#yes. If I like them and they lessen the sunlight even slightly. I will wear them on top of my normal ones.

[monty-glasses-roxy]

Oh I didn't mention it here yet did I?

I bought some cheap star shaped glasses off of eBay last night. If anyone knows where I can get actual star sunglasses from lemme know cause if they get here and I like them believe me I'm gonna be hunting proper ones down for the rest of my days

[beifongsss]

firebending [zuko]

Pairing: Zuko x reader

Requested?: Yes! By a wonderful anon: “your zuko fics are all so well-written! I have a request for a firebender reader who hates the fire nation and was never trained in the art of fighting. then she/they join the gaang and learns firebending with aang from zuko. it’s awkward between them at first but cue ~ romance ~”

Summary: If someone told you that you’d end up dating the Fire Nation prince one day, you would’ve laughed in their face. If only you knew how right they were.

wc. ~5.2k

.masterlist.

~

When you first joined the Gaang, everyone expected you and Katara to hate each other. After all, you were from the Fire Nation and everybody knew Katara was the biggest anti-Fire Nation enthusiast there ever was.

They were quickly proven wrong when you didn’t fight against Katara’s harsh remarks, instead agreeing with them and even adding more scathing words of your own to show your distaste towards the Fire Nation. Since joining them, you never wore anything related to the Fire Nation. Nothing that is, with the exception of an elaborate hairpiece that your mother had left you. The hairpiece never left your body, the sunstone in the middle of it shining from its place on your head.

Escaping Ba Sing Se (and therefore the Earth Kingdom) had simultaneously been the best and worst thing that had happened to you. You were glad that Aang was alive, obviously, but being back in Fire Nation clothing was making you anxious.

Ever since the battle in the catacombs, you had been avoiding everyone. You had revealed your firebending in a panic, shooting a strong blast of fire at the banished prince as he snuck up on Katara. He had been taken off guard just long enough for you to subdue him before he realized that you didn’t know what you were doing.

There had been no time for Katara to question you after that. You had all fled and met up with her father, Hakoda, before seizing a Fire Nation ship to use as a disguise. As soon as you stepped foot on the ship, you had scrambled to an empty room and locked yourself inside. You had ignored Katara’s pleas for you to open the door, never once moving from your spot unless it was to use the bathroom or to get the tray of food that you knew had been placed at your door.

No one had known you were a firebender, and the initial shock eventually wore off as everyone found themselves missing your presence. It wasn’t until Aang woke up that you finally emerged.

~

“(Y/N)?” Sokka asked hesitantly, knocking softly on your door.

“Go away!” was the muffled reply that came from your room.

“Nope. I think Aang wants to see you.”

Sokka waited for a few seconds before the door swung open, reveling you standing there. You were wearing your Earth Kingdom clothes, trying to delay the inevitable. You looked up at him, making his heart hurt when he noticed the exhaustion in your eyes.

“Is he really awake?” you asked, your voice small. Sokka nodded.

“Hurry up and get changed. He’s on the deck.”

You nodded softly before closing the door. You opened it again a few minutes later, now dressed in red. As much as Sokka hated to admit it, you looked good in red. The Fire Nation was your home, after all. You followed him up to the deck, your finger nimbly twisting part of your hair into a knot big enough for your hairpiece.

“(Y/N)!” Aang yelled when you came into view. He launched himself at you and you caught him with a small “oof”. You giggled softly as you rubbed his head, making his hair stick up in all directions.

“Aang!” you cried in reply. “You have hair!”

Aang made a funny face at your words before fixing his hair. “Yeah, I guess I was out longer than I thought.”

You leaned down and swept the boy up into another hug, pulling him close as you held tears back. “I’m so glad you’re okay Aang. I don’t know what we would’ve done if you-”

“Don’t worry! Look at me, I’m fine!” Aang said, trying to make you feel better. He led you over to where everyone else was, Katara looking up and smiling softly as you glanced at her. “They also told me about your firebending! How come you never told us?’

You reeled back in shock, looking around wildly as everyone heard Aang’s word. When there were no negative reactions, you relaxed slightly.

“Everyone already knows huh?” you asked drily, being met with nods from everyone on board. You sighed and tapped your foot before speaking. “Okay, yes I’m a firebender. The reason I never told you guys is because I never wanted to use it. I was young when I fled and I never got a chance to learn anything other than the basics.”

Aang nodded in understanding. “But you could’ve built your skills that time we met Jeong Jeong.”

“No. After my family...” you trailed off, thinking about why you never became a master bender. Aang gave you an encouraging look and you breathed in deeply. “I promised myself I wouldn’t firebend ever again. Not after that.”

Aang nodded in understanding as you fell silent, thinking about your past. The Fire Nation was the reason why you had been all alone. They had killed your family with the weapon you now hated: firebending.

The silence engulfed the entire ship, everyone lost in their own thoughts. There was a peaceful atmosphere as the ship drifted along, but of course it didn’t last long.

Soon enough, you found yourself chasing after Aang, eventually being forced to hide in the Fire Nation as the Day Of Black Sun loomed closer and closer.

~

The promise that you had made to yourself to never firebend again was still intact. You hadn’t let any bursts of fire out, not even when you had found yourself surrounded by Fire Nation troops on the Day of Black Sun. The eclipse was a blessing to you, the brief eight minutes just long enough to make you feel normal.

Of course, you soon found yourselves fleeing to the Western Air Temple, silently mourning the loss the rest of the invasion army. Once you all settled in, you kept wearing the red top you had acquired in the Fire Nation. You don’t know why; it just brought you some type of comfort. Aang had grinned when he noticed, wondering if all your adventures in the Fire Nation had lessened your hatred towards the nation.

It had.

But not by much. Wearing the color red weighed heavily on your soul and you spent many of your waking hours debating whether or not keeping the red clothes was the right choice. It frustrated you to no end, how a simply piece of cloth could jumble your thoughts so easily. The red reminded you of the pain and grief you had experienced when you had lost your family, but in a twisted way it also reminded you of them. It reminded you of the days back when you still had them, back when you still had a home and you were happy. Deep down, you knew that you were Fire Nation but that knowledge didn’t stop your inner turmoil. And over the next few days, it only got worse with the arrival of a certain someone.

“Hello, Zuko here.”

You tried to hold back your groan, you really did. But it was as though the universe wanted to test you and had decided to do so by sending the Fire Nation prince your way. Zuko’s soft smile had dropped at your reaction, the corners of his lips quirking downward.

“Hey, I heard you guys flying around down there, so, I just thought I'd wait for you here,” he continued. Appa walked up to the prince and sniffed him before proceeding to lick him. Zuko’s face twisted up in disgust. “I know you must be surprised to see me here.”

"Not really,” Sokka said. “Since you've followed us all over the world!”

“Right,” Zuko said, wincing slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, uh, anyway, what I wanted to tell you about is that I've changed, and I, uh, I'm good now, and well I think I should join your group, oh, and I can teach firebending to you. See, I, uh-”

“You want to what now?” you asked sharply, exchanging a look with Katara.

“You can't possibly think that any of us would trust you, can you?” she asked, opening her water skin. “I mean, how stupid do you think we are?!”

Zuko’s eyes shifted to you before he answered. “You trust her. She’s a firebender.”

Your eyes widened in anger and you began to march up to the prince, only stopping when Katara held you back.

“I am not, a firebender,” you hissed, staring Zuko down. “And I am not Fire Nation.”

Zuko stayed quiet, his eyes drifting from your red shirt to the hairpiece on your head. You followed his line of sight, eyes widening when you realized he was staring at the sunstone. You yanked your arm out of Katara’s grip, angrily stomping out of the room. You quickly stripped yourself of your red top as soon as you were out of sight before sighing deeply and pulling your hairpiece out. You arrived at the sleeping chamber and sat down on your sleeping bag quietly, holding the hairpiece in your hand tightly.

You stared at it sadly, the sunstone glinting in the dim light. Without hesitation, you pulled your arm back and flung it away, watching the sunstone glint in the sunlight as it rolled towards the edge. It was gone in a second, tumbling over the edge of the temple.

Now you were truly no longer Fire Nation.

~

Your life had just gotten ten times harder now that Zuko had been allowed to join the group. The defeat of Combustion Man had been intense and you had found injured when it was all over. Unlike Sokka, you had never been good with fighting, always relying on your intelligence to get you out of dire situations. With Combustion Man however, that proved to be a problem, and you had found yourself caught in the middle of a fight with no protection whatsoever.

In addition to the pain of your injury, you found yourself dealing with the prince’s presence. You found yourself avoiding the group entirely, taking on the more tedious chores (like laundry) to avoid spending time with the group and even hanging out with Haru, Teo, and The Duke as they explored the temple.

Tensions didn’t rise until a few days later, beginning when Aang approached you with an idea. After your tragic failure with Combustion Man, Aang believed that you needed to learn how to protect yourself and he thought that the right way to do that was by learning how to firebend. You had vehemently refused, accidentally yelling at the Air Nomad as everyone else watched in silence.

The argument was put on pause for a few days when Aang and Zuko traveled to the Sun Warriors’ ruins but when they came back, Toph had sided with him as well. You felt slightly betrayed by the small earthbender but still refused, stating that there was no way you would willingly learn how to firebend. At least you still had Sokka and Katara on your side.

At least you did until Sokka and Zuko took a trip to The Boiling Rock the next day. When they got back two days later, Sokka was on Aang’s side as well. The fight with Azula on the gondola had left him shaken as he realized just how hard it was to fight a bender with just a sword. You didn’t know how to use a sword, but you could firebend and so Sokka became one of Aang’s supporters. Katara was the only one who was still on your side, but that changed when Azula raided the temple.

Everyone had been woken up suddenly, reacting a bit slower than normal as Azula appeared. She immediately lunged at you, shooting blasts of blue fire as she stalked closer to you. Your eyes were wide with fear, dodging her attacks as much as you could.

“Watch out!” Zuko yelled, tackling you from the side, a pillar crashing down where you had been standing as a result of Azula’s lightning. You grunted softly as you landed, the breath leaving your lungs as Zuko landed on top of you. You opened your eyes immediately, meeting bright gold irises before they looked away as Zuko began to scan you for any visible injuries. Zuko’s hands rested on either side of your head as he tried to keep his weight off of you, not that it helped considering you were still struggling to catch your breath.

Or maybe you were struggling to catch your breath because of how close he was.

“Are you okay?” Zuko asked, drawing your attention back to him. Scowling, you threw him off of you before scrambling to your feet, rushing to help Katara when you heard her yelp. Zuko noticed Toph earthbend a tunnel into the side of the temple, and rushed to join the others. His eyes landed on you as you threw yourself to the side, narrowly dodging another one of Azula’s deadly blasts. The princess grabbed you by the hair, laughing maniacally before dragging you to the airships.

“What are you doing?” Aang yelled, noticing that Zuko had stopped in his path.

“Azula has (Y/N)!” Zuko replied, turning around and facing the airships. “I’m gonna go get her.”

Katara rushed to Aang’s side, exchanging a worried look with him before getting on top of Appa. The rest of the Gaang joined them, holding on tight as they tried to maneuver the sky bison through all the debris. 

Zuko ran and launched himself onto the airship, landing safely on top of one. He glared at his sister, noticing that she was still holding onto you.

“Let her go, Azula!” Zuko yelled, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Hmm, I don’t think I will,” Azula replied, the blue flame in her palm growing brighter as she held it up to your face. “I think I’ll get rid of her instead. Then I’ll get rid of you. I can’t wait to celebrate being an only child.”

She inched the flame closer to your face, prompting Zuko to shoot a fire blast near her head. Growling, Azula tossed you to the side before confronting Zuko. The two siblings fought for a few minutes and you tried your best to avoid any wayward blasts. The fight stopped when they both struck at the same time, the resulting blast blowing both of them backwards.

“Zuko!” you cried, sprinting to grab the boy before he fell. You managed to grab onto his hand but his momentum sent you both tumbling into the chasm, a scream getting stuck in your throat as you plummeted. You were so overcome with fear that you didn’t notice Zuko pulling you into him, holding you close as you fell.

The fall didn’t last long, Appa managing to swoop in and save the two of you. You sat quietly on Appa’s saddle, both you and Zuko watching Azula as she kept falling.

“She’s...not gonna make it,” Zuko said softly, his arms tightening around you slightly. You watched with wide eyes as Azula used firebending to propel herself to the cliffside, sliding down a bit further before she took out her hairpin and stuck it into the side of the cliff, effectively ending her fall. “Of course she did.”

The seven of you sat in silence for a few minutes before Katara spoke up, tears in her eyes as she looked at you. “(Y/N), seeing Azula capture you got me thinking. I think...I think that you should learn how to firebend. You need to know how to defend yourself.”

“And I think that you can let go of each other now,” Sokka said cheekily, trying to diffuse the tension that had settled upon the group at Katara’s words. You shimmied out of Zuko’s hold, walking up to the Water Tribe girl and looking at her in disbelief.

“You’re supposed to be on my side Katara,” you hissed, flinching when she tried to reach for your hand. Without another words, you walked away and took Appa’s reins. The rest of the flight was silent, everybody knowing that now was not the time to be chatty.

~

Once again, you had retreated from the group. It wasn’t exactly hard considering the fact that now it was Katara and Zuko who had disappeared, gone on a quest to find her mother’s murderer. After a few days, Zuko reappeared alone and you found yourselves traveling to Ember Island.

Upon your arrival, you made your way over to Katara, who was standing quietly on the deck.

“I heard what you did,” you spoke first. “I’m glad you didn’t kill him.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to do it,” she whispered back, still looking straight ahead.

“Why?”

She turned slightly, facing you before speaking. “It’s not in my nature to kill. I couldn’t bring myself to use my bending for that. I have the chance to prevent other’s from going through what I went through; from going through what you went through. I want to use my bending for good.”

You mulled over her words for a few seconds before sighing deeply and walking away. Aang watched you quietly as he walked over to Katara, his eyes widening slightly when you walked up to Zuko.

“Ok,” you said quietly, looking up at the prince. “Teach me how to firebend.”

Zuko’s eyes widened briefly before he crossed his arms and composed himself. “Tomorrow at dawn. Be ready.”

And ready you were. Every day. Firebending was a lot easier than you expected, and you found yourself breezing though the basics and the intermediate moves. It wasn’t until you got to the advanced moves that you began to have some trouble.

“No!” Zuko barked. “That’s not how it’s done. Again!”

Your eye twitched before you took your stance again, launching yourself into the move that you were currently working on. You sighed deeply when you realized you had done it wrong again.

“Wrong. Again.”

“If you’re so good at it then come and show me,” you snapped, fed up with his attitude. Zuko straightened up before walking over to you, motioning for you to take your stance once more. You rolled your eyes, blowing the hair out of your eyes before complying.

“I will,” he said, moving your arms into the right position. He walked around you and you opened your mouth to make another comment, stopping when his hand came around from behind and gently shut your jaw. “Don’t say anything.”

Your breath hitched in your throat as he spoke. He was closer than you thought, his lips brushing your ear as he spoke. You shivered when his hands landed on your back, fixing your posture before they made their way to your waist. He gripped your waist firmly, shifting you into position before leaning forwards slightly, whispering in your ear once more. “Do it again.”

Fighting a blush, you did as you were told. You chuckled breathlessly when you did it correctly this time, a blast of fire leaving your hand at the right moment.

“See? You did it,” Zuko said, a faint smirk on his lips. “You’re a natural.”

You bounced up to him, wrapping your arms around his neck in excitement. His arms immediately wrapped around your waist, enjoying the closeness of the hug. You leaned back slightly, meeting his eyes as you smiled cheesily. “It’s only because I have such a great teacher.”

The two of you walked back to the beach house, joking around after a long day of training. Upon entering the beach house, Katara pulled you aside. “(Y/N)! Thank goodness. I need your help in the kitchen!”

You gave Zuko an apologetic smile as you followed Katara, being met with an understanding nod as he went off on his own. Katara handed you a tray of cups, smirking slightly before speaking. “So, you and Zuko huh?”

“What? N-No,” you replied immediately.

“I’m talking about firebending. How’s that going?” Katara said, filling the cups with watermelon juice as she arched an eyebrow.

A bright blush spread across your cheeks as you realized what she was talking about. “O-Oh. It’s going great. Zuko’s been teaching me some advanced moves now!”

Katara hummed in reply, waving you away now that the cups were full. You headed out of the kitchen in a hurry, loosing your footing when you heard Katara speak yet again.

“I bet the next move he makes is gonna be on you.”

~

The conversation between you and Katara was basically forgotten as the days went by. 

Zuko had informed the Gaang about his father’s plan to destroy the Earth Kingdom, causing you all to worry greatly. In addition, Aang had disappeared overnight and all attempts to find him had been futile.

And that’s how you found yourselves following June and her shirshu as she led you to Ba Sing Se, where Zuko’s Uncle Iroh was supposed to be. You had been warmly welcomed by the Order of the White Lotus and Zuko and Iroh had made up, leaving you with only a day to plan out what you were going to do before Sozin’s comet arrived.

It was quickly decided that the Order of the White Lotus would stay behind and reclaim Ba Sing Se while Sokka, Suki, and Toph would set out to destroy the airship fleet. Zuko had asked you and Katara to join him in defeating Azula and although Katara had agreed immediately, you were a bit hesitant. Of course, Zuko noticed and he decided to confront you about it.

“(Y/N),” Zuko said, coming up to you when you were prepping Appa for the ride. Katara was a few yards away, giving the two of you privacy. You glanced at Zuko before climbing onto Appa’s saddle, the prince following closely behind you. “What’s wrong?”

“Zuko, I,” you paused, breathing deeply. “I shouldn’t go. I just started bending and what is something goes wrong? I don’t want to be a liability to y-”

“Hey,” Zuko whispered, ducking his head to make eye contact with you. “I meant what I said on Ember Island. You’re a natural. You’ll be fine.”

You sighed before hugging your knees to your chest. “I just can’t believe that I’m actually returning to the Fire Nation, even if it’s to help you reclaim your throne. I’m just glad that maybe under your rule, things might finally change.”

Zuko stayed quiet before standing up and reaching for his bag. He shuffled around for a moment before kneeling behind you, his fingers gently grabbing your hair.

“What are you-”

“Shh,” Zuko cut you off. “Give me a second.”

His fingers weaved through your hair, putting it up into a style you were all too familiar with. He was gentle with his actions, letting his hands fall to your shoulders when he was done. “There.”

You reached up, your fingers trembling slightly as they brushed over the sunstone that you had known your whole life.

“M-My hairpiece,” you gasped, tears springing to your eyes as you realized how much you had missed it. “How did you-”

“I found it at the Western Air Temple,” Zuko interrupted quietly. “It was after I came to you guys the first time. Katara sent me away and when I was walking under a balcony, it fell onto the ground. I recognized it so I picked it up. I assumed you would want it back at some point.”

Zuko fell backwards when you threw yourself at him, wrapping him up in a tight hug.

“Thank you,” you whispered, leaning up and pressing a kiss to his cheek. A tiny gasp escaped him and you pulled back, meeting his eyes as he stared down at you. The two of you stared at each other for a few tense seconds before you both leaned forwards rapidly, your lips meeting in the middle.

Maybe it was a spur of the moment decision, kissing Zuko. Maybe it was due to to the anxiety bubbling up in you, your emotions hard to control as you prepared to end of the war in one way or another. Or maybe, it was simply two teenagers too shy to tell each other how they felt, finally sharing a tender moment.

“So, are we ready to go?” Katara asked. The two of you sprung apart, blushes on both of your faces as the Water Tribe girl smirked at you. Zuko nodded and you looked away, taking your place at Appa’s reins.

“Ready as I’ll ever be. Yip yip.”

