light shove. Because it hadn't just seemed as if everything had gone quiet around you, it actually had gone quiet. The wat

er wasn't running anymore, and you had no idea how long it had been since Uhtred had gotten out of the shower once you noticed it.

'Go!' you hissed, 'and text me!'

And you then quietly slammed the door in Sihtric's face, who was still smiling regardless of the rushed goodbye.

After that morning the sneaking around started. 

It began subtly, since Sihtric used to come over a lot anyway. But there was now a tension between the two of you, after sending each other numerous flirty and risky texts since that party. Uhtred never paid attention to you and Sihtric sitting next to each other on the couch, and he never noticed the smirks and mischievous looks you exchanged either. And sometimes, while playing video games or watching a movie, you and Sihtric would share a blanket. And underneath that blanket it would always start with light touches and secretly holding hands, but every now and then you'd carefully move your hand up his thigh and he'd do the same to you. And Uhtred never noticed a thing.

Whenever Uhtred would leave the room, you and Sihtric would gaze at each other and even lean in, wanting to finally steal that first kiss from each other's lips, but Uhtred would reappear every time before you could get that far.

And it didn't take long before Sihtric would start to come over when Uhtred was still at work, just so he could see you and have a moment alone. But even then, every time you and Sihtric tried to kiss or have a moment, Uhtred would simply barge in the door. You had suggested meeting up at Sihtric's place, but you were then told that he didn't have his own place.

'I've been living with Finan since my divorce, darling,' Sihtric had whispered one evening, when Uhtred was using the bathroom, 'if I take you back there, Finan will figure it out since he works from home. And there's a risk that he will tell Uhtred.'

'So we'll just have to keep this up until one of us finally gets their own place,' you had sighed.

It seemed that you and Sihtric were just doomed, terrified to tell your brother and friends about how you liked each other and just wanted to openly date, but the odds were against you. At least, it felt like that until you finally received some good news. 

After a few long weeks of yearning and aching, risky texts and late night phone calls, you learned that Uhtred was going to work evening shifts for a few months to cover for someone at his workplace. That meant that his and Sihtric's schedule would no longer overlap, and that you might actually have some alone time with your secret crush. And Sihtric was more than keen to grab that chance too, so on the first day of Uhtred's new shift, he showed up at the apartment a few hours after your brother had left.

'How long do we have?'

'He works from four till midnight,' you smiled.

You suddenly felt nervous after closing the door behind you, watching Sihtric walk over to the couch to sit down at his somewhat regular spot. And he was clearly nervous too, fidgeting with the several rings around his tattooed fingers and trying to subtly bounce his leg. You poured him and yourself a drink and sat next to him, both being unsure of what to say now that you were finally alone after all this time. 

But words weren't needed, you found. Because as soon as you both placed your empty glass on the salon table, you reached for each other and finally crashed into that long overdue kiss. And it was everything that you hoped it would be. It was gentle yet firm, and it was filled with passion and lust. And as you drowned in each other's outpour of love, he pulled you on his lap to kiss you even deeper. You raked your fingers through his loose hair as you straddled him, and he slowly hooked his fingers under the straps of your white silk negligee. He slowly lowered the straps, his warm hands following in the wake of the soft silk sliding down your arms. But just before the smooth fabric could expose you, you grabbed onto the negligee and kept your breasts covered.

'I want to take things slow,' you whispered against his lips.

'We will,' Sihtric murmured as he smiled, then kissed you again.

He picked you up and laid you down on the couch, and he climbed on top of you so he could continue to kiss you as he held you captive in his arms, lovingly. You made out for hours, just kissing and gently roaming your hands over each other's bodies, and neither of you could get enough of feeling one another. And you continued to kiss throughout the evening, making out wherever you could; on the couch, on the floor and on your bed. It didn't matter where you kissed, as long as you were kissing each other. And you kissed until Sihtric had to go, some time safely before your brother would arrive home.

Those secret meet ups went on for weeks. Every time Uhtred left for work, Sihtric would meet you a few hours later. You'd usually have dinner together and then cuddle up on the couch, only to end up making out until Sihtric had to leave again. Some evenings were hot and steamy, when the urge to be intimate was almost unbearable, but you still resisted due to the knowledge that on paper Sihtric was still married.

And some evenings were just cosy and sweet, when you and Sihtric joked around and built forts out of blankets, just like you had done sometimes when you were still kids. And some evenings, when Uhtred had a day off or Sihtric had to work late himself, you would sneak out of the apartment to meet Sihtric outside the building, no matter how briefly it was.

Sihtric always made you feel special. He'd show you how much he adored you by bringing you your favourite snack, or by bringing you one single rose every other day. He told you he'd bring you a dozen roses if he could, but then you'd have to explain to Uhtred where you'd get the flowers from. You appreciated every gesture, and every moment spent with him was special on its own. But one night in particular was special, even more special than any other night. It was the one evening when Sihtric came over, after Uhtred had left, showing up with a bottle of champagne under his arm.