~

The fight had been a blur to you. You didn’t remember much other than the fact that Zuko had taken a bolt of lightning meant for you. After Zuko had been injured, you and Katara had teamed up to take Azula down. She had challenged you to an Agni Kai after striking Zuko and you had accepted in order to lure her away from his body. To say she had been surprised when you actually fought back with fire was an understatement.

With Katara’s help, you managed to chain her to an old grate before rushing over to aid Zuko. After Katara had done all she could, you helped Zuko into the palace where he had been taken to the infirmary. You hadn’t seen him since.

You had however, met back up with Aang, Sokka, Toph, and Suki. They informed the two of you of what they had done and in turn you had told them about Zuko’s injury. They were all worried about him but after hearing that Katara had healed him, they were slightly relieved.

The next time you saw the prince was on the day of his coronation. Some of the palace guards had come for you, stating that Zuko was requesting your presence. You felt your heart jump into your throat as you nodded, allowing them to lead you through the palace until you came to a pair of gilded doors.

“He’s in there,” one of the guards said. “Would you like us to announce your arrival?”

“No, it’s fine. I can just knock,” you said meekly, causing the guards to smile amusedly. You bowed shortly to them before turning to face the door, gently knocking and waiting for a response.

“Come in!”

The door swung open at your touch and you awkwardly stepped inside, still standing near the doorway as your gaze landed on Zuko.

“Close it,” he said, his voice quiet yet rough. You complied, stepping aside and shutting the door before inching closer. He was shirtless, thick bandages covering his torso. Covering the new scar he had earned because of you. He turned around, his face softening when his eyes met yours.

“Hey,” he said softly, his eyes scanning you for injuries the way he did back when Azula raided the Western Air Temple.

“Hi, how are you?” you squeaked, shuffling awkwardly. You winced at your words, blushing in embarrassment as Zuko’s lips quirked up. He walked over to his bed before picking up the shirt he was going to wear.

“I’m fine. How are you?” he asked, a teasing smile on his lips as he began to put it on. His smile dropped as he moved too harshly, pain shooting through his torso as he struggled to pull the fabric on.

“Spirits! Be careful,” you said, all embarrassment leaving you as you rushed forwards and took the shirt from his hands. “Here, let me.”

You helped him slide one arm in before slipping it over his shoulders and guiding his other arm in as well. You grabbed the belt used to hold it in place before standing in front of him. Your breath caught in your throat as you eyed the bandages, guilt settling in your stomach as you softly placed a hand on his chest. Zuko’s hands automatically went to your waist, pulling you closer to him as he stared at you worriedly.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, still looking at his chest. “This was my fault.”

“Hey,” Zuko replied, one of hands leaving your waist to lift your chin. You shivered softly at the action, your eyes finally meeting his bright gold ones. “It wasn’t your fault. Azula shouldn’t have done it in the first place. She challenged me to an Agni Kai, not you.”

“You should’ve let it hit me,” you said, looking at him sadly. “I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if Katara hadn’t been there. Zuko, you could’ve d-”

Your eyes widened and your words died on your throat when Zuko leant down, softly pressing his lips to yours. The hand that was still on your waist wrapped around you, pulling you closer as Zuko kissed you gently. He began to pull away after a few seconds, noticing your lack of response. Mentally kicking yourself, you began to kiss back, closing your eyes as you wrapped your free arm around his neck to keep him close. Zuko couldn’t help but smile at your response.

“I took that hit because I love you, (Y/N),” Zuko whispered, finally pulling away and leaning his forehead against yours. “I couldn’t let Azula hurt you.”

“Zuko, I-I love you too,” you confessed, your eyes still closed. Suddenly, you pulled away before gently swatting his head. “But that doesn’t make what you did any less stupid.”

“Hey! I saved your life!” he exclaimed, rubbing his head.

“I know,” you said, rolling your eyes before hugging him close once again. “And I love you for it. But never, and I mean never, do that again.”

“No promises,” Zuko replied, guiding your lips to his once more. This kiss was different, full of trust and love and peace.

You pulled away reluctantly, fixing his shirt and looping the belt around him before taking his hand. “Now let’s go. You have a coronation to get to.”

Zuko stopped for a second, pulling you back to him as he looked at you uncertainly. You looked up at him curiously, prompting him to speak.

“Are you-” Zuko stopped abruptly, trying to get his thoughts in order. “Will you stay with me? Here? Even after everyone else leaves?”

You hesitated for a split second, remembering everything that you had suffered at the hands of the Fire Nation. You opened your mouth to reply, looking up to meet Zuko’s gaze. You faltered for a moment, taking in the way he was looking at you. Here in front of you stood the crown prince, the very symbol of the nation that you had spent the majority of your life hating. But he was also just a teen, and he was willing to put in the work to fix the Fire Nation’s past mistakes.

Your heart swelled in your chest as you thought about the golden-eyed boy , and everything he had done to help the Avatar. Because of him, the Fire Nation now had a chance at redemption, and you knew it wouldn’t be easy to undo centuries of imperialism and pain. Especially not when it was so deeply rooted in the nation. And so you answered his question, confident that you were making the right decision.

“Of course I’ll stay, Zuko. And I’ll be here to help you every step of the way.”

~

taglist!

@musicalkeys, @mywigglybaby​, @bubblebars​, @iguessthefloorislava​, @dekahg​, @boxofteenageideas​, @bottledcotscowater, @butterflycore​, @coldlilheart​, @the-firebender-girl​, @ajediherowitchrunner​, @lammello​, @astroninaaa​, @samsmultifandomblogs​, @sadskater25, @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak​, @duh-dobrik​

[spunky-89]

When it Rains it Pours

A/N: I’m back again, who knows for how long, but what matters is that I made a thing and I get to share it with you all. 

WARNING I made a self fulfilling fic during a dark time so it might be triggering to those with depression and I do talk very briefly about self harm....so yeah

WC: 3k

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

Life was wearing you down. It felt like everything was going wrong. You were failing two classes, your car was totaled, your mom was sick, you weren’t sleeping, your parents were arguing all the time now, and that was just scratching the surface of your problems. Not to mention the fact that your mental health was plummeting. The only good thing you felt you had left was your boyfriend, Stiles. He was always so supportive and he was there whenever you needed him. But soon enough, you knew you would lose him too.

It was late in the evening, lacrosse practice had just ended and you were waiting by Stiles’ jeep. It was cold and dark and you were beyond tired. But as soon as you heard him approach you slapped your fake smile on and pretended everything was fine. And apparently, you were a good actress cause he never noticed. He went on and on about practice and coach and the latest supernatural crisis. It actually made you calmer, hearing him ramble. Somethings never change and you were glad for that. Like your tradition of always stopping to grab a bite to eat after Friday practices. You desperately wanted to go, but you weren’t sure how long you could hold this facade of being okay. So with a heavy heart, you asked him to just drop you at home, making the excuse your mom needed something from you. Like the wonderful boyfriend he was, he offered to help and you could just order in. But you declined, promising to call him first thing in the morning. As you opened your front door you could hear your parents arguing again, but you kept your smile up and turned to wave at Stiles. As soon as the door was closed you let out a deep breath, dropping the fake smile and trudging to your room. You threw your bag on your desk chair and headed straight for your bed. You just laid there thinking as you tried to muffle the sounds of your parents arguing with a pillow over your head. You woke up hours later, somewhere around 2 a.m., and realized you fell asleep in your clothes. You quickly changed into something comfier, climbing right back into bed. You decided to start working on your upcoming english essay, but you struggled to come up with any words. Or better yet, you had the ideas in your head, the problem was getting those thoughts on paper. You barely realized you’d been up all night, the only reason you did was you noticed the sunlight beginning to filter into your room. You sighed and put your books and laptop away and tried to grab a few hours more sleep. You didn’t really succeed, falling asleep around 8 and waking back up at 9:30. You sent a quick message to Stiles to let him know you were staying home to study and to call if anything life-threatening was occurring. He asked if you wanted company but you denied. Not thinking you’d be able to put on a fake smile today. So you went to the kitchen to grab some food before you locked yourself in your room, determined not to do anything but study and do homework. You got so absorbed in your work you didn’t notice your phone blowing up with texts and calls. You didn’t notice that lunch came and went without you eating anything. You didn’t notice your severe dehydration, nor your hunger. You were numb to everything. So much so you ended up falling asleep at your desk to the sounds of your parents’ screaming match.

You kept this pattern up for about 3 weeks. You slapped on your fake smile at school and pretended you were fine. If someone asked you just said you were anxious about school and grades. Everyone bought it. 

With each day you were becoming more tired and drained. A part of you told you to tell someone, to get help, but the other, louder, part said no. So you kept it all in. It was starting to show. Your grades were slipping more, you were gaunt (luckily makeup kept anyone from seeing that), and you only wore baggy clothes to hide the obvious weight loss from not eating. It almost hurt that no one noticed your terrible state, but you didn’t blame them. How could they if you acted like everything was fine? What they did notice, was you pulling away from the pack. You didn’t show up to pack meetings, and the ones you did come to you never stayed for chit-chat. And worst of all, you hadn’t been alone with Stiles in weeks. You knew he would figure you out, he always could. But you didn’t want him to. He was already dealing with enough, he didn’t need to be worrying about you too. The pack would try and corner you at school but you learned to be slippery, learned to evade the wolves, other supernatural creatures, and the humans. 

You could tell you were hurting Stiles, and that killed you, but you thought maybe distance would be good. He could focus on other things and not have to deal with you. Yes, you decided, he was better without you. They all were. So you made a plan. You would break up with Stiles by saying you didn’t like him anymore and you were sick of the pack. That way it was kind of breaking up with everyone. Then you would have your mom pull you out of school and you could take online classes instead, limiting your chance of seeing the pack.

It was a Wednesday, after school. It was pouring outside but you knew Coach would still make the team practice. This was your opportunity. You sat in your car in the driveway of your home and called Stiles. You prayed he wouldn’t answer, as that would make things harder. When you heard his voicemail pick up, you took a deep shaky breath.

“Hey Stiles, um look, I know it’s kinda shitty to do this over the phone but uh, I don’t think we should be together anymore. I just don’t feel the same way I did, and I know it was wrong of me to drag this out and make it worse by distancing myself first, but I thought it would help lessen the pain. I’m sorry, I wish you the best.” As soon as you hung up your sobs were echoing through the car, meshing well with the sounds of the downpour. You didn’t do what you’d wanted, which was to sound like you were just uninterested and over the pack. Instead, your voice was shaky from holding back tears. You hoped Stiles wouldn’t notice and it would be enough to cut ties with the whole pack.

It took you about half an hour before you were able to get out of your car and start to head inside. By the time you got to the door, you were soaked. Your hands shook as you tried to get the key into the lock, but between the anxiety and the freezing rain, you had no luck. Then you heard the familiar rumble of Roscoe and you tried twice as hard to open the door, but you couldn’t so you just cursed as tears started to mix with the rain, hindering your vision. You could hear his feet slapping against the pavement as he ran to you. You tried to take a deep breath and focus but it was impossible. 

He shouted your name but you ignored him, almost cheering when you got the door unlocked. You tried to enter and close the door before he got to it but you weren’t quite fast enough. As you were rushing to slam the door he put his hand out and shoved against it, keeping you from closing the door. 

“Stop fighting me and just talk to me!” He exclaimed.

“Just go away!”

“No, I’m not leaving until you tell me what the hell is going on,” he grunted as he shoved hard and managed to slide in before you managed to push back. 

He grabbed your arm to try and turn you to face him but you chose to walk past him out the door, just trying to get away from him, knowing you would just take back everything you said, just to feel his arms around you one last time.

“Where are you-” He started to call after you but ended up giving chase instead. 

So you started to run. You didn’t know where you were running, you just knew you couldn’t stop. Unfortunately, with the torrential downpour, you were having a hard time seeing and ended up tripping over a pothole and falling to the ground. Your body ached and your skin stung at the contact with the street, but you ignored it and tried to push on. Unfortunately, your fall gave Stiles enough time to catch up to you. He grabbed your arms and helped you up, never once letting go of you. 

“Let me go Stiles.”

“No. Not until you explain yourself.” He shouted over the rain.

“Just go home!” You cried out.

He just shook his head and stared at you, standing in the middle of the street, the rain still pouring.

“Why? Why follow me? Why bother?” You asked finally, having to shout to be heard over the rain.

“Because I will follow you anywhere! Even into the middle of the street during a massive storm.” He called back.

“Why?”

“Because I love you!” He yelled, his voice letting out hints of frustration. 

It was your turn to just stare at him, tears mixing with the rain as it flowed down your cheeks. You still felt numb, felt like none of this made sense, that he should be happy to be rid of a burden like yourself. You lost all sense of self and felt your legs give out from underneath you, though you were lucky enough to not hit the ground again as Stiles was there to catch you and swiftly lift you into his arms. 

Slowly he walked the two of you back to your house, but you barely noticed, too stuck in your head. You didn’t even notice how hard you were clinging to him. He carried you into your room and sat down on the end of your bed and just held you as you cried. You occasionally babbled something like an apology, but he would just shush you and continue to rock you gently. 

When the tears slowed slightly and you were able to make complete sentences, you decided to just come clean about everything and if he left you, you would understand.

“Listen Stiles, I-”

“Nope, stop right there. Before we talk about this, we need to get into some warm, dry clothes before one of us ends up sick.” He said with finality. As he said it you finally realized some of the numbness you felt was because you were cold and wet. You nodded as you went to fetch some dry towels and clothes for both you and Stiles. You had stolen enough of his clothes and he had left so much that half his wardrobe seemed to be at your house. The two of you dried off and changed in silence. You were shaking the whole time and once you had finished toweling off your hair, you suddenly were terrified to face him. So you kept your back to him and fiddled with the towel in your hands. The tears had stopped, but when you thought about the boy standing behind you, they started to well up again.

You felt his arms slip around you and take the towel gently from your hands, putting it on the dresser before he tightened his arms around you and just held you. When he laid a kiss on the side of your head the tears started to flow once more. When the first sob bubbled out, he turned you around and just stroked the back of your head in a soothing manner. 

“Why are you still here?” you managed to ask between sobs. He sighed and led you back towards your bed, pulling back the covers and slipping under them before opening his arms and inviting you in. You climbed into his arms like so many times before, but what used to feel like heaven only made your heart clench in fear, terrified you were going to lose the one good thing you had left in your life. 

“So what’s going on with you, what happened?” He asked gently, laying on his back as you curled into his side. 

“Does it matter?” you spoke quietly.

“It does to me.” He said grabbing your one hand and holding it tightly before laying a kiss on it. 

You sigh as you try desperately to find words that describe the awful feelings you were feeling. He waited patiently, playing with your fingers absentmindedly. 

“I guess I-I just give up. I feel so numb now because like I’ve given all I can and it’s never enough, so why bother trying right?” You spoke slowly. You felt him go rigid as he turned your hand over to look at your wrists then pulled you to sit up and took your face in his hands, his eyes darting around your face. 

“Please tell me that doesn’t mean what I think it does.” He spoke with fear in his voice.

“What do you…” you trailed off as you cocked your head a little bit, trying desperately to decipher his question/statement. 

“Please tell me you haven’t been- been hurting yourself.” He all but begged, his voice breaking as he did. 

Oh. Your brain paused for a moment, registering the look on his face as he watched every twitch on yours. The real fear and worry you saw on his face stopped you, you knew he cared but you didn’t think that it was enough to cause this reaction to his query.

You shook your head in response, still at a loss for words.

“Promise me you aren’t lying. Please, just be straight with me.” 

“I’m not lying,” You recoiled at his seeming distrust of your answer, pretty much saying he didn’t believe you. His hands dropped from your face as you tried to move away. But a hand pulling you back kept you from going too far.

“Hey, hey, hey, please don’t do this. I’m just trying to be sure because if you are then I-I-I don’t know what I’d do but I’m just worried and you’ve shut me out for weeks and now this- I just want to know what’s wrong so I can try to fix it.”

“You can’t fix it, Stiles, I’m broken and in pieces, I am not your jeep that you can just duct tape back together.” You spoke, a harshness peaking out, covering all the other emotions. You heard him sigh as he tried to get you to look at him but you refused. 

“Of course I know that. But I’m not going to just sit here and let you- let you suffer and deteriorate. I can’t do that.” He said. 

“Why? Why not? Why won’t you just let me rot away in my room, huh? Why don’t you just leave? Be thankful to be free of me.” You all but yelled.

“Why? Are you serious?” He said softly, “Do you really think that low of yourself that you forgot all that we’ve been through together, the moments we had, the love we shared.” His voice felt like knives as he added, “Or at least the love I thought we shared.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Your heart breaking at the implications of his statement. You had gotten off the bed at this point and had backed towards the corner of your room, holding your arms tight across your stomach as you tried to curl in on yourself. They were right, the voices in your head were right. All you did was end up hurting him, now he hates you. Well, it’s not like you’re surprised, you weren’t worthy of his love, but hate, maybe you deserved that.

He groaned as he ran his hands down his face in frustration. 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” 

“No, stop doing that! Stop trying to hold onto me! Let me go, I’m not worth this.” You said aggravatedly, tears once again pouring from your eyes. This was it you thought, this was the end. You wanted to sigh of relief but you were too devastated to do so.

“Who decided that huh? Who decided you weren’t worthy? Cause to me I’m the one not worthy of you.” He said and you scoffed and rolled your eyes. “I’m serious, you’re smart, you’re beautiful, you’re kind and selfless, and so many other wonderful things. And I’m just a spazzy kid who brings nothing but trouble. Who has almost gotten you killed multiple times.”

You just shook your head feverishly as he advanced towards you. You tried to shrink back but you could only go so far and when he reached you he took your face in his hands and he kissed you. He kissed you like it was the last time he’d ever do so. And of course, you melted into it. He was the love of your life and nothing compared to the love you felt in that moment. His hands moved to wrap tightly around you, holding you impossibly closer. 

“Don’t push me away, let me help you.” He murmured against your lips. Your eyes stayed closed as you rested your forehead against his.

“I don’t know how,” you almost whimpered,

“We’ll figure this out, together.” He promised. You just nodded and let him hold you. And at that moment, you had hope again. 

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Traditions of the Court

Fandom: Criminal Minds (Royalty AU)

Pairing: Spencer Reid x F!Reader

Summary: You grew up around Spencer, since his mom was your teacher growing up. You two grow up together and he ends up taking his mother’s place, while you become ready to become Queen. But what’s to happen when you and he realize that you have feelings for each other?

A/N: this is like 3.5k words because I didn’t feel like breaking it up into chapters. Anyway, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

“But mother-”

“No, Y/N. You need to attend your classes like everyone else. Just because you’re the princess, doesn’t mean you can’t get an education like the other children in the court.”

You groan as you drag yourself into the library where several other children of royal court members are. Mrs. Reid’s face lightens up when she sees you, “Y/N, dear! Wonderful! We’re just about to start! Take any available seat and we’ll get started.”

You sigh as you trudge over to an empty seat near the back next to a boy who doesn’t look like a he’d be a child of the court, “Who’re you?” the young boy is startled when you address him and pushes his glasses up his nose, “I’m, um, Spencer. Spencer Reid. My mom’s the teacher.”

“Are you even allowed to be here?”

He nodded, “Yes, uh, the Queen, your mother, said it was alright. Do-Do you want me to move, Princess Y/N?”

You sigh and shake your head, “No, it’s okay. And you can just call me, Y/N.”

“Oh, okay, Y/N.” Spencer mumbles and goes to pay attention to his mother’s instructions. Throughout class, he sees you looking sad, dejected. So while his mother is helping another student, he leans over, “Are you okay?”

You shrug, “Not really fond of going to class.”

“How come?”

“I don’t think it’s very interesting. I’d rather be learning how to defend myself with my father and the Royal Guards.”

“Well, if you’re going to be queen someday, it’s important for you to know this stuff. The geography of our kingdoms and surrounding kingdoms, the history of our country and your family, how to speak publically, appear proper, all of that stuff.”

You look at him a little confused, “You’re not even a court member’s child. Why are you here? It’s not important for you.”

He shrugged, “I like to learn new things, plus, I’ll be taking over teaching when my mom gets too old. So it’s better to learn stuff now rather than later. I remember all kinds of stuff.”

You hummed, looking down at the books in front of you, “Think you can help me then? Since all of this isn’t my kind of thing?”

“S-Sure.”

It was during class and the extra tutoring on the side that you and Spencer ended up getting close. From when you were seven year olds up to when you were eighteen, he’d been by your side. He’d read while you attended your fencing and archery lessons. He’d wait for you while you shadowed your parents during court meetings. He was there when your father died due to an unknowing heart attack. He was there for it all until...

“You’re leaving me?” you looked at him with saddened eyes. 

“It’ll only be for a few years. I want to travel around and learn as much as I can before I come back and take my mother’s place as the court’s educator.” his hands rest on your shoulders and you look down in solemn, “It’s not forever, Y/N.”

“But we’re always together, Spence. You’ve been there for everything and-and-”

“Do you want me to stay?” he asks softly. You look up at him and he asks again, “Y/N, do you want me to stay? If you do, then I’ll stay.” you search his eyes and see that he’s completely serious. But you also see the yearning in his eyes, the need to explore and learn more.

“I do, but I won’t ask you to say. I can’t be selfish with you, Spencer.” you sigh and choke back a sob, “You’ll write to me, right?”

“Every chance I get,” he says with a smile and he pulls you into a hug, “I’ll miss you, Y/N.”

You hug him back with a sigh, “I’ll miss you too, Spencer.”

3 Years Later

Spencer leans against the carriage watching landscape and farmlands pass by. It’s been seen he’s left his home. In the three years he’s earned higher levels of education, learned so many new things, met so many new people. And then when his three years was up, he was going back home. 

He was so anxious to be home again. In a good way and a bad way. Good because he gets to see his mother again, bad because, well, he’ll be seeing you again. 

Within his first year abroad, you and Spencer exchanged letters. When the second year rolled around, the letters lessened. Eventually, the third year, he received no word from you. He didn’t know if something happened or if you just no longer wanted to keep contact. Either way, he didn’t send a letter back to you, not wanting to be a nuisance. 

Growing up by your side, a love blossomed within Spencer. A love for you. Yes, you struggled with your lessons, but the more Spencer helped, the more you were able to get it. Eventually, you didn’t need him to tutor you anymore, but you still wanted him around. You two played with each other, read in the library. You tried to teach him fencing, but that didn’t go well. Despite your differences, you found friendship within one another. And for Spencer, he found love. 

He was fourteen when he realized he loved you. You and he were in the gardens. He sat under a tree reading while you went around collecting flowers. He didn’t look up until he heard you giggling. 

He saw the mischievous look in your eyes, “What are you up to?”

“Nothing. I have a gift for you.”

“What is it?” from behind your back, you pulled out a flower crown you’ve woven together of branches and flowers, “That’s for me?”

“Yup!” you bend down to rest it on his head, “There. You’re the king of the gardens now!” you giggled, sitting beside him and resting along the trunk of the tree. 

Spencer looks to you and he feels his breath hitch when he sees that soft smile on your lips. You looked so pretty, so happy. He imagined leaning in and kissing you, but that wasn’t right. You’re the princess and he’s just the son of your teacher. You could never be.

From then on, despite his ever growing love for you, he kept his feelings hidden. And it broke his heart when he told you that he was leaving. It broke his heart even more when you stopped exchanging letters with him. 

But all of that must be pushed aside. He has a job to do now.

__________

“This is so unnecessary,” you groan at the big poofy dress you were currently trying on. Your friends, Emily and Jennifer, or as she liked to be referred to as JJ, both snicker at you, “Tradition is tradition,” Emily jests and you roll your eyes. 

“Once I’m queen, to Hell with tradition,” you grumble, causing your friends to snicker more, “No more poofy dressed or corsets forced upon me or any lady of the court!” Your bedroom doors swing open and you dive behind the changing screen with a yelp. You peek from behind and see Penelope rushing in.

“Oh, it’s you, Penelope,” you step out from behind the changing screen.

Penelope practically stumbles over to you, slightly out of breath, “I-I-You-You need to-” she stops, clutching her sides, “Hold on,” you, Emily, and JJ smirk at each other in amusement and Penelope straightens up, “You will not believe who I saw!”

“Do tell, my analyst friend.”

“Spencer Reid!” she exclaimed with a squeal. 

Emily and JJ sat up, “Spencer Reid? As in our teacher’s son?” JJ asked.

“The Spencer who attended lessons with us and the one that Y/N was sooo in love with when we were children?”

You scowled at your friends, marching over to your bed and whacking them with your pillow, “I wasn’t in love with him!”

“Yes, you were!” the three women, proceeding to giggle at your frown. 

“Whatever! We haven’t exchanged letters within a year and a half. I don’t owe him my presence and I don’t expect him wanting to see me.”

Your door begins to open again and, with another yelp, you dive back behind the changing screen. 

You hear your mother’s voice as she greets the three ladies in your room and then she addresses you, “How does the gown fit, Y/N?”

You frown when you come out from behind the screen once more, “I hate it.”

“As did I when I was your age.”

“So why do I have to wear it?!”

Your mother sighs and shakes her head, “Y/N, this dress has been passed down for decades. Many women from the royal family wore this dress on their twenty-first birthday. It has a special significance in this family. And since you’re part of this family, you’re wearing it.”

You mumble out a, “Fine,” and your mother nods, “Perfect. Now change out of that and hang it. Also, someone would like to see you in the gardens. Don’t keep them waiting.”

Your mother leaves and once she’s gone, Emily, JJ, and Penelope help you out of your gown and corset.

_____________

Spencer has never felt so unsure about himself. Despite your lack of contact, he never once stopped thinking about you, never stopped caring about you. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe he shouldn’t have requested your presence at all. He slips your birthday present back into his satchel and he’s ready to leave, but he hears your voice and it makes him freeze.

“You requested to see me, sir?”

He turns around and he’s taken back. In the three years he’s been away, you’ve grown into a beautiful young woman. The day that your day gown hangs around your body, the way that the sunlight hits your skin, it creates this glow about you that makes you seem...ethereal. 

“S-Spencer,” you practically whisper.

He approaches you but still keeps some distance away, “Hi, um, Y/N-Princess-Princess Y/N?”

You can’t help the giggle that escapes you, “Y/N is still fine, Spencer.”

“Oh. Okay, um,” he opens his satchel and digs out your present, “Happy birthday.” he holds it out and you see that it’s a book with a ribbon of your favorite color wrapped around it.

You take it, undoing the ribbon and flipping open the book. You see Spencer handwriting and your name written out - Dear Y/N...

You flip through other pages, seeing your name at the header and he proceeds to tell you what he’s done throughout his day, what he’s learned. You see little doodles, pressed leaves and flowers within the pages. 

You close the book and look back at Spencer, “What is this?”

“After our letters stopped, I-I don’t know-I felt the need to continue to write to you so I started a journal. Telling you everything about my time away from home.”

“Why?”

“...Because I missed you.”

“If you missed me, you shouldn’t have stopped writing me back.”

Spencer looks at you with confusion, “I didn’t stop writing you back. You stopped writing me back!”

“No, I didn’t!”

“Yes, you did! I sent two or three letters within weeks of each other and I never heard a word back! You just stopped replying!”

“Princess Y/N,” you look back to see Lady Strauss looking at you with a stern gaze, “You’re needed at court.”

You clench your jaw and look back to Spencer, “I need to go,” you push the book back to Spencer and pick up your gown, walking away from him. You pass Lady Strauss with a nod and she watches you head to the court room.

Lady Strauss then turns to Spencer, “Know your place, boy. She’s a princess. You’re a teacher. You’re from two different worlds. It’s not meant to be.” with that, the older woman leaves, leaving Spencer to feel confused and dejected.

____________

“The audacity of him!” you gasp when your handmaidens pull at the strings of your corset, “He really thinks that I stopped replying to his letters? Why would I? How could I? And erase our years of friendship together? I can’t believe him!” you gasp again and your maidens apologize, “It’s alright. These things are just....horrendous,” you grumble.

It took hours to get you ready for your birthday ball, but you were ready. You waited for everyone to enter the ballroom, standing by your mother’s side. This was supposed to be a happy event, but you just felt so sad and angry. 

“Smile, darling. It’s a joyous occasion,” your mother mumbles before the doors swing open for you two to enter the ballroom. You put on a fake smile and entered the room, everyone bowing as you passed them. 

“Everyone, please enjoy yourselves!” your mother announced. The band started up again and you immediately went for some wine. 

“Already?” you hear as you gulp down an entire glass. You turn to see JJ and Emily smirking at you.

You roll your eyes, “I’ve had a long day.”

“So...how was seeing Spencer again?” JJ asked with a smirk and you narrowed your eyes at her, “What? Word travels fast!”

You took another glass of wine, gulping that down, “I swear, Jennifer, you’ll turn out to be likes these gossiping hags,” you muttered, causing Emily to burst into laughter. 

“If it wasn’t your birthday, Y/N, I would pour wine over that hideous dress.”

“Please, do.”

You smile at your best friends as you hook your arms around theirs, “Now let’s go mingle, ladies.”

______________

After dinner, your mother stood up, wine glass in hand, “Everyone. I’d like to thank you again for coming tonight to celebrate my Y/N’s twenty-first birthday. Not only does this year signify you finally becoming a woman, Y/N, it also means that this will be the year that you will find a husband.” you nervously gulp as your mother raises her glass up, everyone, including you, doing the same.

“To Princess Y/N!”

“To Princess Y/N!” 

Like earlier before, you gulped down your wine, excusing yourself for some air. You move to a balcony that overlooks the kingdom. The cool air refreshes your face. The music and festivities continue inside while you’re trying to calm yourself outside.

“Are you okay?” you jump, hearing a sudden voice. 

You look over your shoulder to see Spencer. He’s in a white button-up with black slacks. It’s not as luxurious as what the other men are wearing inside, but you had admit he still looks good.

You look back out to the kingdom when you ask, “What are you doing here? I don’t recall you being invited.”

“My mom was invited and I’m her plus one,” he states as he joins you at the stone railing of the balcony. He lets out a deep breath and rests his drink onto the platform, “What happened to us, Y/N?”

“You stopped-”

“I didn’t. But apparently neither did you, so it begs the question: who stopped our letters from reaching each other?”

“Princess Y/N,” you both turn around to see Lady Strauss, “You should really be mingling with your guests inside instead of this peasant boy.”

Spencer’s jaw clenches and nose flares in anger. For the second time today, Lady Strauss has interrupted you both and has insulted Spencer. Again, you excuse yourself from Spencer’s presence. 

“What did I say-”

“She looked upset. I was just checking on her, that’s it,” he sneers and moves to leave, but Lady Strauss grabs him tightly by the wrist, “Stay away from her, boy. You can never be together. What do you have to offer her? A sickly mother and an annoying array of knowledge? You have nothing to provide for a princess. So whatever silly feelings you had for her growing up, get rid of them,” she sneers and let’s go of his wrist. 

Spencer rubs his wrist as he goes back to his mother. How does Lady Strauss know so much about him?

________________

Spencer allowed his mother to continue teaching until the end of the month. In the meantime, he’d be refreshing up on information in another part of the library, while also doing a secret project on the side. The librarian and historical analyst, Penelope, aided him whenever he needed. Penelope had a certain set of skills that were very helpful on finding certain information. 

“So what Sir Derek from the Royal Guards told me that he heard from Lady Emily that she heard from Lady JJ that she-”

“Penelope-”

“Right! So, Strauss assigned some men to interfere with your letters. According to whoever our sources may be, she didn’t like how you two got very close, thus ruining her plans of getting our dearest princess wedded to her son.”

“It was her behind this all along. That-That-That hag! Because of her, I’ve lost my friendship with Y/N and now I may never get to tell her how I really feel!”

“Well, my knowledgeable friend, our dear princess will be coming in soon to read to some of the court’s children. You can tell her then!”

Spencer liked the idea but he shook his head, “I can’t. Despite my anger towards Lady Strauss, she’s right. Y/N and I are from two different worlds. If she did return my affections and we did end up together, I’m to be king alongside her. I’m not king material, Penelope.”

The analyst shrugged, “You’re kind, loyal, caring, logical, strategic. Sounds like a king to me.”

“But I can’t protect the kingdom if need be. I never found interest in swordfighting or archery.”

“Y/N does, so that means you don’t need to worry about that.”

“But still Y/N. I’m...I’m not enough.”

“Let me decide on that,” Spencer heard your voice and looked up to see you standing there some distance away. 

“Y/N!” he stood up abruptly, “I-uh-”

“Uuuuhhh coming!” Penelope cried out and scrambled away from the two of you. 

You slowly approached him and he gulped, “H-How much of that did you hear?”

“Which part? The part about Lady Strauss being a scheming hag? Or the part about you having affections for me and being afraid that I won’t return the sentiment?”

“Y/N-”

“I was so heartbroken when your letters stopped coming in. I thought-I thought you no longer wanted to speak to me, that you found comfort in someone else. I loved you and I felt my heart shatter when I didn’t hear a peep from you. And now it turns out that one of my mother’s advisors was behind my heartbreak and not you. It’s...overwhelming.”

“You loved me?” Spencer asked in disbelief and you nodded, “I thought it was obvious, honestly. How I always wanted to spend time you, how I barely entertained being the presence of other boys.”

“I thought it was because we were best.”

“No, it was because I loved you. And seeing you again on my birthday, despite me being upset with you, everything came rushing back. I don’t think I ever really stopped loving you, Spencer.”

“Neither did I,” he breathed out, hands coming up to cup your face, “May I-May I kiss you?”

“Please,” you whispered, leaning in for your lips to meet his. The kiss was soft and gentle and everything you always imagined a first kiss to be. 

When you both pull away for air, you’re both smiling and chuckling, relishing the feeling of being in each other’s arms.

“Marry me,” he murmurs.

“What?”

“We’ve loved each other since we were children. And I can’t promise that I will be a good king, but I’m willing to learn to be, as long as you’re by my side.”

“Do you mean it?” you ask with such elatedness.

He nods, “Yes. So, will you?”

“Yes! Oh god, yes, I will marry you!” you kiss him again, but pull back with a gasp, “What will my mother say?”

“She will say that you have her blessing,” you see your mother standing there beside a nervous Penelope. 

“I’m-I’m sorry, Y/N. She was looking for you and she’s the queen and I didn’t think you two would be-well-”

You chuckle out, “It’s okay, Penelope.”

Your mother walks towards the both of you, hands clasped in front of her, “I always knew you two were meant for each other, ever since you were children. It doesn’t surprise me that you love each other and want to be with one another.” she has a fond smile on her face as she glances down at your intertwined hands.

“You really give us your blessing, mother? Even if Spencer isn’t part of the court?”

“Well, you always said that some traditions need to die out. Might as well start now,” she smiles widely and you throw your arms around her, whispering, “Thank you.”

_______________

Months later into the year, you’re standing beside Spencer wearing a beautiful red and gold dress while he stands before you wearing the most regal uniform you’ve ever seen. Your wedding, a month previous to this, was a beautiful one filled with love, tears, and kisses. 

The officiant holds out the crown above you, “I now pronounce you Queen Y/N and King Spencer. Long live the king and queen!”

With crowns donning your hands, you and Spencer stand, hand in hand, while everyone proclaims, “Long live the king and queen!”

[barbika1508]

Perks of an open Pool (Octopus/SeaWitch!Yoongi x Human!Reader/ Smut)

Word Count: 9,4k

Genre: Fluff, Romance, PWP

Pairing: Octopus/SeaWitch!Yoongi x Human!Reader

Warnings: Cursing, Breeding Kink, Mating, Dom! Yoongi, Brief Dom!Y/N otherwise Sub!Y/N, Tentacle sex

Summary: It’s just your ordinary mated type of a couple, living together, loving each other and getting frisky as anyone does, with the exception of these two as a limb or two more might be involved.

Authors Note: It’s basically tentacle porn, simple as that! So, enjoy it and if you don’t there’s plenty other things to read! Anyways hope you’re having a good day :3

 Why am I getting agitated? I was fine not even an hour ago, completely calm and collected. My fingers remain drumming mindlessly along the side of my laptop, as I keep staring at the beat and the waves it has created, listening to the same part of the song over, and over again. The repetition is irking me, the missing part just growing and adding to my nerves. And going down and through the 20 versions I’ve made of the beat, it’s not sitting right frustrating me by this point. This is supposed to be a simple pre-chorus to lead the song into the main part but why in Poseidon’s name nothing is working right?!?!?!?!

Beyond my own little world, I pick up on other sounds deducting movement. Noises of moving furniture and footsteps aren’t quiet anymore. The agitation from before in my stomach lessens as I glance at the clock, but the irritation remains as I continue glaring at the screen in front of me. Letting out a heated exhale I switch onto another track completely, knowing I have 2 things to tweak, but instead for some reason this feels like an entirely different song with a different meaning than it felt the hour before when I was satisfied with it. I just let my mood sour even more, today seemingly being against me creative wise.

My concentration is easy to break as something above me falters to the ground, my mate adding onto my frustrations as she’s taking her sweet time of doing whatever she’s doing instead of directly coming down to greet me, like it is the usual. Turning my head to the left, I’m still left amazed time to time at the concept of the house and her idea which she conceptualized.

This was after all her childhood home, but she bluntly went ahead and demolished half of it transforming the lower part of the entire house, which was built on rocks, into an open pool area of sorts. To humans, it’s a chill barbeque/ relaxing era with the pool being directly connected to the ocean, opening up to natural causes.

The pool stretches outwards from her relatively small house, but it has a shallow area where I am settled with a laptop and my gear all kept on dry land, meanwhile my lower body is submerged underneath the water, two of my limbs working lazily time to time, by bringing the water upwards to keep me wet. The tiled floor is smooth and comforting in a way beneath me. I know exactly where they stop and natural rocks begin to cover the sea ground.

Summers are of course always the best times to hang out in this area. But it has switched for me as well into loving it, which is an oddity. I am cold blooded through and through, I come from the debts of the ocean, where no human has even reached or even been to, where sunlight can’t reach anything. So, the contrast of everything was monumental, the biggest hurdle being the sun that hurt my eyes, the brightness almost blinding me at one point. But I’ve preserved becoming stronger than I once was, my whole mood and liking of summer changing into one of enjoyment. And it’s all because of her. In summers it’s easier for my beloved to spend more time with me in the water, and on land as it’s warm enough for her to sleep here, and stay and work and do whatever she wants to.

Even though I don’t look like it but I crave skin to skin contact with her, at all times if I can. Having her close, at and in arms reach means I can easily protect her from any harm, and bad. Nobody will ever harm her on my watch, that is a promise I’ve made to the gods, an oath to them and myself.

Upon my train of thoughts drifting I stumble upon an idea, fingers quick to act and move along, dotting down notes, which quickly develop the said idea long, from a mere image to creating a sort of a universe on its own. With only half my attention on what I’m doing I focus the other part of my brain on my surroundings.

I can hear my mates’ sweet tone, as she speaks to someone words pronounced sometimes clumsily but the giggles make it up for it. Frowning slightly, it takes me a moment or two to figure out that she is speaking over her phone. Good. I’m in no mood to have company or wait for her to be done being all polite and give them her attention which should be on me most of the time.

Besides she didn’t greet me this morning when she left for work, our everyday morning kiss being skipped. I need to get back at her for that. And yes, she will probably say she left me be because I love sleep, I mean who doesn’t but that isn’t a good enough excuse for me not to get a kiss.