'The divorce has been finalized,' he smiled and kissed you, 'I already was yours, but now we'll never have to worry about anyone else ever again.'

You were over the moon hearing the news, because Sihtric was finally yours and yours only. And that also meant that you finally felt ready to take your relationship to the next stage, which you did. You wasted no time pulling Sihtric inside the apartment, and his leather jacket was already on the floor before he could kick the door shut behind him. He picked you up in his arms and kissed you deeply while he carried you to your bedroom as he kicked his shoes off. He pushed the door open with his back and threw you on your bed. And there you undressed each other as you kissed, not drunk this time, and you finally made love which felt even better than you could've imagined. You both lasted surprisingly long, despite the aching longing you both had endured for months, and you continued to kiss passionately while you both came down from your highs.

Sihtric wrapped one arm around you as you sat next to him on the couch, later that evening and fully dressed again, and he pulled you close.

'You make everything go silent,' he whispered and kissed your hair, 'you are my peace, darling.'

'And you are mine, love,' you smiled and kissed his jaw, while your fingers trailed lightly over his arm.

'How many kids do you want?' he suddenly asked.

'Huh?' you laughed for a moment, 'gosh, I'm not sure. At least two. Maybe three. Not anytime soon,' you chuckled, 'but in a few years, yeah. What about you?'

'I also don't want kids right now,' Sihtric smiled, 'but in some years time, yes.'

'How many?'

'Oh, I'll give you as many as you'll allow me to give,' he said with a sly smile, then leaned in to kiss you deeply again, 'maybe we should practice a little more?'

And before you knew it, you were making out on the couch again, like every other night. Except this time you both froze and stared at each other with big eyes when you suddenly heard the lock of the front door click and open. You and Sihtric both wanted to move away from each other and sit up, but it was already too late, because Uhtred stood in the door and looked at you with pure horror. But that horror soon changed into anger, and before you could even say something, your brother was already storming towards Sihtric. Uhtred grabbed Sihtric's shirt and pulled him off you with fury in his eyes, and he shoved him away from you. Your brother wasn't sure who to yell at first, so you took the opportunity to tell Uhtred that it's not what he thinks it is.

'It is not?!' Uhtred snarled, 'his jacket is on the floor!' he pointed towards the leather jacket neither of you had bothered to pick up before, 'and his shoes are at your bedroom door. So tell me, what is this then!?'

Neither you or Sihtric spoke, still being too startled by being caught, and then you glanced at the clock on the wall.

'You aren't supposed to be home yet!'

'I texted you that I would be home earlier!' your brother hissed, 'but you probably never saw it, because you were too busy!' Uhtred paused to catch his breath, and he then pointed at Sihtric, 'you!' he barked, 'with my sister?!'

'We are both old enough-' Sihtric began, but Uhtred cut him off.

'I'll show you old enough!' Uhtred said and attempted to grab his shirt again, but you interfered by getting in between them.

'Why do you always have to ruin my relationships?!' you cried to your brother.

'What?'

'You!' you gave Uhtred a shove, 'you've ruined all those I told you about, ever since I was young! The only long lasting relationship I ever had was with my ex, because I never told you about it until he cheated!'

'And look where it got you!' your brother scoffed, 'and this?' he pointed between you and SIhtric, 'you weren't going to tell me about this either?'

'Why would I!' you yelled, 'you would never approve! You don't approve of anyone!'

'Damn straight I don't,' Uhtred said and he raised his hand, clearly meaning to slap Sihtric in his face, but you jumped in front of your boyfriend.

'No!' you screamed, 'don't you touch him!'

Uhtred grabbed your arm, wanting to drag you away from Sihtric, but the latter was quick to slap your brother's hand off of you, and he then pulled you in his arms.

'Don't you ever lay a finger on her,' Sihtric said calmly but threateningly.

Both men stared at each other in silence for a few long seconds, until Uhtred took a step back and scoffed as he shook his head.

'You two lied to me,' he said, 'sneaking around behind my back? In my apartment?'

'And how does that feel?' Sihtric retorted, 'what's it like for you to feel betrayed like that?'

Uhtred said nothing for a moment, then sniffed and scoffed again. 

'Leave,' he told Sihtric, 'you better leave right now, Sihtric Kjartansson, if you know what's good for you.'

'I'm not leaving here,' Sihtric said as he still held you, 'not without her.'

'And where are you gonna go?' Uhtred laughed, 'to Finan? He'll be thrilled to see you're bringing someone into his house. You know that's not an option, so where are you going?'

'I don't know,' Sihtric huffed, 'and I don't care. I'll figure it out. We will figure it out,' he squeezed you in his arms, 'because that's what you do when you love someone, Uhtred, you figure it out. You don't just leave or cheat. No, you stick by them and remain loyal. And you figure it the fuck out.'

You stared at your brother as he was silent again, absorbing the words Sihtric had just told him. And he was clearly contemplating between punching Sihtric in his face or giving you a piece of his mind, but he eventually did neither.

'You love her?' Uhtred asked after a moment, looking at his friend.

'I do,' Sihtric said without a doubt.

'And you?' Uhtred looked at you, 'do you love him?'

'I love him,' you sniffled, then looked up at Sihtric, 'I love you.'

'I love you too,' Sihtric whispered.

Uhtred paced back and forth for a moment, then threw his hands up and said, 'Fine. You stay, I will go.'

And without another word your brother left his apartment, going to god knows where and leaving you two behind, alone and startled. And you held each other after you both sat down on the floor, next to the kitchen island, processing everything that had just happened.

'Thank you for not leaving me,' you whispered after a while, as Sihtric dried your tears.

'You thought I would leave?'

'Every other guy always left me as soon as Uhtred interfered,' you sighed softly, 'so I figured this would be the same all over again.' 

'No,' Sihtric said softly and nuzzled your nose before he pecked your lips, 'I've known Uhtred for most of my life, and I'm not afraid of him. I know him. This reaction was expected, that's why I didn't fight him. I figured if he'd just punched me in the face he'd feel better, but you stopped him, and I thank you for that,' he chuckled, 'it's a lot nicer to not have a black eye.'

'I would never let him hurt you,' you smiled and took his chin, 'can't have your pretty face bruised now, can I?' you kissed his cheek.

'I would've lived,' Sihtric smiled with a faint blush on his face, 'but still, I appreciate it. It means a lot to know that you care about me. And as for Uhtred,' he sighed, 'he'll turn around. I know he will. If he really was against me, against us, he would've kicked me out by himself and you wouldn't even have gotten a chance to get in between me and him. It would've been a bloody fight, and you know that too.'

'I know,' you said and leaned your head on his shoulder, 'Uhtred knows you're a good guy, but I just didn't want to tell him about us because I knew this would happen. And I wasn't ready for more drama.'

'Neither was I,' Sihtric laughed, 'but it's done now. We survived it and he will be calm again when he returns.'

'He won't like you sleeping over though.'

'He won't,' Sihtric chuckled.

'But he'll have to deal with it,' you shrugged.

'Not for long,' Sihtric said and looked at you.

'What do you mean?'

'Because I've been looking for my own place for a few weeks already,' he said, 'I felt like I was a bother to Finan and his wife, so I wanted to move out there too as fast as I could. It just took a while to find a place I could afford, but I found one.'

'You did?' you gasped, then smiled and kissed his face all over with joy, 'that's great! I'm so happy for you! I'm still looking for a place myself-'

'You can stop looking,' Sihtric smiled as he silenced you politely, pressing one finger onto your lips, 'because I'd like for you to move in with me.'

@mrsarnasdelicious @neonhairspray @sihtricsafin @errruvande @penumbrie @lexeirikrleif @diiickbrainn @thatawkwardlittlefangirl @bubblyabs @dixie-elocin @alexagirlie @stupiddarkkside @urmomsgirlfriend1 @gemini-mama @foxyanon @man-i-be-that-pretty-motherfuckr @thenameswinter99 @m-a-s-h-k-a @superblyzanynight @hernakedmuse @ewanmitchellfanatic @lady-targaryens-world @cosmosnkaz @stronger-than-steel

[thenameswinter99]

Don't worry, I'm here for the rescue!

It's not so bloody like the others but still... It's the best I could find lol!

“why’s he always covered in blood” he needs enrichment. What’s not clicking

[thenameswinterfics]

HEARTS OF STEEL, LOVE OF SILK

Fandom: The Last Kingdom Pairing: Sihtric x Reader Settings: Season 5, episode 1 Summary: While you and your children enjoy a peaceful, domestic life in Rumcofa, Sihtric comes up with a pleasant surprise for you. Word Count: 3,9 K Warnings: Fluff, domestic fluff, smut, bad smut, very very bad smut, p in v sex, fingering, oral (f receiving), breeding kink, Daddy Sihtric is a warning itself. A/N: This fic was totally unplanned at first. It came out after a month and half of writing's block. I have planned no outline, no general guidelines, so sorry if you see a messy writing and some rushed parts. This is my first time writing smut, so I apologise if you'll find some horrors inside. This is a birthday present for my beloved @foxyanon . Hope you like it. If you're not, as I told you, you're free to cancel me. A special thanks to @zaldritzosrose , @legitalicat and @sylasthegrim for being a continuous inspiration and helping me with the fic, especially for the last part.

ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE. I APOLOGISE IN ADVANCE FOR MY GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY MISTAKES.

Header & dividers by @zaldritzosrose

READ IT ON AO3

Winter came to Rumcofa in the blink of an eye, even faster than you could have imagined, unlike the village you once called home. However, you would be lying if you said that the cold season brought nothing but atmospheric surroundings. The white, soft snow covered part of the village streets all the way to the wooden dock, the frost clinging to the planks like delicate lace. The trees had been stripped of their leaves, but their bare branches were adorned with pure white, along with some water plants sprouting along the sides of the dock. The harsh temperatures didn't stop the merchants from coming and going as they reached the village by boat, some even staying the night and enjoying the evening bustle of the alehouse, warming their bodies with a hot meal and ale.