I quickly examine how I’ve went on with the inputs into the music program, the newly created song filling my ears as I press play still working along. Some of my limbs come to life, playing around the water, hydrating my skin but also fooling around my mood obviously haven lightened up at the new discovery and creation thanks to my very own muse. I’m not entirely sure how much time passes on, as I get easily lost but I am aware when my mate does decide to finally descent down, greeting me. I manage a mere nod, still working ahead. I will admit that I am ignoring her on purpose, giving a bit of the silent treatment, upon her actions this morning. My kind and I as an individual can be very petty as humans can be too, but we can take it to extremes if we want to.

It isn’t until she is suddenly right next to me, her legs in the view of the corner of my eye. I slightly twitch as she bends down, knees buckling. Before I can jump in an attempt to grab her from falling, she’s right there her warm lips leaving a kiss on my cheeks, my skin tingling not only because of the warmth from them but also because of the innocent gesture. Turing to look at her in disbelief she has a bring smile on her face. There’s no irritation in sight on her, as I’ve predicted there would be.

‘’Hey there Mr. Grump.’’ She teases seemingly in a cheerful mood. She should be upset that I gave her back some of her own medicine, knowing very well how she dislikes silence between us.

‘’I’m not grumpy.’’ I immediately reply frowning as she starts to giggle instead. I take her in for the first time today. She has already changed, wearing a big white t-shirt that reaches till her mid-thighs while a black garment which is probably a bikini is visible through the thin material easily so. Hmm.

‘’Uh huh. I’ll play along with you. I’m the grumpy one, obviously.’’ She continues happily, still grinning her eyes seeming warm. She shifts on her bent position, sitting back properly while she swings her bent legs, and submerges them into the pool right next to me. Automatically my body consciously or subconsciously gravitates towards her.

‘’I take it, you had a good day at work?’’ I ask sparing a glance at my limbs as they are quick to raise up and eagerly wrap themselves around her ankles, and up her calves. She wiggles her toes, her muscles tensing and untensing briefly as she relaxes one hand finding one limb, as she starts to play with it gently the others eagerly following and raise up higher over her two legs.

‘’Very good day. We’ve got more funding, meaning the cleanup is continuing successfully and will go on steadily.’’ She’s quick to explain eyes on me, while I slide the headphones off completely to listen to her, my mood to create diming as she’s finally back.

‘’Hmm, I’ve noticed there has been more halibuts swimming around recently.’’ I note glancing at her seeing her eyes spark up instantly ‘’You should still consider cleaning the north west side first before moving onwards elsewhere, like I’ve suggested. Start by planting close at first, small things. you’re gonna see the fish are gonna grow it all on their own into a healthy ecosystem…if nobody touches anything around there of course.’’

She claps gently along nodding her head, in excitement and is quick to assure me that she has told her boss about my plan. She always gets this spark in her eyes whenever she talks about her job, being a Marine Biologist, these kinds of stuff just entrance her. Her words do start to falter, as I save up my progress along the way. The silence we fall into after she’s done explaining their plan too briefly, has me turning towards her noticing the content but small smile gracing her lips, as she stares down into the water absent mindedly.

‘’Are you okay baby?’’ I ask halting everything and turn towards her, letting my right arm rest over her knee as I move closer taking her hand into my own eagerly. Her smile widens, free hand reaching up to cup my cheek which she starts caressing with her thumb. She is way bubblier than this, whenever she’s talking about future plans on her days in general actually. This calm demander is worrisome.

‘’I’m perfect my love.’’ She replies leaning closer ‘’Just perfect.’’ Her words do make my heart flutter even more so when she leans in to kiss me on the lips. It’s still a bizarre thing, this human interaction that is considered to be so intimate. Something simple as kissing, lips pressing against one another. It works though, there is this spark that kissing ignites even in my own cold blood. I quickly return my own affections towards her with shameless eagerness, as I’ve been missing her for more than half of the day.

She ends up giggling into the kiss once I swipe my tongue over her lower lip, and teasingly start to tug at her legs, and hands. The kiss gets broken thanks to me smiling as well, her laughter being one of my favorite sounds in the world.

‘’Are you done for now?’’ she asks leaning on her elbows her body positioned in an awkward manner but she doesn’t move away or show discomfort.

‘’Yeah, the project I was working on wasn’t good either way.’’ I point out lessening my hold on her. I turn to my laptop quickly closing everything off whilst she sits up properly stretching out her fingers and arms. I push everything technology wise away, as it’s all propped on a self-built pillow and wooden plank which she made for me a long time ago. It’s all prevention from things getting wet, and despite her meticulous waterproofing and calculation of risks I still make sure not to ruin anything or take chances.

‘’Liar, I bet it’s amazing.’’ She mumbles. I glance over just in time as she tugs the white fabric over her head, which leaves her in the two thin pieces of clothing which are very offensive. I don’t understand why she isn’t bare all the time. I prefer her that way and it’s just easier. Life is easier without those restrains and barriers. My eyes roam quickly over the expanse of her skin, noting how her skin has been sun kissed today meaning she has spent her time out in the open. Before I can drink her up, she’s sliding into the pool, submerging until her chest a quiet hiss leaving her lips smile never leaving her lips. I push myself backwards silently sighing in relief as I let myself sink into the water, my skin feeling rejuvenated. I keep 3 limbs on her, raising them to hold her around her waist, while I sink further into the water and backwards encouraging her silently to follow keeping my head above at all times, eyes not leaving her for a second.

‘’It needs work.’’ I reply watching as she shivers for a while the contrast of temperatures too sudden. She looks unbothered stepping forward and follows along, moving her arms around warming herself up automatically. Turning towards her properly I catch onto her hands, her giggles filling the air as I tug her into me immediately wrapping myself around her protectively and teasingly as she can’t move a muscle in any way, she wants to my limbs making sure to hold her still. I automatically grin upon hearing giggles, as she lets me move her around trusting me whole heartedly even as I almost submerge her, but manage to hold her above the water level ‘’This is what you get for calling me a liar human.’’ I mock jokingly and push us away swimming towards the open ocean, bringing her along with me.

The colder and warmer currents, have her shuddering but she simply musses at me ‘’I’ll repeat myself; You are such a liar Yoongi-yah!!!’’ She exclaims grinning her hands finding their way to rest over my chest, as I move her to partially straddle me, the tiles below us being replaced by smoothened out rock. Stopping mid-way across the pool I stop us, taking in the cooler water currents that brush over my back and arm, whilst I hold her where the warmer current is floating around ‘’One of these days I’m going to make you admit that!’’ I only chuckle at her behavior simply admiring her and press a kiss to her nose quickly ‘’Yah!’’ the exclamation has me laughing, and half submerging underneath which leaves me unbothered ‘’Lets move on okay, pabo!!! Where are you even taking us?’’

And there it is her immediate curiosity, as she looks ahead at the vast ocean eyes falling back to glance along the rocks that same spark I mentioned before just burning up.

Briefly let’s mention the pool again��it might seem to the naked eye that it is in fact opened to the ocean and that it is welcoming anything in. Technically speaking it kind of is, but there’s a specially built underwater gate that prevents animals and other intruders to just float in into my home. Otherwise the benefits besides that ones are that it lets in fresh water and takes out the so to speak old one. Pushing us into motion in no time we reach the gates, which I prop myself onto holding her easily as her legs wrap themselves around my body, giggling as I brush the tip of a limp just bellow her exposed thigh to the edge of the undergarment ‘’I didn’t mean it like that.’’ her hand is quick to brush the tentacle away and to give me a stern look which she fails at because of her smile.

‘’Hmmm what a pity.’’ I reply faking disappointment, while she wraps her arms around me lovingly and despite her statement and action, she still leans in to kiss me. I sigh into the kiss contently, living the rocking motion of the waves that rock us up and down gently, while her touch is everything.

But were we are settled currently the sun is beating down on us, and it’s making itself annoyingly present by warming my skin up, even though I’m submerged more than she is. I do recall the north side which is just in front of me, being perfectly shaded the sun being blocked by the house perfectly so across the rocks on that side of the house.

Knowing when she’s getting low on oxygen, I break away brushing a strand of a lose few hairs from her face ‘’Are you in a mood to explore, my love?’’ I ask her curiously knowing her well enough to predict what her next answer is going to be. There’s a reason why I stopped here.

‘’Not really…’’ she starts hesitantly, glancing towards the ocean again. I’m reminded constantly everyday how much I love her and why exactly I do, and this is one of the moments as I take her profile in. Her eyes are focused straight ahead, expression portraying a longing for something greater, something she wants and has wanted her whole life. She doesn’t know it yet herself what it is, but the ocean is calling for her I know that for certain ‘’…I’ll need to refill the oxygen tanks first, we can explore another time.’’ She turns to me, with a smile. I can just feel how the tension melts from her muscles, and note in her body how she relaxes completely. But thanks to that I can see the tiredness resurfacing knowing she gives it her all at her work and for others.

My heart aches because I don’t want her to be tired, or worried and stressed at all. If it was up to me, I’d happily provide for us, find treasures frequently to afford only the best things in life, wanting to give her everything she wants and wishes for. But I’m being completely blocked off by her human stubbornness, her desire to work to a certain point infuriating but to another understanding.

‘’Whatever you want, my everything.’’ I reply leaning in to kiss once more. It starts out slow, lazy even as I brace her against the gate and let my hands submerge from her back lower to take a hold of her under her thighs. I love her legs, not only because they fascinate me, but because of how they feel under my arms and hands. Her thighs are an absolute delight to grab and hold onto. Don’t even get me started on her ass.

I smirk as I feel her tongue prod at my lip. She’s isn’t being forceful but she is playing a game plainly teasing me. I let her struggle on purpose, letting my hands roam over her thighs, fingers touching everywhere I can, while her own hands are rooming my back, then my neck, until she is cupping my jaws. I almost purr when she let her right-hand slide under my ear and into my hairline, nails scratching against my skull. My limbs practically vibrate, and on their own they wrap themselves more and more around her legs, for sure leaving imprint in their wake, but she told me countless times she doesn’t mind.

Sensing her growing frustration, I decide to let her have her fun letting her have some control, her tongue quick and eager to intertwine with my own. Her hand repeats the motion she did briefly ago, nails skillfully scratching me perfectly, causing me to gasp involuntarily as I tighten my hold onto her trying to tug her even closer which isn’t really possible anymore as I’m already crowding the very air she’s breathing. I want to touch every inch of her, my blood starting to feel as if it’s boiling. I want her. I want to eat her all up.

Just as I swipe my tongue across the roof of her mouth she is pulling away. Reopening my eyes, I notice how flustered she has gotten, breathing deepened as she half pants staring at me with darker eyes. I smile proudly seeing how I affect her ‘’Hmm I’ve missed you.’’ I find myself admitting running my fingers sideways and around to grab a hold of her glorious ass, the flesh smooth and oh so perfect in my hands.

She snorts leaning in to nuzzle her nose against mine, the ministration always endearing even though I’m still missing the point of it ‘’Me or my ass?’’

I muse glancing downwards, but end up looking straight up at her exclamation and how quickly she tugs her arms backwards to cross them, which only brings her breast to the front more ‘’Both.’’ I reply honestly which has her gasping. Now she is acting dramatic.

‘’Pfff sure. I see how it is!!!’’ She rolls her eyes looking away from me still holding her arms crossed, legs still wrapped around me, body slightly turned away. She’s adorable.

I squeeze her ass instead as an initial reply ‘’Babe, your ass is glorious how could I not miss it!!’’ she turns to stare at me in bewilderment, but the blush that’s getting more intense over her features is a dead giveaway that she doesn’t mind my crude words. My words aren’t even crude we’ve both said nastier things. Foreplays can be very fun.

‘’You just want me for my bodyyy.’’ Comes a reply which has her bursting into joyous laugher. It’s an inside joke between us from a TV show we’ve watched a long time ago. I only stare at her in adoration, as she throws her head back, hair cascading down touching the water even though she has it tied up into a mess ponytail. My entire focus is on her face, admiring in fascination at the way the side of her eyes circle slightly, the way she is showing her blunt teeth, nose slightly and adorably so scrunched. I’m fucking rejoicing as her laughter graces my ears, her voice shooting in general, but it’s her laughter and her giggles that melt my ice-cold slow beating heart any time.

‘’It’s a little more than that love.’’ I say smirking as she ends up chuckling at the end eyes finally landing on me once more ‘’I’m here also for the food, and music equipment.’’ I end up whispering. She bursts into another fit of laughter pushing me away playfully at first but ends up wrapping her arms around me, and to my surprise I’m getting an onslaught of kisses peppered all over my face.

‘’Help somebody I am being attacked by this puny human!!!’’ I fake shout simply raising my voice, which gets her to bite onto my ear the cheeky human indeed that she is. I gasp staring at her in bewilderment when she leans back to look at me, and shows me her tongue briefly.

‘’You are really asking for it.’’ I state as she scrunches up her nose and then puts on this innocent expression eyes darting upwards as if she has done nothing wrong ever in her life. I let my limbs crawl upwards over her lower half, as I’m holding her around her waist hands still on her ass to hold her steady.

‘’I am innocent, I have zero idea what you are on about.’’ She goes on further making me giggle, a few ideas popping in my mind with what I want to do to her.

‘’The only innocent thing here are the fish.’’ I reply to which she simply snorts glancing around as if fishes are swimming near us ‘’You on the other hand…’’ I end up sighing heavily, as I’m coming up with a lot of ideas, I know I won’t be able to fulfil all at once. Her stamina isn’t like my own, even though since we’ve been together the first time, she’s gotten to endure a lot more than what she was used to.

‘’Uh huh go on.’’ she says teasingly both hands ghosting over my shoulders, fingers finding the vertebrae of my spine. It has my shuddering for a moment, limbs relaxing slightly around her but wrapping themselves higher up one peeking over her shoulder only now I notice. I can feel the edge of her bikini bottoms, and I subtly try to move them to the side which so far is working as my hands are simply holding onto her flesh. The key to this method is going slow.

‘’Are you going to work tomorrow?’’ I ask keeping on a cool expression not wanting to give anything away, as my excitement is rising. If she says no or yes.

‘’Depends. I could not go.’’ She sings teasingly bringing her fingers to the nape of my hairline. I’m trying very hard not to just purr our loud, it feels that fucking good when she does it.

‘’That wasn’t a yes or no, my little human.’’ I go on giving her a more serious look, as I reach up to cares her cheek. She visibly gulps, eyes fixating onto my own.

‘’I’ll take the day off.’’ she replies with a more careful tone which has me smiling widely leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead.

‘’Good girl.’’ I praise her, feeling how her heartbeat is beating quicker. Her skin is still warm against my own ‘’Now be good for me, and climb up.’’ as I speak I move us further out, towards where a boulder is settled, having been rolled and cemented into an empty sloth perfectly and is the best resting place for her on sunny days, and on rainy it’s my napping rock. But in heated moments like these its perfect for something else.

‘’Yoongi-ah, should we move inside first…’’ she starts glancing upwards and back towards the beach and other houses nervously while I’m already maneuvering her upwards which has her yelping briefly voice getting cut off once her perky ass lands on dry land.

‘’I don’t understand where this shyness comes from on some days I really don’t.’’ I speak out loud more to myself, all the while I grab the two strings that are holding the bottom of her bikini together and easily undo them. The top follows expertly as two of my tentacles snatch the garment away.

‘’Yoongi!!!!!!!!!!!!’’ she half shouts hands grabbing onto my wrists, which does make me glance up at her in question, her hold lessening but remaining on me.

‘’Are you intentionally pushing my buttons today baby girl?’’ I ask letting two of my limbs let go of her calves to get a hold of her wrists.

‘’I’m not! It’s just, the beach is crowded and…’’ she starts to ramble. I take the chance of her brief distraction and worried glances backwards and around, to tug away her hands, easily pinning them next to her body.

‘’If you are so worried about others, then I suggest you keep quiet to not bring attention. I can help you out with that if you’d like too.’’ I grin in the end, and let one tentacle raise up over her still clothed core, and upwards her tummy, following every curve along the way. Regretfully I pass her breasts and let the tip start ghosting over her neck as she snaps to look at me her jaw locked tight. I keep heavy eye contact as she glares at me and tries to struggle, attempting to break free which is of course completely useless.

‘’This is not funny.’’ She goes on looking like she’s mad. You’d think she’s pissed off. But ohhh I know what’s going on in that pretty brilliant head of hers. This is turning her on. I can smell her besides the sea salt in the air, her pungent heavenly smell. Its why my limbs are already tugging the flimsy useless piece of fabric away and chugging it away which leaves her lower part bare to my eyes only.

‘’Oh baby, nobody is laughing.’’ I comment smirking ‘’Now, be a good girl and stay silent.’’

While two of my limbs hold onto her hands, I wrap two more around her thighs lifting and bending her legs, holding them wide open, meanwhile I eagerly lean down, poking my tongue out as I lick a long stripe from down upwards over her delicious core. Her breath hitches loudly, as I eagerly lick over my lips, then just dive in for more at first just blatantly licking her juices.

I can hear how she’s trying to keep quiet, but is failing miserably as small but noticeably loud mewls are leaving from her. Getting more serious and of course eager, I use my left hand to spread her lower lips revealing her folds properly. Perfect color of pink and a luring warmth and smells has me entranced. Happily, I dive down sucking directly onto the little numb that was so foreign the first time we’ve done this, but now I know exactly which flicker of my tongue can send her off. Hence why I start doing everything, to build her orgasm up quickly.

It has her reacting flawlessly and just as I’ve predicted in my mind. Her noises stat to raise up in volume, body bending backwards as she lies onto her back. Letting go of her clit, I teasingly lick over her lips giving her a second and then I’m dipping my tongue finally into her hole knowing it turns her on for some reason. A load moan tears itself out from her, which has me grinning smugly as I raise my head upon an urgent call of my name ‘’Yoongi!’’

‘’Yes, my love?’’ I ask ready to argue in return but what I’m met with is a desperate expression, cheeks completely flushed as she opens her mouth, sticking her tongue out as if to show me it.

‘’Please.’’ She suddenly begs. The way she’s rendered, the visuals are just stopping my brain from functioning normally for a moment. My blood has speed up, and my nerves are starting to tingle more and more, as I myself get turned on and at attention, body buzzing.

‘’Please what? Use your words, you are my good girl after all aren’t you?’’ I tease her happily smiling wider at her eager nodding.

‘’I’m your good girl. Please, I want…’’ she pauses but doesn’t remove her eyes from my own ‘’I want you in my mouth.’’ She almost whispers. I don’t push her on, and accept it as good enough.

‘’You are a very good girl today, my sweet, sweet human.’’ I coo, tilting my head ‘’There you go, gorgeous.’’ I watch as the tentacle that I left at her neck, raises slowly. She raises her head looking absolutely greedy to have it in her mouth. Teasingly slow I hover it near her mouth, while my fingers absently play with her folds tracing her lower lips. The initial touch has her flinching briefly in surprise eyes darting down to meet my own, as the pads of my fingers brush over her clit. So easily distracted. While her eyes and attention are focused on my ministration I watch giddily almost as the tentacle slips down, over her lower lip and into her mouth filling it. The warmth sends a brief shiver to run over me, but otherwise the feeling of her throat closing in and the choked sound that arouses, has my hunger raising.

‘’That’s it.’’ I coo, pulling the tentacle out letting her regain her breath just to push it back in, her throat this time accepting it properly. Her glossy eyes remain on me, obediently so as I fill her mouth, and stretch out her throat more and more, keeping in mind that she needs to breathe now and then, slowing my ministration just for her. Setting up a rhythm, I smile hungrily as I look down at the redness that’s starting to replace the pinkiness. Closing my eyes, my tongue finds her heat, tongue eagerly once more scooping the gathered wetness, as I taste the tanginess of her juices.