You didn't mind walking the streets at this time of year, the hustle and bustle of the village warming the air with a pleasant buzz. But there were days like this when you simply basked in the warmth of your home, a modest but cosy hut that provided a safe nest from the biting cold outside.

Signe, your daughter, was content to sit on your lap, her legs swinging happily and her eyelids half closed as you ran the palm of your hand through her silky hair, your bone comb gently untangling a few pesky knots. A soft hum escaped your lips, a soothing melody accompanied by the crackle of the fire, as your eyes wandered to your two youngest twins, Kare and Kore, playing peacefully on the warm fur on the floor, with a few wooden toys scattered about.

A buzz of voices outside caught your attention, a deep male voice followed by two shrill ones. And as the door of your hut swung open, you recognised the voices of your husband, Sihtric, followed by your first and third sons, Hindr and Ivar, the latter hoisted onto his father's broad shoulder. You saw the twins raise their heads, run to their father and cling to his shirt, tugging at it as Sihtric's free hand roamed over their small heads, playfully ruffling their hair with a wide grin on his face.

Years had passed, and Sihtric had become one of Uhtred's most trusted allies and friends, and a formidable warrior, earning him the nickname, along with Finan and Osferth, of "Uhtred's Pretty Boys". Yet despite his newfound confidence, you could see in his gaze the same shy warrior you had met many years ago in Coccham, on one of your usual stops on your lonely journeys. You were a warrior not bound to any lord, and Sihtric had been sworn under Uhtred's protection some years ago.

You could remember all the stolen glances you shared that night in the alehouse, and how he looked away quickly when he met your eyes, the flush in his cheeks visible in the dim light. It took some time for you to get to know him better, and at first you thought the Dane didn't enjoy your company, for he fled at the first opportunity.

But Sihtric loved you, of course he did. A love so fierce and sincere that it would move even the hardest of the gods. And because he loved you so much, he feared to disappoint you: he was born a bastard, with nothing to give you in return but his skill with the sword. It was not until you joined Uhtred's warriors a few months later that you got to know each other well, and the spark of love exploded like a fire in the middle of the forest. After a short courtship, Sihtric asked his lord for permission to marry you, and he eagerly agreed.

The gods blessed your union with the arrival of your first child, a boy you both named Hindr. Three years later, your union was blessed again with the arrival of Signe, who Sihtric affectionately called "my little princess". While you loved your two children dearly, you both agreed that there was room in your love nest for one more, and a few years later Ivar was born. 

Your fourth pregnancy came as a surprise, as neither of you had planned to welcome another child into your family. Sihtric was reluctantly forced to leave his family to follow Uhtred in his attempt to retake Bebbanburg, and while he was busy defending the borders of Mercia, you gave birth alone, bringing two healthy twins into the world. You were reunited after the Siege of Winchester, and after shedding tears of joy for his children, he vowed to be a more present father and husband and make up for lost time.

"Let me come with you, Papa!" was the whining voice of Hindr, tugging at his father's sleeve to get his attention. The Dane lowered Ivar to the ground, and after he both kissed his sons' foreheads, he bent over his firstborn.

"It's still too dangerous for you, Hindr," Sihtric chided in a calm but firm tone, his calloused fingers stroking the child's cheek and chuckling at his son's little pout. "One day you will join me. I promise you." He finished, kissing the top of his head.

Then he rose and approached you and Signe by the fire. As soon as he was in your presence, he bent over you, holding two small flowers in one of his hands.

"One for my little princess," the Dane said softly, placing one of the flowers in his daughter's hand and gently pressing his lips to her forehead, to which Signe responded with a shy, silent nod. "And one for my queen," he added, leaning his face over yours and sealing your lips with a tender and lingering kiss. You closed your eyes, savouring the moment as a pleasant and familiar warmth spread through your chest. It had been a long time since you and Sihtric had shared an act of intimacy, and caring for five children took time away from even a brief kiss.

But the time was up, and soon you were forced to break the kiss and watch as Sihtric hurriedly took his sword. "Are you leaving already?" you asked, a hint of disappointment in your voice. Sihtric looked over at you as he took one of the twins in his arms.

"The Blood Month, my love," the Dane said, content to be surrounded by his wife and children, "Our boy Aethelstan is ready for his first hunt and we will join him.”

You hummed in understanding, your body mechanically combing Signe's hair while your mind was elsewhere. You loved your children, they all had your blood and Sihtric's running through their veins. But you were a warrior before you were a mother, and the time you spent on the battlefield with your husband was a distant memory. But Sihtric seemed to sense your discomfort, and he approached you once more before putting Kore down. 

"I swear we will celebrate the next Blood Month together, my love," the Dane reassured you in a soothing voice and gave you a final kiss before saying goodbye to his children one by one. Before leaving the hut, he stroked Hindr's hair once more. "Protect your Mama and siblings while I'm gone, little warrior."

"As if his mother could not protect herself," you scolded playfully, rolling your eyes dramatically. Sihtric replied with a loud chuckle, his eyes sparkling with affection as he crossed the threshold of the door.

"I know you can, my fierce shield maiden," he replied with a grin, closing the door behind him.

You quickened your pace as you reached the alehouse, holding the twin's small hands in yours. Sihtric followed ahead of you, a small axe taken from Hindr sheathed in his leather belt, as he watched his three eldest children run through the building. 

The hunt had gone well, except for one unforeseen event that no one had anticipated. Sihtric told you how Aethelstan had been attacked by three men, but had somehow managed to kill one and survive almost unharmed. It was not a boar they had sacrificed, but at least the Blood Month tradition was somehow expected. But it was the unexpected arrival of Eadith that took everyone by surprise: Uhtred and his men knew she had left after the events in Mercia and Winchester, but no one expected her to pay a sudden visit to Rumcofa.

The alehouse was warm, the flickering fire of candles dancing through the tables and casting a cosy glow on the wooden walls. The aroma of ale filled the air, the clatter of mugs and the cheerful chatter and laughter of the men adding to the convivial atmosphere. 

With each mug of ale in hand, the whole group stood still and circled around Eadith as she told them the stories of how she had come to Frankia and how she had learned and honed her skills as a healer. As the conversation continued, you could see the surprise in the redhead's eyes when she recognised Aethelstan among the men, and you couldn't blame her. 

You remember how King Edward's bastard son was taken under Uhtred's protection and raised among you: the child knew nothing of the dangers of the world, spending his early years in a monastery, his cocoon shielded from the outside world. Most of the time he ended up in your and Sihtric's care, and together with Cynlaef you raised them as your sons, the boys calling your own their little siblings. But now they were grown men, and you looked at them with pride and emotion: you and Sihtric still had your own children to love and cherish, but you would be lying if you said you missed those moments.

"This is Sihtric's wife," Uhtred said to Eadith, pointing to you with the mug in his hands, "and all of her and Sihtric's little pack that populate this town."

"Five children can hardly populate Rumcofa, Uhtred," you replied with a smile, your fingers gently stroking Signe's hair.

"Perhaps the gods will be on our side and bless our union again," Sihtric added, his hand slipping from your shoulder to your flat stomach. It was no secret that you both longed for another child, but you both knew that you were not the young and fresh couple you once were, and your ageing bodies made that dream distant and uncertain. 

"Perhaps you should ask your gods for a little nudge," Finan snorted lightly, holding Ingrith by the waist and your son Kare in his arms. In the midst of the laughter, you could see Finan and Sihtric exchanging a knowing look that surprised you, but did not carry much weight.

The conversation continued until sundown, when the sun set, giving way to the moon, and the orange of the sky was replaced by a deep blue dotted with stars.

As you entered your hut, you threw your cloak and boots onto the nearest chair, tossed your hair aside and tried to undo the laces of your dress. Sihtric was the last to enter, closing the door behind him, unbuckling his belt and placing his weapons against the nearest wall. 

When you turned to look at him, you noticed that something was wrong: everything was quiet, too quiet for a family with five children. You would expect chaos after a day at the alehouse, your husband running over his children in a playful catch, or just you and Sihtric sitting by the fire playing with them before tucking them into bed. But they were nowhere to be seen.

“Where is our little pack?” you asked with a hint of worry in your voice, frustration rising as you struggled to untie your laces.

"With Finan and Ingrith," Sihtric replied casually, his voice dropping as he approached from behind. Had you listened more closely, you would have heard a bit of hoarseness in his voice. "I asked them to look after our children for the night." 

The Dane put his hands on your waist and pulled you gently from behind, pressing your back against his chest. You could feel his hot breath against your skin, his facial hair tingling your skin as he planted soft kisses on the side of your neck. 

"I would have preferred to be informed of this idea of yours, Sihtric," you sighed, lifting your head to give him better access to your neck. You felt a shiver run down your spine, a strange but familiar warmth blooming in your lower abdomen: you could not remember the last time Sihtric had made your head spin and your body tremble with pleasure, the sounds of your moans echoing in your head.

“Is it so wrong to surprise you, little wife?” he whispered in your ear. 

His teeth slowly grazed the skin of your neck. It was only meant as a tease, a way to have you fully entranced by him. Your words began to come out in broken, stuttered responses as you tried to think of anything coherent. 

"Help me undo these laces and you will see how wrong you are," you replied courtly and sharply breathed, feigning offence in that remaining moment of lucidity. But your veil of resoluteness soon fell as you felt his rough hands cross your back, one of his tattooed fingers tracing your spine in a fluid motion. And as you sighed at the sensation of him touching the laces of your dress, a loud gasp escaped your mouth as you heard the muffled sound of a tear, the movement so unexpected that you lost your balance and were forced to place your hands on the table.