At a particularly well aimed and manoeuvred tongue swipe, she mewls and chokes on the tentacle in her mouth, the sensation of her throat closing in around tightly, has me shuddering harder than before. Reopening my eyes, I watch my limb retreat her chest rising and falling as she catches her breath, eyes ready to spill with tears at this point. A trail of saliva is still connected with the top and from her lips. She is absolutely fucking gorgeous.

‘’Yoo-n-gi…’’ she manages voice slightly rough. I haven’t pulled my mouth of off her, so instead I simply start sucking, and licking, building up a combo while with my right hand, I slowly prod at her entrance, my fingers which have dried now getting coated in her flowing juices. More sounds spill from her parted lips, breathless and whiny ones, as I let the tentacle slip inside her mouth once more muffling those glorious sounds. I don’t force it in this time, letting her suck onto it, her tongue quick to dart around it. It tells me that she isn’t distracted enough, even though her eyes are shut tight eyebrows furrowed, her fingers and toes curled up.

I start to push my middle finger into her tight and wet heat slowly loving the way she clenches up, the sensation on its own has a rather violent but invisible to the naked eye shudder run down my human spine, which then spreads and vibrates briefly all over my limbs that freeze for a second, but then just tighten their hold onto her. My precious human. Everything has me boiling on the inside, the visual, the sensations, her smell, her noises. It has me restless, has me wide awake and feeling so alive. Every piece of me wants her.

Knowing her body, instead of teasing her further or going slow by opening her up gradually, I let my pointing finger slide in next, a tiny bit forcefully as I do meet some resistance. Her body tenses, as she half sits up her yelp getting muffled.

‘’Shhhh…’’ I coo smiling letting two of my biggest tentacles reach around her to hold her up in the half sitting position she has put herself into ‘’Relax my love, just relax for me.’’ I encourage her, watching the sweet delicious tears run down her cheeks as our eyes meet. They aren’t there because she is hurt, but because she is overwhelmed with all these sensations.

I tug my fingers out and push them back in while maintaining eye contact, and slowly raising myself up to be closer to her ‘’That’s it, my good girl, doing what I tell her to do, hmmm.’’ I hum in the end, loving the obedient and almost innocent look she gives me. She is starting to get really desperate by the on flow of whines, and thighs which start to tremble now and then.

As I pull my limb back from her mouth, it falls open droll dripping from her slightly bruised lip. Gathering strength not to hurt her, I push my body upwards to reach her mouth, eagerly licking over her lips distracting her as she chases my tongue with her own. Now half propped up I readjust my position on the edge of the rock, and haver her legs spread but around me, using my left arm to hold her up, while with my right I can finally start to finger her properly and the way she wants me to, curling them up and scissoring them once I slow down my thrusts.

She cries into our kiss, tensing up once more, as I aim for her g-sport which has her crying out, incoherent words spilling. I grin wildly and lean my forehead against hers holding her still and tight against me, absolutely loving how she has clenched around my two digits.

‘’Use your words my little human.’’ With that I slow down, the action itself has her immediately nodding eyes meting my own in clear distress.

‘’P-please Y-Yoongi, please I wanna…I wanna cum, please Yoongi, my love, please, please, please don’t stop.’’ She cries with more tears spilling down her cheeks as she starts to tremble, her high near but fading.

‘’Then cum for me, gorgeous.’’ I whisper letting go of her wrists so she wraps her arms around me, body tensing and straightening up, as I resume to finger her towards and through her high, maintaining it and intensifying it. Instead of shouting out, I feel her blunt teeth sink where my shoulder meets my neck, while her nails dig and drag into my back leaving red marks over my skin. I groan at the burn, the tingling in my spine and vibration from my limbs an indictor how I’m boding.

Not wanting to be cruel this time, I start to slow down, coming to a stop slowly her body mimicking my touches as she eases down. Pulling my fingers out regretfully so to be honest, her body suddenly all but collapses onto me. I start to hum a song I’ve learned a century ago, and just hold her close to me, loving how she radiates heat and projects it onto me warming my cold self-up.

We are left in a comfortable silence, even when I lower us down into the water after licking her juices from my fingers. A quiet hiss leaves her lips, but she doesn’t protest or makes an attempt to move, as I push us away and lower us until only our shoulders and collarbones are sticking above the water. I let my limbs caress her body, and trace her skin gently as the ocean current would. No surprise is that even though I’m trying my best to let her gather herself I am getting very impatient, with my own needs.

So, I start by portraying it, by pressing open mouthed kisses over her collarbones, enjoying also as I submerge my face under water. I can hear her chuckle, as I leave marks in my wake, but upon her more awakened state I start to raise up, still marking her up happily and let my hands cup her ass again, pinkies tracing the juncture of her legs towards her folds again.

‘’Every time I think humanly so may I point out…’’ she starts tone unhurried and not so husky anymore. I let two of my limbs raise over her hips, up her ribs in the meantime ‘’…I think; “It can’t get better than this.” But yet you always leave me…’’

‘’Fucked right out of your mind?’’ I finish her sentence smirking as I still remain marking the side of her neck. Regretfully so I will have to heal the marks, as humans are ridiculously so timid creatures at certain things. She chuckles at my statement, gasping at first which turns into a moan, as the two tentacles have wrapped themselves around her breasts, the tips now playing with her perky nipples.

I glance downwards watching them raise up and down, noticing how her skin breaks into goose bumps.

‘’Basically.’’ She breathes out looking down at me. I smirk to myself rolling my shoulders, as she leans in this time hands reaching up to cup my face, but she doesn’t kiss me. She presses a kiss to my cheek and leans closer, lips touching over my ear ‘’Fuck me, Yoongi-ah.’’ she whispers.

Another spark goes through my system, which has me vibrating practically, and changes my soft look into a hard one as I stare at her as she has moved back, and is now biting onto her lower lip. It’s a rule that she isn’t allowed to do that. Only I can bite her lick. (And no this is nothing like 50 shades)

‘’You need to rest my love, you…’’ she leans in to kiss me, stopping my train of thoughts all together. It’s not only me that has a huge effect on her, she can also completely change me, my thoughts, my mood, my everything basically. A mere human. She truly is something else.

Her kiss becomes demanding quickly, body leaning forward shoulders squared up as she takes complete control over the kiss. I’m surprised once she starts to move her hips. Tries to as she is entirely leaning onto me having no proper support around us. So, I help her slightly, by pushing her back against the rock again, one of her hand momentarily leaving me, so she can brace herself back against it. I can feel her smiling into the kiss, breaking it but she isn’t letting go, her right hand which has been supporting the back of my head, has her fingers curling and tugging onto my hair making me groan quietly at the tug and pull, meanwhile her other hand is quick to find its place over my chest, lowering down over my right nipple. Her touch is brief as she continues to move her hands lower.

‘’I should return the favour.’’ She says sensually her hand still lowering, ignoring the small tentacle that eagerly wraps itself from her wrist to her elbow just caressing her skin and holding onto her.

‘’We don’t have time for that baby.’’ I reply trying to stay calm. Even though she is my mate, and we’ve been together for what feels like an entire lifetime it’s still not completely easy to reveal all f myself to her. I still get nervous, when we’re intimate. But I’ve gotten good at hiding my feelings and nerves away.

‘’Alright then.’’ she sighs sounding disappointed but licks her lips teasingly and as if quietly saying ‘Guess you’ll be missing out’. I shudder as her fingers trace the front tentacles, not really intending to play with them. She does have to lower herself down to reach what she wants, but stops mid-way, face slightly lower than mine is as she readjusts herself and her hold on me ‘’Yoongi.’’ She whispers staring straight at me hands tightening their hold ‘’I want you to fuck me.’’ she states completely calm hand suddenly raising up cupping my cheek the coolness and wetness from the water slightly calming me down ‘’Do you want to fuck me, my love???’’ I simply blink staring at her trying to calm myself down as I nod at her question ‘’I’ll keep my hands here alright?’’ she goes on wrapping both arms around my neck, and intertwines her own fingers, while she wraps her legs around my body her knees tucked where my human hips would be ‘’Please, fuck me.’’ she whispers not doing anything ‘’I’m so wet and ready for you, my mate.’’

Even though I tried to hide my nerves, she saw right through me. My mate. I press her against the wall gently letting my limbs do the work as to anchor us against it, so we aren’t moving too much thanks to the reappearance of the waves that is making the pool unsteady enough so that with a small mistake something bad might happen.

Not saying anything yet I reach with my human hand up and take her right into my own, kissing the top part of it, before lowering both hands down underwater. Her expression does change into a surprised one at the beginning, mouth opening as to say something but she simply closes it, her gorgeous eyes focused onto my own. Even though we aren’t physically connected right now, we are one.

I watch as colour returns to her cheek, turning it into a more intense pink-ish colour. I can feel her body warming up, blood rushing through her veins, same as her heart spiking in excitement. A few shudders one after another just shoot down my spine, and it is a human trait I’ve learned, but fuck the sensation thanks to it, has me experiencing something no one of her own kind would, on the male side. Readjusting my grip, I cup her hand instead over the top part. I lean into her but this time, I rest my forehead in the crock of her neck, staring down watching our hands through the water. Finally, I move our hands forward stopping before my body. A short gasp leaves her lips as I just hover our hands close, meanwhile the pit in my stomach start to boil in excitement. My cock isn’t necessarily like my limbs, I can’t really control it per say. It has humanoid traits but it doesn’t act like a tentacle it’s hard to explain it. Letting go of her hand, I reach in to grab a hold of it feeling how much it has filled up and grown. I tug it forward to the front, past the cosy and safe confine of my other limbs. Some sort of goose bumps raise over my skin as well, as I feel very exposed and vulnerable, even more so when the tip of her fingers touches the head.

A gasp involuntarily leaves my parted lips, but she’s quick to press a reassuring kiss to my cheek, her right hand that’s been resting on my shoulder, kind of gripping it in anticipation or excitement, loosens up and reaches up to my hairline again nails scraping against my skull which has me relaxing slightly.

‘’May I?’’ she asks calmly, her breath fanning warmly over the side of my neck. I barely manage a nod but she understands it perfectly. Instead of grabbing onto my dick as I thought she would, her fingers touch my wrist instead at first. They gently caress it, and lower themselves down. I automatically tense up once, the tips of her fingers are touching just over the base of my cock where I’m holding it. It’s such a contrast her touch against my own and it’s not only temperature wise.

I start biting onto my lower lip, eyes closed and just feel, how she gently traces my dick as if she’s doing it the first time (She isn’t just let me clarify, but it is rare and special whenever I let her touch me like this). Her hand finally wraps itself around me, in the middle but pulls up towards the head, which is very sensitive and has me hissing, my dick practically twitching and following her warmth on its own.

‘’Hmmm Yoongi-ah.’’ She moans softly, fingers brushing the tip again which has me letting out a faint sob ‘’Shhh it’s alright my love…’’ her hand circles around my cock again, but lowers down towards my hand again ‘’Will you fuck me my love? Will you fill me up so that I’m leaking for days?? I want you to fuck me, so I won’t be able to walk tomorrow, I want to feel you in my womb, want you to fill it all up…’’ I’m surprised at the change in her, the submissiveness from before replaced by this strong and dominant presence she has put on.

And her words do have a tremendous effect on me. They have me buzzing, wanting her more, want me to fulfil every wish she has. Again silent, I grab onto her wrist and pull our hands upwards, at the same time leaning backwards noticing that the sky is setting, with the sun sinking over the horizon. But that doesn’t matter. When I look at her, her hair has dried up, cheeks not so pink anymore.

‘’Yoon…’’ before she can finish or properly start her sentence, I grab her by her throat and squeeze while at the same time, I grab onto my cock again and easily manoeuvre her how I like, by spreading her legs wide open whilst at the same time, I let another tentacle to raise up and slide into her mouth, letting go of her neck not wanting to actually choke for real. The two tentacles from before that have just been caressing her breasts now tighten as well, and another two joins to wrap themselves around her nipples. Two more make sure her arms remain under my control.

‘’Fill you all up huh?’’ I start with a deep tone readjusting half of my limbs and drag her backwards towards the shallower part of the pool and away from any unwanted eyes. The only lights that are always turned on are the pool ones ‘’You don’t want to walk tomorrow huh little human? Want me to fill you up so that you’ll be leaking, your womb filled up for days?’’ she eagerly nods at my word’s eyes glassing over as she reverts back into her sub state.

‘’I don’t think you can take it.’’ I challenge her, eyebrows furrowing as she turns to glare at me. I simply let the tentacle shove itself further into her throat, feeling it start to close in. But she still glares at me defiantly, like she wants to say something. With my right hand, I simply let it run over her exposed pussy. I let my middle and pointing finger trace lower to her asshole which has her body tightening up ‘’Your little human body, can’t take me whole darling.’’ She starts to properly choke pretty tears glittering as they fall down from her eyes. Pulling the tentacle out she gasp for breath, heaving. Meanwhile I finally find the perfect position and sit on the smooth ground. Getting a hold of her hips I straighten her up, arms locked behind her back tightly.

I grin widely as she looks at me ‘’I’ll split you wide open, is that what you wish for??’’ I ask casually while she stares at me still in defiance before something in her brain clicks and the desperation slips back in.

‘’Please.’’ Her voice is gone, but I understand the word she mouths.

I don’t even give her a heads up, as I raise her above me, bend her knees and plant them on the floor. I let some of my limbs attach themselves on her, as I take a hold of my cock and start to force it into her. She gasps and mewls her body’s natural reaction at first is to run away from the intrusion. We’ve been over this so many times. It’s all natural, as is the size of my cock which is above average, and I’ve put that into human terms, her quote directly.

My mouth falls open, as the head of my dick enters her, and eagerly wants to chase after the warmth. And yet despite the onslaught of pleasure that’s overwhelming me in waves, I hold myself back just to stare at the way her eyes roll back, and feel how her thighs and forearms tense up meaning her fingers and toes are already curling up. Her head falls backwards revealing her half marked up neck. I mimic a human way of mating which is; a thrust. It has me entering more halfway to be precise but she suddenly shouts out body jerking and then going limp only her hips briefly shaking until they stop. I smirk staring as her head falls forward, to which I cup her cheek and take a look at her. The moisture on her skin is from sweat, the sight bringing a chuckle to rise from my throat, as she continues to breathe deep eyelids half closed not leaving my own eyes.

I readjust myself slightly, and grab a hold of the bottom of my cock, to help and guide it properly into her. The waves of pleasure are still going through me, my spine tingling more and more demandingly. But I ignore my own pleasure at the moment in favour of making sure she’s alright. I set her hands free and take her weight off her legs, settling her so that she’s simply straddling me arms resting between us limply.

‘’Fucked out 2 times, another point for me.’’ I state as I sit up and start marking her left side eagerly loving the still unusual taste of her skin.

‘’It’s not…’’ she starts tiredly ‘’It’s not a com…’’

‘’Not a competition yeah, yeah.’’ I chuckle in the end, licking the shell of her ear before I look at her, at her heavy eyelids that are slowly rising and falling as my cock continues to pulse inside her ‘’Do you still wish to continue my love??’’ cupping her face I look at her with such adoration, because she is my everything. Truly she is the reason I’m living and alive. And I’d give anything for her to be happy an get whatever her heart desires.

She lets out a groan of what sounds of discomfort, and closes her eyes briefly. Looking at me a smile stretches across her lips ‘’So full. M just…’’ She trails off looking intoxicated making me grin and nuzzle my nose against her a trait that she likes to do to me, as it is considered childish.

‘’Hmm yeah? Are you feeling good baby?’’ I prod on, waiting for her to get comfortable enough to continue.

‘’So-o goooddddd.’’she practically purrs her fingers that are resting on my lower abdomen, curl up as she attempts to rolls her hips. And that is a sign to continue. I simply hum in agreement, and move her body up slightly so there’s enough room to start fucking her ‘’Ahhhh..’’ she gasps head falling forward again, but this time her eyes remain open as she stares down. I know for a fact that she’s trying to see through the water as much as see can to see us connected. I find myself getting breathless the more times I tug out and re-enter her, the tightness the heath, the feel of her velvety walls all around me, are starting to feel overwhelming. Giving in, I let her be as I lie back getting submerged all besides my face while I let myself get overwhelmed by everything.

It’s easy to succumb to pleasure, especially given how much she is giving me; because she is giving me literally everything. Everything starts to feel too much, but not enough. It’s never enough. I can hear her moans, how they roll of her tongue the sounds matching to those of an angel if you ask me. And through hooded eyes I watch as she moves her hand, placing it over her own stomach. When she presses against it, I can feel her hand. She tears her eyes away and up to meet my own, a goofy smile adoring her lips suddenly.

‘’I-I-I love y-y-you…’’ she manages out, those simple 3 words warming my cold heart every time she says them.

I push myself upwards bringing my own hand over hers  ‘’I l-love y-you too, Y/N.’’

Her thighs start to tremble again, hands reaching for something to grip onto, which again end being two of my tentacles that eagerly wrap themselves over her forearms. Her strength isn’t enough to hurt me at all no matter how strongly she squeezes. Meanwhile my hand remains pressed plat over her stomach, and I just remain half in awe as I feel myself move in her, reaching and brushing up against her womb. By this point she has gone quiet, breathless, and speechless from how overwhelming it must be. Glancing up I watch as and can feel as her orgasm hits her and takes completely over, her mind and body. As I feel her tummy, images of children running, and swimming some that look like her other like me, running around fills me up with joy and excitement. But the sight of her so undone and vulnerable that alone…it’s all because of me. The only person the only being I’ll ever be so open with, the only one I care about, my heart, my body, my soul all belong to her. Everything.

With those train of thoughts and the actually imagine of her with a big belly, it has me spiralling over as I finally let myself get washed away with the tide.

I still am aware on what’s going on around us, I hold her close to me feel her hand wrap around my back, hold me in return. I can fee her lips press kisses to my neck, my cheek, I can feel them moving and faintly can hear her sweet tone. She’s singing. Huh. A siren. I always tease her that she has sirens blood in her, but she always denies it. So, if not a siren she is an angel like I’ve mentioned.

‘’Yoongi-ah.’’ She whispers her tone clear. I spread my fingers testing out how my limbs work, my other limbs which are submerged in the water as most of my body has sunk down work normally still tingling all over. I reopen my eyes seeing her smiling widely. I don’t even remember closing my eyes let alone lying back down again, my mind having shut down for a while. She’s leaning above me, comfortably lying over my front and is running the pads of her fingers over my face, with this far-away look again in her eyes. But once they met mine its like she has found herself again ‘’I love you.’’ She whispers again, eyes crinkling as she smiles looking genuinely happy.

I find myself smiling easily in return at how ridiculous my human is, but look at her and remove my hand from her belly to cup her cheeks that are still warm ‘’I love you more, my sweet human.’’

Copyright 2020© by barbika1508. All rights reserved.

[clintbartonswife]

Hostages

Pairings: Peter Parker x Reader, (background irondad) Summary: The two of you were doing your regular rounds of Queens when you were taken @whumptober2019​ #27 : Ransom Warning: kidnapping, (tame) torture masterlist  ||  whumptober masterpost

“Y/N - please wake up - please, please, please wake up”

You groaned, the panicked voice sounding slightly louder now.

“Oh god, you’re alive - okay you can do this, I just need you to open your eyes - c’mon”

Listening to the voice, you fought against the heaviness of your eyelids, eyes fluttering open.

A choked sob escaped Peter’s throat as he watched you move, his voice hoarse from talking to you for the past few hours. He watched with glistening eyes as you groggily took in your surroundings, a million apologies ready to spill over his lips.

“Pete?” 

Your voice was croaky, head thumping in pain with every tiny movement you made.