"Ah, m-my dress!" you hissed, your eyelids half open at the feel of his mouth kissing and nibbling your exposed skin, from the nape of your neck to your shoulders. "You tore one of your gifts-"

"I will buy you another one," Sihtric cut you off with a low murmur, savouring every inch of you with his mouth, "I will buy you the finest gown in all of Northumbria, if you allow me," the Dane continued, working his way up from your shoulder to your earlobe, nibbling gently, "but you know I will always prefer you without your clothes on."

All hope of maintaining self-control was lost when his hands began to squeeze your breasts as he sank his teeth into your tender flesh. You moaned loudly, your mind clouded with too much pleasure as you pressed against his body: Sihtric let out a low, guttural moan as he felt his throbbing cock pressed against your arse, sinking his teeth deeper into your shoulders. 

He had waited too long for this moment, and had he had the chance, he would have stripped you naked and humped you on the kitchen table. But in his eyes you were his queen and goddess, ready to throw away his pleasure to satisfy yours first.

Instead, Sihtric spun you around and sat you on the table while he quickly revealed your breasts, slightly swollen from all the time you had spent carrying and feeding your children. His lips trailed down your throat, his tongue tasting the saltiness of your skin as he finally reached for your breast, his mouth enveloping and sucking gently as he cupped the other one in his hand, teasing your hardening nipple with his fingers. Shrieks and whimpers were your only sounds, accompanied by your soft moans as you rolled your eyes back, your back arching as you surrendered to the pleasure of the moment, the warmth in your abdomen spreading uncontrollably. 

You could feel your core pulsing with excitement, a burning sensation that felt like sweet torture to you, loud sighs mixed with your screams as you desperately searched for something to relieve you. The wetness between your legs only increased as you felt one of Sihtric's hands push up your skirt, his fingers trailing up your inner thigh as they reached your warm cunt. 

"Already so wet for me, my love?" the Dane asked in a hoarse voice, teasing your core with a few strokes before pushing a finger inside you, the intrusion unexpected but pleasurable at the same time. You almost forgot how thick his fingers were as he stroked inside you, how often he let your body float and how much your legs trembled at his touch. 

Babbling and rambling words were the only thing you could say, your rational self temporarily gone. His name, called out like a ritual chant in a breathless voice, was the only word you could manage, your low throaty voice reaching his ears like a distant melody, frustrating him as his cock grew impatient in his breeches. But he knew he would postpone his pleasure for much longer, not before he made you squirm and scream his name loudly until your lungs were empty of air.

"How much I missed this," Sihtric whispered, leaning his head towards you, "how much I missed us." 

"Sihtric," you sighed as his lips met yours, the kiss far from the gentle one you had shared in the morning. It was a needy, bruising kiss that told a story of longing touch and pent-up passion, of two souls locking their primary desires for the sake of their family. 

Sihtric's tongue parted, the tip finding an entrance into your parted lips. You allowed him to enter your mouth, your tongues meeting in a frenzied dance as you swallowed another loud moan and felt another finger penetrate you. You inadvertently moved your hips towards him, moaning at how perfectly his thick fingers stretched inside you, his wriggles teasing and rubbing your tight walls. 

Your husband could feel your hips moving frantically against his hand, your arse slapping against his open palm and your walls tightening against his fingers, a signal that your climax was reaching its breaking point. But he had no intention of letting you finish like that: he needed to remember how you tasted, to savour you and drink you all up. 

He gently pushed you back, wanting to lay you down and bury his head in your thighs. But you quickly grabbed his wrist and stopped him, a frustrated moan escaping his lips.

"Not here," you murmured breathlessly, your body still trembling from the pleasure you had just received. For as much as you could not wait to release your own excitement, you would never let him take you on the table. 

Sihtric's impatience grew as he scooped you up in his arms, carried you in front of the fire and laid you on the warm furs. Your lips entwined again in hungry and lustful kisses as you both undressed, Sihtric tearing your dress to shreds while you removed his with gentle movements, letting them fall with a soft thud. 

You both stood naked by the fire, his lips moving quickly down, tasting and biting your skin from throat to belly, until he spread your legs in desperation, his head trapped between your thighs. His breath was hot against your folds, the heat from his mouth so pleasant and arousing that you would have closed your legs and found some friction had Sihtric not spread them with his hands. He teased your wet core with the tip of his tongue, but the taste of you was so intoxicating that all restraint was lost. First a lick, then his tongue penetrated your folds, devouring you like prey after a day's hunting. Your head began to spin, moans and whimpers escaping your lips as your fingers trailed over his curls, tugging wildly at them, causing the Dane to grunt and moan in return. 

You reached your peak quickly, coming on his tongue as he eagerly lapped up your release. Your thighs trembled under his grip, which caused Sihtric to chuckle next to your folds. 

“Good girl, such a pretty wife I have,” he said quietly with a kiss to each thigh. “Are you willing to give me one more?” 