“Yes - Yeah, I’m here. I’m here”

Hating the way he was crying, you went to move over to reassure him, stopping abruptly as the chains kept you tethered to the wall yanked you back. Panic began to build as you made eye contact with Peter, your chest constricting painfully as you realised both of your masks were off. 

“What happened?”

“I don't know - we were swinging and then - I woke up and you were slumped in the corner - I thought you were dead, you’ve been out for hours” he stammered, voice thick with barely restrained tears, “I don't know why we’re here. I really don't”

Before you could try to console him, the door swung open with a large bang, three heavy-set men walking in, each wearing matching smirks.

“So two of the avengers are teenagers, huh” one said, mockery clear in his tone, “I wonder why Stark would ever let people who get captured this easily on the team”

Both of you didn't dare speak, eyeing the metal bat in one of the men’s grip.

“You may be wondering why you’re here, to put it quite simply you’re hostages, so we’re gonna need you to say a little hello to Mr Stark”

The man on his left brought out a camera and started filming, a sadistic smile on his face.

“How about you first princess?” He asked, turning to point the bat at you, “Wanna say a little hello?”

You just glared back, not saying anything, fists clenching in anger.

“Oooh we have a feisty one boys, teach them a lesson”

“No! Don't touch her!” Peter yelled, pulling against his restraints as the first hit of the bat landed on your stomach, knocking the air from your lungs, “Stop it! Stop it!”

You could do nothing to stop the grunt of pain that escaped your lips, your eyes refusing to look away from Peter as you tried to show him that you were okay.

After a few more hits, they backed off, leaving you on your side, body radiating with pain.

“How about you boy, you want to say hi to Mr Stark?”

Peter turned to look at them with pure venom in his eyes, faltering only at the minuscule shake of your head.

“Hello”

“See? It wasn’t that hard was it” the man chuckled mirthlessly, gesturing for the recording to stop, “we’ll be back in a few hours. Don’t try anything stupid”

As soon as the door shut again, Peter strained against his bonds to try and get a better look at you.

“Y/N? Are you okay?”

“‘M fine” you groaned, “was my fault”

He let out a low growl, “we’re gonna get outta here. I promise”

“I know Petey”

Silence settled over the two of you as you began to move, trying to get back to your sitting position to alleviate the pressure from the quickly-forming bruises on your side. It turned out to be more difficult than it looked, the lost use of your arms making it incredibly difficult to move without hurting yourself further.

Peter just watched helplessly as you struggled, wincing every time a soft whimper fell from your lips. He wasn’t used to seeing you like this - vulnerable - but it terrified him. Lips setting into a thin line, he started to struggle with the cuffs around his wrists, searching for any way to free his arms so he could get to you.

“We’re gonna be okay” he grunted, voice slightly scratchy from the tears lodged in his throat.

“Yeah we are”

“Can you pay attention for just another three minutes please” Steve sighed, running his hands over his face exhaustedly. 

The avengers had just got back from a mission out of state, unearthing some HYDRA files that opened a whole pile of Pandora's boxes.

“We’ve been going over this for an hour Cap” Tony snarked back, relaxing further back in his set, feet resting on the table, “We’re all tired and want to sleep”

“I’m sorry Steve, but couldn’t we go over this tomorrow?” Bruce asked quietly, “I don't think I’ll remember any of this anyway, I’ve got the onset of a migraine”

Steve sighed again (something he was finding himself doing a lot lately) and nodded, folding his arms.

“But we go over this tomorrow, 8 am sharp”

“Roger that” Clint saluted, moving Nat’s feet off of his lap and making his way to the door. He stopped as FRIDAY’s voice startled the room.

“Incoming message for Mr Stark - it’s urgent sir”

“It better not be the senator again because I swear to -”

“It’s a video. I have identified Mr Parker and Ms Y/L/N”

Natasha’s eyes hardened at the mention of the two youngest avenger’s names.

“Play the video”

The whole room watched with baited breath, Sam letting out an angry curse as they watched you get beaten. Tony just sat there, mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

What if he was too late? What if you were both already dead?

“FRIDAY” Tony’s voice was hollow, ignoring the hostage message at the end of the clip, “Track the sender immediately”

“Yes boss”

Steve walked over to Tony’s side, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. The billionaire looked up from his clenched fists, seeing his determination mirrored in Steve’s eyes.

“Let’s go get those sons of bitches”

Peter let out an angry huff, his wrists rubbed raw from his failed escape efforts. You watched as his face screwed up in frustration, banging his head backwards against a wall.

“I cant” he said, eyes closed in defeat, “I’m sorry”

“No, I’m sorry. I cant even sit up properly. I’m not much help”

You smiled as he huffed a laugh, your slumped posture hiding the worst of the bruises that had already begun to bloom along your side.

“They’ll find us, it’s just a matter of time” Peter said suddenly, as if reassuring himself.

“Of course they will. You know Mr Stark would never leave you out here to die”

He frowned at this, shuffling towards you as far as he could, his eyes shining earnestly through the quickly dimming sunlight which filled the room.

“They’ll be coming for both of us. Not just me”

You nodded, mostly for his sake, making the serious expression on his face lessen slightly.

“Sure Pete. I know that”

Before he could protest any further, a loud explosion shook the base. The initial noise was followed by an outbreak of shouts, the door to the room you were in flying open with such intensity that it was ripped from the wall.

Steve stood in the doorway with a relieved expression, calling for Tony.

“We’re gonna get you outta here” he said, rushing towards you, Tony appearing behind him and hurrying over to Peter, muttering furiously under his breath.

You winced slightly as he untied you, the bruises beginning to throb again from the movement.

“I knew you’d come! See? I told you they would y/n” Peter grinned, rubbing his sore wrists before giving Tony a quick hug.

“Yeah - thanks for this” you mumbled, nodding at Steve, who wrapped his arm around you to help you to your feet.

“‘S no problem kid, we just need to focus on getting you both out of here, alright?”

The corridors were filled with the sounds of fighting, the tell tale sound of Clint’s snickering meaning he probably hit one in the butt. When they reached a certain point, Steve passed you over to Tony, giving you a reassuring smile before rushing to help Sam who had just been thrown against the wall.

“Just hold onto me” Tony grinned, faceplate locking back on as the thrusters at his feet burst to life, carrying the two of you to the quinjet.

Later that night, as you were all gathered in the common room of the tower, hot chocolate in your hands, you allowed yourself to see it how Peter had been trying to show you since the beginning.

Not a team, but a family.

________________________________________________________________

Tags:  @geeksareunique  @bangtan-serendipity

[katerinawinters]

The Witcher: No Turning Back Chapter 2

  Chapter 2

 Swaying in rhythm to the horse's gait Ciri willed herself to stay awake against Geralt's broad back. They had been riding since dawn, after a short but tearful farewell at Yurga's cottage Geralt had lifted her to his horse and began their journey. Cold misty air whipped past them as they rode, stinging at her face and any bit of exposed skin that wasn't shielded by the large leather jacket Geralt let her wear. One look at her thin clothes Goldencheeks loaned her, the witcher let out a disapproving growl before unpacking a spare jacket from his horse's pack. Swallowed by the heavy black leather Ciri couldn’t stop the smile of contentment from spreading across her lips. It felt good to be warm, but more importantly it felt good to be protected again.

 Thankful for their positions Ciri looked up to see the back of the witcher's head as they rode. His pale white hair fell to the middle of his shoulder blades, damp from the dreary misty air. When she was younger, she was often teased by the other children noble and peasant alike for her ashen hair, calling it a sign of a curse. When her nanny had told her in secret about the man she was destined to, she had told Ciri of the witcher's white hair and great strength. Although she never admitted it  to anyone, the similar trait shared between this revered man and herself had comforted her.

 "Ciri," the sudden deep sound of his voice startled her. It had been hours since they left Yurga's cottage, though she couldn’t be sure since there was hardly any sunlight in the gray cloudy sky, but not once did Geralt speak.

 "Yes, sir?" she answered obediently. If it were anyone else, she would have never added the honorific. She was heir to Cintra, she was taught since the moment she could speak that people were to show her respect not the other way around. But that was no longer her reality. Casting a downward glance, she tried to stamp away the pain in her chest at the reminder. Cintra was lost to her and she was princess to nothing. With no skills that would provide any use beyond the castle walls she learned the hard way more than once that her aristocratic demeanor was unwelcome in the real world.

 "We are coming up on marsh land," he paused momentarily and Ciri got the impression as if his statement was supposed to mean something. Worriedly, she tried to guess at the significance of his words.

 The silence stretched for a second longer, making her feel awkward and self-conscious.

 Finally he continued. "Marshes, swamps, bogs, and ponds, pretty much any small stagnant body of water are rife with monsters," he explained. Ciri's grip clenched tighter at his sides.

 Having kept herself upright all morning to prevent herself from leaning on his back as he rode, Ciri had maintained her grip to the witcher by grasping only the sides of his armor. She did not think the large warrior would appreciate her clutching on to him. Looking around, she noticed the trees beginning to thin as they approached the flooded low lands. The tall tufting blanket of green grass belied its wet swampy nature making it almost appear like a green field rather than the soggy wet mess it truly was.

"I will get down from Roach and lead you both through. I want you to listen to me carefully and do exactly as I say," he paused, turning his head ever so slightly she could see his strong profile as he waited for her to acknowledge him.

 Her grip on his armor tightened. "Yes, of course," she rushed to answer.

 "If we encounter anything you will not scream and you will not come down from Roach. You will simply hold onto him and allow him to take you wherever he goes. If you two are in danger trust that he will run to safety."

 "Yes, sir," she answered softly, dreading the thought of possibly being separated from the witcher.

 After getting down and pulling a sword from his sheath, Geralt grabbed Roach's reins and began leading them down the sloping incline into water. With only the sound of their sloshing steps, Geralt led them through the marsh. Birds cawed in the distance, safely perched in their trees away from the constant miserable drizzle. Dim gray sunlight fought to pierce through the dismal clouds giving them brief moments of light before losing the battle yet again behind the oppressive damp clouds. With her eyes jumping all over the place, Ciri tried to mimic the man sloshing through thigh-high water. Calmly and expertly his eyes scanned every detail of the horizon while occasionally glancing behind them. She wanted to speak, but she knew better.

 Eventually they made their way up a muddy slope that edged the other side of the forest. With a heavy sigh, Ciri felt a huge portion of her energy drain from her body in payment for her relief. Getting down from the horse, she waited as Geralt pulled a strip of cloth from Roach's pack and dried himself off before pulling back onto the horse and reaching down for her. Seated once again behind him, she shifted uncomfortably as she tried to maintain a gap between them.

 The warm grip suddenly covering each of her hands gave her no time to react before she was jerked forward. With a thud, her chest thumped against his broad back while her hands were placed over his stomach.

 "Relax," he gently ordered. "If you value to the ability of being able to walk tomorrow you will need to relax. Our journey is long and we have a week of riding ahead of us at least."

 With no choice, Ciri turned her head and laid her cheek against his broad back. The cool rough feeling of his leather armor scraping gently against her soft skin was surprisingly comfortable.

 "Yes, sir," she murmured, fatigue instantly setting in with the comfort of the new position.

 "And call me Geralt," her added.

 ~*~

 After a few minutes Geralt could feel the girl's arms around his waist slacken in sleep, though she did not let go. Despite her proud efforts it was easy to read the longing for comfort in her big gray eyes when she looked at him. Fear, exhaustion, and confusion he could sense she had been through a lot before he finally found her. All facts that drove guilt like nails into his soul. He should have taken her with him long ago, once he saw through Calanthe's deception, but no, he decided to fight destiny and rebuke the facts and now they were both worse for wear for it. Glancing down at the pale fingers lightly clasping his jacket he resisted the urge to cover them with his own. Gathering himself with a shake of his head, he concentrated on the path ahead of them and spurred Roach into a faster pace. He did not have time for regrets and certainly no time for sentimentality. His role in life was now changed, he had his child of surprise and it was now his duty to keep her safe.

 ~*~

 Opening her eyes, Ciri let her vision adjust to the scenery around them. No longer on the main trail they moved slowly through the densely packed forest. Thankfully the trees were narrow and tall with most of their branches starting well above their heads allowing them to pass safely through without the fear of being swiped off.

 "Good, you're awake," Geralt's rough voice spoke from ahead of her. "We will make camp up ahead."

 Thank God. She had to pee for the past few hours but did not know how to say it to the man. She feared the man's reaction to calling a sudden halt in their journey. With only a few streams of dying gray light piercing the sopping wet woods, they rode into a tiny clearing and stepped down from Roach, who gave a relieved grunt. Patting the horse affectionately, Geralt murmured conversationally to the horse as he tied the animal to a tree.

 Barely able to hold it any longer, Ciri lifted her billowing pants legs and began to take a running step forward when a strong grip shot out and captured her upper arm. Confused and so very desperate to pee she turned and gave Geralt a desperate look that hopefully conveyed without words just how much she needed to go.

 Dawning realization colored his eyes just before a slashing grin spread across his firm lips, though his hold on her arm remained firm. "I understand, however nothing is more dangerous than being caught by some ghoul or other monster with your pants down. Trust me, I speak from experience."

 Horrified and a bit embarrassed the overwhelming urge to pee lessened a bit at the terrifying prospect.

 Chuckling, Geralt stepped in front of her but motioned her to follow. "First you must scan the area with all senses. Ask yourself, have the birds stopped singing suddenly? Is it too quiet? It's not always what you hear, it's what you don’t hear." Glancing back at her, she gave him a swift nod to tell him she was listening. Giving a grunt of approval he continued forward until he stopped at a broad tree. "Always put something at your back, be quick, and stay alert. Once you're done, I'll have a turn myself."

 Stepping just a couple paces away he turned around, scanning the area. After a couple of seconds Ciri realized in horror the man meant to stand there as she went!

 "Don't give me that look," his said knowingly, not even turning around. "I can feel your shock. If you want to survive you will learn to shelve your modesty."

 Unable to resist letting out an agitated huff, Ciri turned and positioned herself near the large tree. Being as quick as possible she traded places with the witcher, not daring for a second to look up at the man. She didn't need to see his pale face and amber eyes to know he was smirking at her ire.

 ~*~

 For a week now they travelled, mostly through forgotten overgrown paths or making his own route through the forest. When she asked why they did not travel the main roads he answered her question much like he answered any other question she posed, with a question of his own.

 "Who is in charge of keeping the roads safe?"

 She might not know a lot about monsters and survival beyond the castle walls but Ciri knew a lot about royal governance. Sitting straighter against him she answered clearly. "The soldiers of the presiding kingdom."

 "Mmm, and in times of war which soldiers are the first ones the kingdom pull back on?"

 "The roads," she answered, this time with much less enthusiasm as she unwilling thought of the slaughter of Cintra by Nilfgaard soldiers.

 "These days the roads between kingdoms are the most unsafe, filled with low rank monsters feeding on the helpless and brigands capturing any of the ones who make it past the monsters." Turning his head to look off in the distance at their left, Ciri could see his left eye narrow as if watching something in the distance. Today was another rain drenched day, following his line of sight she tried her best to squint through the misty trees and catch anything but all she saw was more of the same--wet rainy forest. Satisfied by what he saw or didn’t see, Geralt eventually turned to face ahead. "I would rather very much not to have to leave a trail of corpses behind us to Temeria."

 "But I thought you told Yurga we were headed towards Rivia?" she asked confused now.

 "I lied," he answered simply.

 Seeing that he had no intention on expounding further Ciri shifted to the side slightly in the saddle so that she could stare impatiently the side of his gruff profile.

 Without moving his head an inch, she watched his eye move until he caught her stare. Smirking he looked back ahead, over Roach's swaying head, to the path he set.

 "I had to account for any Nilfgaard tracking you down to Yurga's cottage," he replied evenly. "I could not take the chance that they would not tell your location if they were caught."

 Ciri gasped. The thought of gentle Goldencheeks and jovial Yurga being caught because of her took the wind from her lung.

 Putting a hand over hers, he pressed it tightly to his abdomen. "Don't," he commanded roughly, turning slightly in the saddle until she could see one amber eye staring at her.

 Shaking her head at him, she tried to pull her hand from beneath his overpowering grip. Didn't he understand, they would be killed because of her?!

 "But it would be my fault!" she cried, frustrated that he would not allow her to move but frustrated that she never considered her chance meeting of the kind woman at the market could possibly lead to her death.

 "We do not know if they will be harmed, it was simply a precaution," there was a finality to his tone that told her he was done speaking of this.

 Bit Ciri did not care, couldn't he see how cruel he was being? Yurga and his family sheltered them in a time of need! "But what if they are?" she argued. "What if they do come for them?!"

 Slowing Roach down to climb up a steep muddy incline, Ciri waited for the witcher to eventually reply.

 "Then we can only hope they do not," he said dryly. "Unless you have a plan on how to fight the Nilfgaard army."

 Snapping her head around so that she didn't have to see even a portion of his face, Ciri raised her chin and stared adamantly at the soggy trees beyond. Changing her grip from around his waist until she only held a handful of the material at his sides she thought of the whispered rumors she had heard about him.

 "You are as heartless as they say," she muttered.

 The rumbling growling sound in his throat sounded initially sounded like a response of anger but as they road in silence she imagined the man's impassive amber gaze and realized it was a sound of agreement.

[inquisitorhotpants]

Family Business

Kryn does not take it lightly when someone hurts one of her sisters, and no amount of time passed will lessen her ire.  

The years-old recording of Lysch disappears, and Kryn sits back, tapping manicured nails in a slow, deliberate rhythm against the polished wood of her desk. After a long moment she reaches out, touching the glowing keys projected on the flat surface. She taps one last key with finality but doesn’t move from her chair, staring unseeing into the darkness outside her study window.

It is finally time.

--

It isn’t so much a sunny day as it is a slightly less rainy day with a valiant attempt at sunlight that finds five of the eight Sartoris sisters - all but Lysch, Raitlia, and Zal’shana - piled in a luxury speeder gracefully weaving its way through the traffic in the Capital District, bound for the Ministry of War.

“Can we get a mission brief?” Rafana asks, flicking a non-existent speck of dust off her pristine white boot. “I am entirely in the dark here.”

“Lysch fell in love, some time ago,” Kryn says, nodding at the several gasps that follow this pronouncement. “And he betrayed her. I’ve been waiting for the right time to deal with this, and that time has come.”

Rafana’s expression hardens. “I assume we’re killing him. I’m prepared, but I’d have preferred to do this at night; do keep that in mind for next time. I’ll doctor the holo feeds and no one will ever know we were here.” She checks a number of places on her clothing, then pulls a tiny datapad out of her pocket. “How long do I have to get these feeds down?”

Kryn shakes her head. “Sadly, that’s not why we’re here. Lysch’s orders from when she first told me. All we’re here to do is reiterate that this is his last reprieve.” She easily maneuvers to a landing pad near the large central doors of the Ministry.

“Majesty! My lords.” The attendant, dressed in an impeccable uniform, bows crisply. “Can I direct you?”

“I know where I’m going, Corporal. Thank you.” Kryn strides away, her cape billowing behind her and her sisters trailing in her wake. After leading them through what feels like a maze of hallways, she consults her datapad, then a map on the wall. “Ah, we’re close.”  Four doors down the hallway, she stops. “Let me do the talking. You just stand behind me and look stern.”

She slaps a hand on the entry pad of the door, stopping at the desk positioned in the center of the room. “I would speak with Major Quinn.”

The secretary looks up, his eyes going wide. “Do you - that is, my lord, do you have an appointment? The major is currently speaking with -”

“Perhaps you are unaware of proper custom,” Kryn says, laying her palms flat on the desk, her multitude of rings twinkling in the overhead light. “But Imperials make time for me, not the other way around.” Before the sergeant can respond, Kryn straightens. “The major will see me now. Your assistance is not required. I am fully capable of announcing myself.”

With this, she breezes past the sergeant, now standing ramrod straight and staring at a point in the middle distance as the five stern women file past him.

The door slides open, and Quinn looks up from the diagrams he’s showing the minister of war, the only sign of irritation a furrow on his forehead and narrowed blue eyes. “Sergeant, I told you that I wasn’t to be -”

“Minister,” Kryn says, ignoring Quinn. “I have pressing business with the major. Do excuse us.” She folds her arms across her chest and raises one eyebrow.

The minister of war swivels in his chair, eyes widening when he sees Kryn. “Majesty! Yes, absolutely!” He picks up his datapad and marches smartly out of the office, closing the door behind him.

Quinn resists the urge to drum his gloved hand’s fingertips on the top of his desk, his features smoothing into neutrality with the ease of long practice. “How may I be of assistance, Majesty?” He scans the other four women, almost imperceptibly, taking note of blasters and lightsabers and signs of rank. One, a cyborg with a fondness for shocking fuschia lipstick, is all but bristling with a weapon collection a Mandalorian would envy. The Mirialan is only wearing one blaster, but he didn’t miss how she cracked her knuckles when they came in. The human with the long, glossy black hair hasn’t taken her hand off her lightsaber hilt since his office door opened. The Rattataki is the hardest to read; if she’s not in Intelligence, he’ll eat his dress cap.

He can think of only one reason a squad of angry, deadly women would be standing in his office, though he is nominally surprised the Wrath is not doing the honors herself. In truth, he’d hoped he’d fallen off her radar, even though he knows that’s nothing but a pipe dream. One does not betray the Wrath and then escape her notice.

“Did Lysch send you?”

Nox snaps her fingers. “Do not speak my sister’s name. You lost that privilege when you betrayed her.”

Quinn nods, betraying no surprise at Darth Nox calling the Wrath her sister. There have been stranger Sith customs. “Did the Wrath send you?”

“No.”

He waits; when Darth Nox doesn’t continue, he indicates the recently-vacated chair. “Please sit, Darth Nox. If you like, I can have Sergeant Traxio bring seats for your companions.”

“This is hardly a social call.”

“I suppose you want me to sit here and dutifully listen,” he says, a touch more acerbic than he intends, but Nox seems intent on dragging this out and he has an agenda to keep to.

“Want?” A soft, almost angelic smile graces Darth Nox’s face. “I want you to be drummed out of the military and left in disgrace in the undercity,” she says, her smile utterly at odds with the ice in her voice, “because I think death is too kind a repayment for betraying my sister after you told her you loved her. However, she placed you in a mission-critical posting and I value the Empire’s security more than the visceral satisfaction I would derive from seeing your entire life in ruins.”

“The Wrath is -” Quinn pales. Does she mean sister sister? Having the Wrath as an enemy is bad enough, but the Empress, too?

“My sister. Know with absolute certainty that it is only through her intercession that you are still breathing.”

He considers his words, inhales slowly. “Please convey -”

“I will convey nothing to her from you, and I might suggest,” she continues as though he hadn’t spoken, the smile falling off her face, “that you pray every day to any deity who might deign to acknowledge your existence that I forget about this by the time you retire.”

“Yes, my lord.” He pauses, then turns his attention to each of the other women. “Possibly against my better judgment, I would feel remiss in not asking if anyone else has anything to add?”

The other Sith - at least, Quinn thinks she’s a Sith, if only because no Jedi would dare set foot in Kaas City - shakes her head.

The Rattataki slides her datapad back into a pocket on her thigh, eyeing him in silence long enough that he can’t help but adjust in his chair.

The Mirialan and the cyborg exchange a long glance, then nod. “Nox may be all poetic and shit, being a Sith,” the cyborg says, red armor gleaming, “but we’re a lot more direct. You fuck up, and every bounty hunter in the galaxy will be after you for the price I put on your head, and their only real challenge will be to get to you before the two of us do.”

“Nothing personal,” the Mirialan says. “Just family business.”

Quinn had wondered in the past why Lysch had never told him anything about her family; looking at the group in front of him, it starts to make some sense. The Wrath represents the pinnacle of the Sith, chosen by the Emperor himself, and it wouldn’t do for the Empire to know her family appears to be a ragtag bunch of aliens who seem quite prone to violence.

“Duly noted.”

Darth Nox steps forward, bracing herself against the desk and leaning toward him. “Do continue to be a faithful, devoted servant of the Empire, Major Quinn. The Emperor and I will be watching your career most closely.”

As a child, already plotting the career path he wanted, he’d dreamed of being recognized by the Emperor. It was the daydream he turned to when the rest of his platoon went out carousing and he stayed back, the one he turned to as he watched Broysc torpedo his promotion chances, the one he turned to as he languished on Balmorra.

He never expected that if this daydream came true, it would send a frisson of fear down his spine.

Nox straightens, spinning sharply enough that her cape billows out around her. “Good day, Major. Ladies, shall we?”

[xxx-cat-xxx]

so if this doesn't speak to you feel free to just consider it a Nice Concept(TM), but: Clint (and whoever?) giving a sick Tony a hard time about being crabby on a mission. Tony is leading directionally, cause he has the map memorized (genius boy!!). but he's snippy and complaining and the gang is getting Real Tired Of It, and to top it off, eventually it becomes clear they're not even going the right way, but when they go to yell at Tony, he's basically delirious with fever and confused 3 ily!

I absolutely loved this idea, and I had so much fun writing it! Apart from this, getting prompts from one of my favourite writers is awesome. I hope you liked what it turned out to be.

Also, apologies for that super long title. I was going through my music, and that Coldplay song just fit the story (and Tony´s character) so well that I couldn´t resist.

Just because I´m losing doesn´t mean I´m lost

“Isn’t the guy who navigates supposed to lead?” Clint complained. “Hey, genius, I´m talking to you!”

Tony, who was lagging behind, gave him the finger.

“I was just - securing the terrain,” he panted while pulling himself up to the ledge where Peter and Clint were already standing.

“Sure,” Clint spit. “There´s so much danger coming from, well, cactuses and butterflies. Just admit it, we´re lost.”

“I´ve told you before, I know the way. All saved up here,“ Tony said, pointing at his forehead. “Just because you need a sticky note to remember how to tie your shoelaces, birdbrain, doesn´t mean other people aren´t a little more intelligent.”

Peter was usually on Tony’s side when it came to arguments between the Avengers, but even he wondered what was going on now, Tony´s showcase arrogance doing nothing to reassure him. He knew from experience that it was more than anything elsea sign of Tony trying to hide his insecurity.

They had been walking in the mountainous terrain for more than three hours, trying to find a hut in which a group of arms dealers were supposedly hiding their loot. However, it was getting more and more evident that they weren´t even anywhere near their destination, and Peter was sure that they’d crossed this particular hill at least twice already, if not more.

“If you´re so clever, then tell me how much longer we have to walk?” It was clear that Clint had seen through the attempt, too. “I´m honestly getting tired of this.”

“If you´re not up to a short hike, you should have stayed on your hippy-dippy fairytale farm, planting flowers and practicing retirement,” Tony shot back without giving a real answer.

Peter frowned. He knew that Clint´s and Tony´s relationship was sort of bumpy since the whole Civil War thing, but that comment was below the belt line, even for Tony´s usual standards.

If Clint felt bad about it, he didn´t show.

“Look at yourself, old man, you´re panting like a steam loco,” he remarked instead.

Indeed Tony was breathing heavily, sweat beading on his forehead. His cheeks were showing red spots, and he was bent slightly over while standing. Peter expected a snarky reply, but none came. Instead he saw Tony biting his lips, readjusting his backpack and speeding up the pace.

They walked in silence for another 15 minutes, Tony now leading the way, Clint stomping behind like a stubborn child.

“You remember, at MIT, what happened during the last final?” Tony suddenly saidto Peter, his tone completely changed. They were walking up a steep path, and Tony was leaning heavily onto the stone wall to his left.

“No, how would I?” he replied confusedly.

“We got so smashed the night before,“ Tony rambled, his eyes looking a bit glassy from what Peter thought were memories. “I don´t know what happened that day. Just don´t remember anymore. Thought you might.“

Peter waited half a minute for Tony to explain himself, but nothing else came.

“Was that supposed to be funny?” he asked. “Because it´s not.”

Tony looked at him with a bit of surprise. “What?”

“What you just asked me”, Peter repeated impatiently. “Was it supposed to be funny?”

“What did I ask?” Tony inquired, confusion on his face.

“Are you kidding me?” Clint interrupted, his voice rising to an uncomfortable level. “I don’t know which game you are playing, Stark, but I’m seriously fed up from this. We´ve been following you for hours, and I feel like you have no idea what the fuck you´re doing!”

“I´m not…” Tony suddenly trailed off, swaying heavily on his feet.

“Wow, wow, what´s going on?” Clint said, anger still evident in his voice, but taking a step forward to steady the other man.

“I´m okay…´s just the palladium from the arc reactor….gotta replace the core…” Tony slurred.

Peter and Clint exchanged a worried glance.

“Mr. Stark, which arc reactor are you talking about?” Peter asked hesitantly. Everyone knew that Tony had gotten the actual implant removed years ago.

But Tony didn´t reply. Clutching one of his hands to his chest, he let out a small moan before his legs gave out all together and he would have hit the ground hadn´t it been for Clint to catch him.

“Thanks, Rhodey,” Tony murmured, clearly delirious.

“He´s cooking,” Clint assessed while pressing his palm to Tony`s forehead.His snarky attitude had vanished within an instant and was replaced by sober professionalism. Peter could see concern edged in the crease above his brow.

“Running a fever of….must be 104, at least.” He cursed when Tony´s eyes rolled back and he went malleable in his hands.

They carefully laid him on the ground, and Clint quickly opened a water bottle to push it in between Tony´s lips. He had to nudge him a few times before he woke up enough to actually start swallowing. After a few sips, all colour drained from his face, and he gagged weakly once the water went down his throat.

“Turn his head to the side in case he throws up,” Clint directed while keeping a finger on his wrist and checking his watch simultaneouslyto measure the heartbeat.

“His pulse is way too rapid,” he declared after a minute.

Peter could bet his heart was beating nearly as fast as Tony’s. He lifted a hand in order to touch his mentor´s face, but the older man immediately pushed him away with both arms, fear and defensiveness in his eyes.

“Don´ touch me,” he hissed.

“Mr. Stark, it´s only me,” Peter was taken a little aback, but didn´t try again.

“What can I do?” he asked instead, looking at Clint for guidance.

“There´s no way he´s getting out here on his own feet. Make an emergency call, Peter.”

Peter pulled out his phone, just to see an X above the bars indicating the lack of signals.

“There’s no network,” he stated.

He thought of other ways to contact someone, but there weren´t any. None of them was wearing armour, since they were supposed to pass for a family on a hiking day trip, at least if seen from afar. Peter had only brought his webshooters, Clint a foldable bow and Tony his famous watch gauntlet, although Peter was sure he could call one of his suits within minutes if he were lucid enough to do so.

“Yeah, we´re in a dead spot,” Clint said without looking up from Tony. “I think there should be signals up that hill, though. Mind trying?”

“Of course I will.”

Despite his enhanced abilities, Peter ran so fast that he was out of breath by the time he reached the hilltop. At least his mobile started to work again, evident by the beeping of messages arriving. He ignored numerous texts by Ned and scrolled through his contacts untill he found Natasha´s number. Thankfully, she picked up within minutes, and Peter tried his best to explain the situation as clearly as possible.

He made his way down even faster and was back within minutes, just to find Tony still lying in the same position as before.

“How’s he?” he panted.

“Semi-conscious, I’d say. Keeps talking nonsense.”Clint shrugged.“The call went through?”

“Yes, Nat is coming.” Peter replied absentmindedly.

Clint had emptied a water bottle over Tony´s head in an attempt to cool him down, which caused Tony to shiver hard. He moaned a little and mumbled something indiscernible while once again clutching his hand to his chest. The other one was clenched into a fist, ready to strike. Peter could only guess what was going on in Tony´s head, but he was sure it had something to do with the arc reactor.

“He´ll be okay, right?” Peter asked, trying not to sound too concerned, more like an Avenger.

“Don’t worry, it´s not so bad. He´s been much worse.”

This didn´t really help to reassure him. If taking a three-hour mountain walk with a fever of over 104 was considered not so bad for Tony´s standards, Peter wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what worse meant. He wondered again how much  - or how less - he actually knew about his mentor´s past history.

“Hey, I’m still here, I can hear you,” Tony announced weakly, finally seeming a bit more clearheaded.

He was trying to push himself up on his hands, and Peter was immediately there to help him leanagainst the stone wall in a half-sitting position. Tony squinted against the sunlight.

“I think my brain´s gonna blow up,” he stated, pressing his hands to his temples in an attempt to lessen his headache.

“Why did you even come here when you were sick?” Peter asked.

“It wasn’t this bad before,” Tony mumbled.

While this was not necessary untrue, Peter was pretty sure he knew the deeper reason: Tony´s never-ending urge to prove himself that he was stronger - stronger than pain, illness, and anyone who´d ever claimed that he wouldn´t be able to achieve what he wanted. Peter sighed.

“Well, I would have expected something more from you, being a genius and all.” Clint said, half smirking, half scolding.  “At least you should have let one of us navigate instead of getting everyone lost.”

“I knew where we were”, Tony assured, “just forgot where we had to go.”

Peter was still trying to bend his head around this when he heard the blades of a helicopter approachingquickly.

“Help is here,“ he announced, more to himself than anyone.

Tony nodded, closing his eyes with an exhausted groan while another chill ran through his body.

“Hey, no napping yet.”Clint tapped his fingers on his cheek. “You still need to get on the helicopter and take some medicine, or do you think I`m gonna spoonfeed you?”

“What else are you there for?” Tony teased without opening his eyes.

“I`m not your PA, dude.” Clint said, slightly irritated. “Nor your wife, for that matter.”

“Friends, family, s`all the same,” Tony murmured, alreadyhalf asleep. And this time, it actually made Clint smile a bit.

[codyfernaesthetic]

Dichotomy

Part 3

Mallory has a strange vision as she enters into the mysterious Sanctuary, encountering something darker than she ever imagined.

Part One

Part Two

Author’s note: Tell me what you think! How ya liking it so far? Enjoy!

Mallory sat in a tiny white washed room with a single metal chair, a single electrical outlet, underneath which was a small black hairdryer, and a hook on the back of the door as its only decoration to boast. A woman with a tight bun on top of her head, wearing the same simple tunic as the man who’d escorted them stood behind her brushing her dried hair. She’d come in after Mallory’s thourough cleaning and helped her into a sleeveless black dress that reached to her ankles and slipping a pair of leather sandals on her feet. Mallory had attempted to insist she could do all this on her own, but the woman wouldn’t listen; she silently continued her work with no heed to Mallory’s objections. She couldn’t help laughing to herself as the woman gently ran the black comb through her hair. She couldn’t remember the last time she was pampered. She’d been Coco’s lackey for so long. Ever since...

Mallory furrowed her brow in visible confusion. She couldn’t remember when Coco had hired her, or how.

The girl gave her hair a tease with her fingers before putting the comb away into a little pocket square on the side of the tunic. She stepped to the side of the chair with a bow at the waist.

"If you'll follow me, miss." she said in a soft, sweet voice.

Mallory stood and followed her, passing through a small corridor of the same white-washed walls before stopping at a pair of plain steel doors. The girl turned to face away from them, hands behind her back, eyes straight ahead as if waiting. Mallory looked down the corridor to see Langdon strutting behind the red-headed man, who also had his arms crossed behind him and gaze fixed ahead. Langdon hadn't been given a simple black ensemble like Mallory. She traced her gaze from his long graceful legs to his broad chest clad in a silver brocade waistcoat over a silk black undershirt, where a red velvet cravat with a single black gemstone in the center adorned the collar. His honey golden hair cascaded over his shoulders, immaculate. He truly looked like a prince, Mallory thought, a handsome savior from a storybook.

He offered her a confident grin in greeting as he stopped in front of her.

"I hope you were cared for to your satisfaction, Mallory."

She nodded.

He took a step closer, "There's no need to be so shy, Mallory. You and I will be living in rather close proximity for a long time. You might as well untie your tongue."

"Thank you for allowing me to live,” she’d attempted to lessen the disdain in her voice to no avail.

He quirked his eyebrow, looking down at her, "If I remember correctly, I didn't have too much of a choice."

The boiling anger shot through her veins. Her hands twitched, as if aching to act.

"From what I remember, you were the only one with a real choice."

A spark lit in his eyes, of what she couldn't tell. His mouth stayed in a thin line before stretching to a sly grin.

He leaned in closer, tendrils of hair spilling over his shoulder, saying in an almost whisper, "I've learned Mallory, and soon so will you, that there are forces at work beyond human will. Some things are inevitable."

She gulped, a twinge of fear cutting the potency of her rage. He stood straight, turning his gaze to the escorts waiting obediently by the doors, "Shall we?"

The two escorts opened the steel doors, revealing a long, narrow tunnel bathed in a deep red neon light. Langdon and Mallory entered, the escorts closing the doors and following behind them. The tunnel stretched on straightforward, only the sound of their steps bouncing off the walls. He more or less led their way, Mallory keeping a couple paces behind him. His hands were folded behind his back comfortably, his gait long and confident. She looked behind her to see the escorts dutifully walking side by side, collective stare aimed over Langdon's shoulders.

Waves of energy began to crash over Mallory. Energy that put a ball of lead in her stomach and a bullet-like shockwave shot her between the eyes. She stopped abruptly.

The red-head was the first to run into Mallory after her sudden stop. Langdon slowly looked over his shoulder, "Is there a problem?"

The escorts looked between themselves and Mallory in panicked confusion.

"I'm sorry, Lord Langdon," the man said before addressing Mallory, "Miss? Are you all right?"

Mallory saw images on the walls, like black splatters and smears of ink, they glowed with a sickeningly artificial white light that pulsed in a rhythm like a human heart. At the end of the hallway was a door, completely soaked in the inky blackness and the same disgusting pulse. The aura that spilled from it sent pins and needles crawling up her skin. A deep, dark presence like wriggling, violating tentacles slithered from the door, reaching towards her with violent, lustful intent.

She blinked. The vision ended.

The escorts were at either side of her field of vision, worriedly looking her over with concerned coos. Langdon stood behind them staring into Mallory's eyes, his head cocked slightly to the left. She trembled, but refused to look away.

"This place is covered in darkness," she mumbled to herself. Langdon's lips fell into a flat line. His expression was unreadable.

"Can you walk the rest of the way, Miss?" the woman questioned.

Mallory nodded weakly and took a few steps forward, passing Langdon to the front of the line. He followed. She felt his gaze bore into the back of her head for the rest of their journey through the tunnel.

——————————————————————————————————

It wasn’t long after her strange vision that they finally reached the end of the tunnel. A set of 5 marble steps led up to a door, strange sigils carved into its surface. Mallory didn’t recognize them, but the lead ball in her stomach returned.

The redhead quickly mounted the stairs and grabbed the silver handle; but he paused, placing his forehead on the center sigil for a few brief seconds. She saw his shoulders rise and fall in a deep breath before he stepped back and pulled the door open. From the opening, Mallory caught glimpses of white, clean marble. Langdon led the line up the stairs, the redhead bowing as he passed.

Stepping through the doorway was the same as stepping into an entirely different universe. She’d gone from a tight space, soaked in a single monochrome red to what could’ve passed as a coorporate office lobby, just on an overblown scale. The floors were white marble, absorbing the clacking of heels and chatter of various people, some in regular clothes, some in those servantile tunics, and sending the noise ascending to the high dome ceiling of marble and glass, which allowed the artificial sunlight to stream in. The beams of the golden light from the ceiling led her eyes immediately to the center of the room, where a 10 foot statue towered. It was carved from pure black stone, shined and polished to perfection. A goat man sat on a throne, large angel wings spanned three feet from its back; a pentagram rising above it. The goat man held up his forefinger, ring finger, and thumb at his right, and the left hung outstretched, palm outward. Its cloven feet were crossed, a large cloth draped over its lap. A spear of horror pierced her chest, and she gulped to moisten her rapidly drying throat.