Before you could even answer, he allowed you to taste yourself on his lips as he positioned himself between your legs, his cock twitching painfully as his own arousal desperately needed to be released. Keeping your legs spread, he spat on his tip and after a few strokes, he positioned himself at your entrance and thrust into you in one swift motion. It took all his willpower not to fuck you at speed: instead he chose a slow approach, his length stretching inside you like a sweet torture. He was slow at first, creating a careful rhythm, knowing how sensitive you were.

“Do not be so gentle now, husband,” you said softly as you leaned up. Your lips ghosted across his chest, then his collarbone, creating a trail of chills as you went. His thrusts faltered a bit as he shuddered with each kiss. “I am not some fragile flower, I can take it.”

Your leg wrapped around his hips, allowing him deeper inside you as you angled your hips up. One hand gripped your thigh, holding your leg tightly around him, while the other braced itself on the furs, holding his weight. A string of curse came out with every thrust, now deeper and harder. 

The crackling of the fire could not hide the vocal chaos you two were making, the room filled with your whimpers and moans, Sihtric panting and grunting as he fucked you deep and hard, hissing under his teeth every time you tugged at his curls wildly. One of his hands moved from your hips to your flat stomach, the circling movements gentle in contrast to his rough movements.

“How good would it be to see you round with my pup again,” he whispered with an animalistic growl, never faltering his pace as you both rocked against each other’s hips.

“I would like to, husband” you whined, arching your back and head as he hit a sensitive spot. “But I am afraid my body could not bear another pup inside me,” 

Upon hearing your words, Sihtric lowered over you, kissing the contour of your jaw gently, “Never underestimate the workings of the gods, my love,” he whispered with a hoarse voice, “We do not know what-”

A choked moan escaped his throat, grunting against your neck as he quickened the pace once more, his own climax on the verge of the release. The grip on your hips tightened into a bruised vice, your walls clenching around him, eagerly awaiting his release.

"Fuck, please," you let out a sharp breath as you clung to him, your nails digging into his back until they left scratches. Your senses were sharpened by the growing wave of pleasure, leaving you temporarily stunned as you felt your own release coming. 

"Come to me, my queen," was the gruff voice of Sihtric you heard, praising you and whispering honeyed words before you both came simultaneously, wetting his cock with your fluids as your walls milked him of all his seed. When he pulled himself out, you both collapsed on the furs, both a terrible mess, but neither of you wanted to leave each other's embrace. You remained entwined for minutes that seemed an eternity, your fingers intertwined as you opened your eyes.

"Sihtric," you called out breathlessly, feeling the Dane's head rise against your neck, "What if the gods do not bless us with another pup?" 

Your question made Sihtric smile fondly, his rough hand resting on your cheeks as your lips met in a tender kiss.

"Then I will thank them for giving me a beautiful wife and five loving children to love and cherish with my whole heart."

If you've come this far, thank you so much for reading my fic! Hope you enjoyed it!

Taglist: @whitedarkmoonflower @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @foxyanon @legitalicat @zaldritzosrose

@alexagirlie @sylasthegrim @lord-aldhelm @sihtricsafin @arcielee

[loveslibrarywp]

Worship and desire

Osferth x Fem!reader

Summary: You and Osferth have been in a secret relationship for some time. After a long day of traveling, Uhtred’s crew settle down in a secluded forest for the night. When the men fall asleep, you pull your lover away for some…quality time.

Warnings: NSFW. Cock worship. P in V sex. Outdoor sex. Praise kink. Blowjob. Mentions of religion. Lowkey subspace.

Authors note: Just a silly little thought that’s been on my mind. Enjoy ❤️

“Where are we going, my love?” Osferth whispered as you drug him deeper into the forest. You didn’t answer and continued to guided him through the trees until you were far enough away from the sleeping men.

You softly pushed him against a nearby tree, pressing yourself against him. Your gaze was full of lust and desire. You wanted him. You smiled up at the man, finally getting a moment of alone time with him after so long.

“Hi.” You said, your breath fanning onto his lips because you were so close to him. He laughed, “Hi.” He replied as he pulled you closer by your waist. Your arms slung around his neck and you pulled him into a fierce kiss.

Your lips moved together. All of your emotions pouring out into it, your bodies connecting as one. The kiss was hot and wet and messy, just how you liked it. “I’ve missed you..” you mumbled against his lips, which made him smirk against yours.

“I missed you too, my sweet lady.” He said into the kiss. Your hands were all over him, as were his. You both had gone so long without touching each other, you were burning in desire. “Osferth..” you whined as you pulled away from him and stared up at him with lusty eyes.

“Yes, my love?” He asked, your hands held his face and caressed his cheeks. “I need you..” you said as your hands trailed down his chest and your head dipped into his neck, nipping at his soft skin. His breath shuttered at your words, making you let out a little giggle at his nervousness.

No matter how many times he had laid with you, he was still so shy. Your sweet little monk.

You felt his cock harden in his trousers. You knelt down on your knees in front of him, your eyes never leaving his. Your actions made his own eyes go wide because he knew exactly what was about to happen.

You yanked down his trousers to pull out his semi-hard cock. “We’re doing this here? Right now?” He asked with a ‘are you crazy?’ Look on his adorable face. You only nodded your head with that crazed look in your eye.

You pumped his cock in your warm hand, making him throw his head back in pleasure. “Look at me, sweet boy.” You demanded with a soft voice. His gaze fixed back onto you. As you stared into his eyes, you licked the tip of his cock. The salty taste of his pre-cum made you close your eyes and groan, as did he at the feeling.

You began to kiss along his length, savoring the feeling of it against your soft lips. “Such a pretty cock, baby..” you mumbled, licking up his cock and kissing the tip. He gaped at you with a look as if he were in love with you. He was in love with you.

“I love it so much..” you sucked on the tip, licking up all the pre-cum that leaked from it. You moaned and whined as you sucked his cock, the feeling of it in your mouth made you all needy and whiny. Your undergarments were practically soaked in your own arousal. “I love you so much..” you said as you ran a finger down a vein.

“I love you too!” He breathed out. He was whimpering and groaning as you bobbed your head on his cock, stumbling on his words as he spoke, “just…just l-like that.”

You took your mouth off him and began stroking him again, your eyes were pleasing with him, a pout plastered on your messy and wet lips. You looked angelic, like the most perfect being that ever walked this earth. He thought he had died and gone to the heavens when he was blessed with your presence. You were truly a gift from God.

“It’s so perfect..” you said as you gazed at the tip of his cock, watching a bead of cum drip down the side of his cock, which you quickly licked up. “You’re so perfect, Osferth.” You gleamed as your eyes fixed onto him, looking fucked out as can be.

“N-No, my love. That’s you..” he stuttered. A soft smile came from his panting lips. You giggled as you shook your head, disagreeing with him.

“Please, I need your cunt..” he begged for you. His begging ignited something inside you. You quickly nodded at his pleads, giving his cock one more kiss before standing up.

He pressed you against the tree and bent you over. Osferth hiked up your dress and stopped at the sight of the growing wet spot on your cotton panties. His fingers reached for the spot, the tips of them rubbing against the cotton, making you moan out.

“Please, Osferth..” now you were the one begging. His hand yanked your panties to the side and grabbed his cock, running the tip over your dripping slit. He pressed himself into you, the first thrust making you both moan in pleasure.

He started at a slow pace, like he was making love to you. You often adored when he treated you with such kindness and devotion but you wanted to be fuck tonight.

“Os, baby? I need you to fuck me. Hard.” You said with an urgent tone. He nodded his head, fulfilling your need as swiftly as he could. His once soft thrusts turned into hard and deep ones.

He continuously hit that one spot deep inside you that had you seeing stars. Your moans grew louder and echoed into the darkness of the night. “Fuck! Right there, sweet boy. Keep fucking me like that!”

He fed on your praises and savored the feeling of your wet and warm cunt as he fucked it as if we’re a toy. “Lord-“ he groaned out, his cock throbbing inside of you as you clenched down onto him.

A smile was painting on your fucked out face as he slammed his hips onto yours, your ass jiggling at the motion. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as he gave you a particularly hard thrust, almost hitting your cervix.

“Your cock is so good, Osferth! You fuck me so well!” You moaned as you gripped onto the tree in front of you. You felt your arousal drip down your thighs and the wet sounds of your cunt mixed with his groans only added to the pleasure you were feeling.

“Holy-, don’t talk like that, my love. I’ll finished too quick.” He breathed out as he held your hips hard, he was definitely going to leave bruises with his death grip on them.

“I’m so close! I want you to finish with me..” you gasped. The two of you were so near the edge of your peaks, so close to finishing together. His cock was throbbing inside of you and you were clenching onto him like you life depended on it.

“-‘m cumming!” You barely managed to shout out, your cunt spasmed onto him and your legs began to shake. Osferth fucked you through your orgasam as he chased his own, groaning at the feeling of your mixed arousal dripping down his balls.

“Fuck!” He quickly slipped out of you, jerking himself off onto your back, His spend shooting out onto your ass and back.

You both panted as you caught your breaths from the intense sensations. You shook as he took a handkerchief from his pocket and cleaned you both up. He leaned you up to press a delicate kiss on your cheek and held you close to him by the waist. He moved your cotton panties back in place and fixed your dress.

“I love you, my beautiful lady.” He whispered into your eyes, pressing his lips anywhere he could reach. “I love you too, sweet boy.” You said as you leaned your head back and rested against his shoulder, savoring the moment together.

• • •

You had finally woken up and walked out of your shared tent to see the men huddled around the fire and eating some breakfast.

“Oh! Look who finally decided to wake up!” Uhtred laughed, which made you roll your eyes and sitting down next to him as you hit him in the arm. “She needed her beauty sleep after the…rough night she had last night. Baby monk here really did a number on her if you didn’t hear it last night!” Finan laughed as he shook Osferth who was beside him.

Your eyes went wide and Osferth went red. They had heard you. You were sure you went far enough so they didn’t.

“I think we all heard it..” Sihtric sighed.