She hadn’t noticed, but she’d taken a few steps in front of Langdon in her distracted amazement. He had taken to studying her in her awe. A small, proud smirk graced his lips as he gauged her spreading reverential panic.

“Do you like it, Mallory?”

She looked at him with a start. He was tracing his gaze over the statue.

“This Sanctuary houses the world’s best architects, artists, and designers. It’s only appropriate their best work was put into building a complex dedicated to the one who gave them their talent and success.”

He looked into her eyes, “Not to mention their survival.”

With that he began walking passed the statue, the redhead catching up to him. He turned to see that Mallory stood frozen in place.

“Come on,” he bid in an uncharacteristically gentle tone.

Mallory and the young woman followed behind him.

The other occupants of the room ceased speaking as soon as Langdon was noticed; they bowed deeply as he passed them. Upon noticing Mallory, their brows would furrow in confusion, but they said nothing.

“Hail, Langdon!”

Langdon halted and looked to the left. A portly man with a black goatee, wearing a long black robe approached them, bowing continuously before taking a knee before him, “You have returned to us, thank Satan.”

“Have you assembled everyone into the Temple?” He asked blankly.

“Yes, my lord,” the man answered, face towards the ground, “Your servants await you.”

He looked towards the few groups now gathered around the room, not-so subtly watching them.

“Apparently not all of them,” he told him in a serious tone.

The groveling man looked up towards the people, who froze in fear, knowing that they weren’t where they were supposed to be.

“A few stragglers, my lord,” he flailed his arm at them in a silent order to get to the Temple immediately. They all scattered.

“The moment you arrive in the Temple, all of your servants will be awaiting your word.”

Langdon stepped past the man, still on his knees, “Come with me, won’t you, Mallory?”

Once again, she followed, unsure of what other course of action she could take. The two escorts fell behind them obediently.

This place was larger even than it appeared. She followed him for another 10 minutes down large, opulent corridors and grand pathways before reaching two long, black doors with the same sigils as the one in the tunnel etched into their grain along with other trimmings. The two escorts opened the doors for them and Mallory was met once again with another universe entirely. The walls were blood red, stain glass windows lining them with depictions of horrific and gory scenes of hellfire and destruction. The floor was a slick black marble, a long table covered in a red cloth lined with black candles was set at the front of the ebony wood pews, numbering hundreds, including the ones upon a balcony she noticed as she walked further into the room. Sitting in these pews was a great crowd of people of all shapes and sizes and ethnicities. Some faces she recognized because of their celebrity status, actors, actresses. But she picked these out like needles in haystacks. The majority of the crowd were new faces to her. They stared at her and Langdon as they made their way down the aisle to the front. Behind the long table was a black marble slab, thick iron shackles on either side of it. On the back wall was the largest stain glass window depicting the same goat man she’d seen, a black iron pentagram adorning its top.

The dark energy she’d felt in the tunnel washed over her again, threatening to knock her to the ground.

Langdon stopped and faced the crowd at the front, Mallory and the escorts opting to stand by his side.

“Hail, Langdon!” The crowd chanted in unison.

“Members of Sanctuary,” he addressed, voice reverberating loudly throughout the Temple, “I have returned from my excursion to Outpost 3 with a new and permanent guest,” he indicated to her, “Mallory, the lucky last survivor of Outpost 3. I hope you all will welcome Mallory and treat her like you would any other resident of the Sanctuary.”

She felt uneasy at how a light chuckle swept through the crowd at that statement.

“Please return to your usual activities and prepare for tonight’s celebration,” he lifted his arms, “And thank my father for your good fortune and your next breath.”

“Hail Satan! Hail, Langdon!” They chanted loudly over and over again as he soaked it in.

Tears suddenly overtook Mallory. She’d never felt more lost or out of control. But they were silent as she, Langdon, and the escorts exited the Temple as the crowd still chanted, “Hail, Langdon! Hail, Satan!”

——————————————————————————————————

Mallory had never been more grateful than when Langdon had dismissed her to go to her designated quarters. Anything to get her away from him and the ever increasing sorrow and fear that rushed through her body. The woman who’d helped her led her to an elevator, as gaudy as the rest of this place, and took them to the sixth floor.

“The sixth floor is one of The Sanctuary’s housing complexes,” she explained as they rode up, “I feel it necessary to inform you that they are the lowest of the apartments for regular residents, it was the only one with an open room available after...an unfortunate accident.”

Mallory didn’t respond, starting to wipe away the tears. The woman looked at her briefly, as if wanting to say something, but turned away again with a hesitant grimace. The elevator door opened and she walked her through a series of small hallways, each with different apartments side by side. For being the “lowest” of the apartments, Mallory still concluded that she’d never be able to afford even a lamp from any of them. The woman stopped at an apartment at the end of a hall, labeled 712. She scanned her band on her wrist in front of a little box with a red light which was in place of a door handle. It opened automatically and she stepped aside for Mallory to enter first. Inside was a modern looking studio loft, painted with soft hues of brown and gold. A white love seat and matching chair sat in front of a sliding glass door with beige curtains, a small coffee table in between them. A little kitchen nook was to the left of that, granite countertops and stainless steel adorning it. Two other rooms were to her right; a bathroom, decorated with marble and gold with an old-fashioned stand alone bathtub, and a small frosted glass shower. The other room was the bedroom. A soft, queen bed took up most of the room, covered in the same browns and golds as the living room. The woman stood just inside the still open door, arms at her sides, waiting.

“You can close the door if you want,” Mallory told her quietly.

She did so, immediately returning to her neutral position.

“What’s your name?”

The woman blinked, as if not understanding her question.

“I’m Mallory.”

She still didn’t answer.

“Are you staying here too?”

“I have been assigned as your personal assistant for the duration of your life here, or until the time when you request another.”

A chuckle, not completely absent of mirth escaped Mallory’s lips, but along with it, a fresh tear.

“I’m sorry, I guess...I’m not used to...that.”

The woman nodded, “How may I be of service, Miss Mallory?”

She felt so awkward being the one giving orders. She indicated to the chair, “You can sit down, I guess.”

She did as she was told. Mallory awkwardly walked around the room, inspecting it. She nearly jumped when the woman finally answered her question.

“My name is Rhoda.”

[lykaonimagines]

Get Over Him, Not Under Him - Loki x Reader Imagine

Just an idea that popped into my head listening to this song for a one-shot, and it wouldn’t let me sleep until I wrote it :P 

Paring: Loki x Reader

Word Count: 2,608

Description: Y/N is hopelessly stuck on a Loki that seemingly doesn’t want more than a dirty little secret. Natasha in an attempt to make her friend get over the God of Mischief, sets her up with another God. 

Warnings: Jealousy and fluff

Song Inspiration: Idea that came from some lyrics from New Rules by Dua Lipa, some lyrics are in the story itself. 

Masterlist

“So where were you last night?” Natasha asks as Y/N’s hand freezes mid-reach for her bedroom door.

Cursing internally, she turns to face her friend with a guilty grin. “You know… out.”

“Mhm,” she replies with a raised eyebrow looking Y/N up and down. “Out in a man’s t-shirt, no pants, and no shoes?”

“The bathroom?” Y/N tries next.

“All night?” She questions.

Y/N’s shoulders slump knowing she’d been caught. Her hand goes back to the door handle to let the two of them into her room. She immediately falls onto the bed, preparing for the rant she’s to endure.

“I’d ask who’s room you’re coming from if I wasn’t 100% certain I’m going to be disappointed in the answer,” Natasha continues.

“I’m sorry alright,” Y/N mumbles clutching her pillow to her chest.

Natasha sighs and sits next to her, pulling the pillow from her grip. “It’s not about how I feel Y/N. You said yourself Loki doesn’t want a relationship, and this arrangement is horrible for you. What is going to happen when he finds someone he does want to be with?”

Y/N’s chest tightens at her words, closing her eyes trying to ignore them. That almost loving gaze from blue-green eyes. The almost loving words. The almost loving touches. Going to someone else. Someone that they wouldn’t be almost loving.Tears prickle at her eyes as she crosses her arms across her midsection, looking down at his t-shirt on her skin.

Noticing the change in her friend, Natasha gently strokes her forehead, “Y/N I just don’t want to see you get hurt. You know he’s only doing any of it because he’s alone right now and you’re willing. And you trying to be his ‘friend’ ends you up in his bed every few mornings.”

Y/N grumbles something in response, refusing to look at her friend, “I don’t know what to do. No one else makes me feel this way.”

"You need to get over Loki, and you can’t get over him if you’re constantly getting under him,” she responds lightly smacking her leg.

“Hey!” Y/N responds, her face turning red at the comment.

“You know it’s true, I’m just not sugarcoating it for you. Evidently he’s got something under that armor that has you running back to his bed,” she smirks.

Covering her face with her hands, Y/N groans, “You totally did not just say that Tasha…”

“Why don’t you try going out on a date?”

“With who exactly?” Y/N asks finally moving her hands.

“Well,” she starts, obviously up to something. “Bucky is single. And Thor is now too. Both loyal puppy-dog men that don’t know about your late night romps with the god of mischief.”

“Oh my fucking God Tasha are you seriously suggesting I go out with Thor?” She responds sitting up quickly to judge the expression on her friend’s face.

“Well,” Natasha says trailing off. “I might have actually set you up a date with the god of thunder this afternoon.”

“You WHAT?” Y/N exclaims jumping to her feet. “You set me up a date with the brother of the man I slept with last night?”

“In my defense, I didn’t think you’d be crawling out of Loki’s room this morning,” she shrugs. “Anyway Loki got your attention, try the god that might take it seriously.”

“I can’t believe you right now,” Y/N sighs looking around her room.

“Look, just give the date a shot. There’s no harm in one date.”

“But Loki-“ Y/N starts before being interrupted.

“No, no but Loki. If he just sees you as some midnight booty call and nothing more, he’ll get over it. If he’s territorial over you being that, he can get fucked. If he really has no feelings it shouldn’t affect him.”

“I… ok,” Y/N responds looking at her friend.

“Great,” Natasha responds with a smile making her way to Y/N’s closet. “Now you get in the shower and I’ll find you something to wear, because currently you look like shit.”

Y/N shakes her head and laughs, “I love you too Tasha.”

-

“What are you so stupidly happy about brother?” Loki asks lifting his gaze from his book to Thor adjusting his jacket in the mirror with a smile.

“I’m going on a date,” he responds still smiling. “With one of the most beautiful women in the realm.”

Loki rolls his eyes, his attention going back to his book, “Found a new Midgardian to fawn over I see then.”

Thor laughs, “You’re just bitter it’s not you taking Y/N on a date.”

Immediately freezing at his words, Loki’s chest tightens, his mind racing, “I beg your pardon, who?”

“Lady Y/N is my date,” Thor responds smugly. “She should be here any moment so we can go.”

Clutching the book in his hands, Loki tries to steady his breathing and the sudden sickening feeling coming over him. “I see. Exactly how long have you been pining after her?”

“A little while,” he responds grabbing the cologne from his dresser. “Lady Natasha informed me this morning she was interested as well, but wasn’t sure how to approach me with the news. So she set it up for us.”

Y/N liking Thor. Loki thinks to himself. Lies. He is not her type. He’s… he’s Thor. She’s, she’s intelligent, witty, beautiful, mysterious… no there is no way. “I see,” he responds once again, wrinkling his nose at his brother’s cologne. She won’t even like that scent.

A knock at the door tear the brothers from their conversation, and Thor goes to get it as Loki sits silently, hoping to not see Y/N on the other side of that door.

“Lady Y/N,” Thor responds, his form blocking her. “You look beautiful.”

Loki’s heart sinks as he sees her arms wrap around Thor, “You look quite dashing yourself Thor, and you smell great.”

“I can clean up when I need to,” Thor says with a laugh, running his fingers through his short hair.

“The hair suites you by the way,” Y/N compliments. “Fits your face better I think, very manly.”

“Such sweet words,” Thor chuckles and puts an arm over Y/N’s shoulders before turning back to the room to face Loki, making the two visible to one another.

“I’ll be leaving now brother,” Thor says happily. “Lady Y/N and I will be back later, send me an electronic message if you need me sooner.”

Y/N stares back at Loki’s gaze at her on Thor’s arm, swallowing hard as he responds stiffly, “Fine. Have fun.” His gaze turns accusing as he looks into Y/N’s eyes, his knuckles nearly white from clutching the book so hard.

As Thor happily pulls her from the room, Y/N’s mind is racing, and she’s not sure how to feel. The look in Loki’s eyes playing through her mind as she forces herself to smile at the story Thor is telling. It’s going to be a long day.

-

Natasha jumps from her bed following heavy pounding at her door, swinging it open to reveal an obviously agitated Loki, “Yes?”

“When is Thor supposed to arrive back?” He asks, his voice sounding hoarse. “I need to speak with him, and you knew where they were going.”

“Well,” she responds playfully. “They could be out all night if the date goes well.”  

His eyes widen immediately before he regains control of it. “I see. Can you inform me when they return if you hear anything.” He turns to start walking away when she calls out his name.

“Loki,” she sighs. “I know.”

“Know what exactly?” He asks narrowing his eyes at her.

“I know about you and Y/N. Don’t try to deny, it I know it.”

“Nothing of significance,” he replies angrily crossing his arms and glaring at her.

“And yet, you come to ask me about when Thor will be back, when you could easily ask him something over text.”

He growls slightly, “Then why for the love of Odin would you set her and my brother up?”

“She deserves someone to love her, and not treat her like a dirty little secret booty call,” she responds crossing her own arms.

“I-“ he starts before stopping himself, not sure what to say.

“If you really do have feelings for her, you should tell her that and take some initiative beyond dragging her to your bed,” she responds. “She doesn’t deserve to be lowered to the standard of your fuck-buddy, waiting for the day you find someone else.”

“There is no one else!” He shouts back. “I don’t think I can commit to her when I’m a monster myself.”

Natasha’s own eyes widen this time at his admission, “You won’t date her because you don’t think you’re good enough?”

“Why else would I turn down the best thing that ever happened to me?” He responds with a sigh. “I don’t know why I’m even saying this to you. She apparently likes my brother, and you’ve set them up now. Next thing I know I’m going to be the brother-in-law.”

She sighs and grabs his shoulder as he turns away, “She loves you, if you really feel the same way tell her. I made her go on this date hoping it would get her mind off you.”

-

Loki lays in his bed staring up at the ceiling, unable to read as he’s preoccupied with his thoughts. Thoughts of Y/N running through his mind. That beautiful smile beaming back up at him, her messy bed head the mornings after, her body tangled around his, her head on his chest, her in nothing but one of his shirts, her laugh bright like the sunlight coming through the early morning blinds.

He’s known he loved her for awhile now. But the day she talked to him about being more… more than a hidden secret in their rooms. Her having to commit herself as his girlfriend for the world to see. He froze up. How could he ask her to belong to him? An ice giant left on a rock to die, raised by a father who pretended and in the shadow of a brother who was always better. The years following hadn’t been kind. Just asking her to commit herself to the man that tried to take over New York, when they lived IN New York currently seemed like too much. He was used to the nasty looks and comments, they’d lessened a bit since joining the Avengers and being part of the team, but they were there. The idea of those hateful looks and comments being directed toward her because she with her angelic heart chose to love him? It hurt him more than he could comprehend. The people should continue to love her, not be influenced by her love for him.

Maybe Thor would be better for her, the Midgardians all loved Thor. They’d all support it. A couple working to save the realm of Midgard. He laughed bitterly at the idea, and tried pointlessly to keep his mind from what they were doing.

He glanced at his clock to see it nearing 10 PM, they’d been gone for nearly ten hours, and it was getting late. That sickening feeling was coming over him again as he thought about whether they would come back tonight, or stay somewhere together.

Twenty-four hours ago he had her in his own arms, he could have told her how he felt, never let her go. Instead he slept with her then had her out the door in the morning before the others could notice. Please come back. He silently prays. Just come back tonight.

Finally his ears pick up the sound of his brother’s voice. They’re back. He throws himself from his bed, rushing to locate the couple. He finds them standing in the kitchen talking to Steve and Natasha, Thor’s arm across Y/N’s shoulders.

Steeling his nerves he marches up to them, his eyes only on her, “Y/N I need to speak with you. Now.”

She looks surprised, and opens her mouth to reply but Loki grabs her arm to make her follow him.

“Hey, brother!” Thor yells at his back, “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I need to speak with Y/N,” he spits back. “She doesn’t belong to you, she can talk to anyone!”

Thor looks stunned at his brother’s words, and goes silent letting the two walk away.

“What is going on Loki?” She asks as he drags her back toward his room.

Pulling her into the room he slams the door behind him, and has his lips on her within seconds. She offers no resistance as she melts into his embrace, her arms snaking around his waist. He backs them up to his bed, letting her back fall onto it, but stops her as she goes to remove her top.

“No,” he says his breathing erratic. “This isn’t why I brought you in here.”

She stares up at him confused, and lets her shirt fall back down, “What is going on?” She repeats.

“I…” he tries to meet her eyes but flicks them away at the last second.

“Loki?” Her hand goes up to caress his cheek.

His eyes flick back to hers, “I love you Y/N.”

“What?” She replies breathlessly, looking surprised.

“I love you,” he repeats. “I’m in love with you. I’m crazy for you. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. Your beauty inside and out. I can’t live without you Y/N.”

“W-why are you saying all this now?” She asks quietly.

“I was a fool,” he responds. “I didn’t want you to tie yourself to me, for everyone to judge you for being with me, for loving me. I didn’t want the people who look up to you as a hero every day to see you holding the hand of the monster and throw those comments toward you. You deserve their love and admiration. But I… gods Y/N I love you and I want you to be mine.”

“You do?” She questions, her hands going to hold his shirt.

“I can’t watch you be with anyone else without telling you how I feel and trying. Everyone else be damned. I’m not worthy of your affection or your hand but I ask for it anyway,”

“Loki are we talking about dating or marriage?” She asks surprised at his words.

“I’d wed you tonight if you’d have me,” he responds, bringing himself to lean over form. “I’m not good at this… talking about how I really feel… but I’m trying right now Y/N.”

A smile graces her features, and the tears she had been holding back drip down her cheeks as she leans up to press her lips to his, “I love you too, and I want to be with you too. But maybe lets try dating first before we get to marriage?”

He smiles back wiping the tears from her eyes, “Understandable darling.”

“So you’re mine now?” She whispers pulling him closer.

“I’ve always been yours,” he responds, letting some of his body weight down onto her and burying his face In her neck. “But now you’re mine. Officially.”

“For everyone to know?” She asks.

“For all the nine realms to know,” he responds humming happily as her fingers run through his long hair.

“And Thor?”

“I’ll handle it,” he mumbles. “Just stay with me tonight.”

“Always, you don’t have to ask,” she says smiling again before his lips meet hers in a kiss. “Forever.”

Masterlist

[fanfic-collection]

Vampire: Loki x Reader - Pt 19

Tag list: catalinaacosta , starscreamloki , dream-reaper , hufflepuff-always-and-forever , portietomednalynn , all-these-wonderful-things , jayyx3oxo , littlelokilover  , jessiejunebug , littlelokilover , vanessaaaasdfghjkl  , lokislilslut , thatmemequeen , luisaskywalker , tadashi-dash , kcd15 , spideypooler03

Please please comment thank you! Also if anyone has suggestions, I’m working on going in the direction towards some more romance (you know) but like, I need some more filler still, it just doesn’t feel right yet.

Loki looked at the bed then towards the door then to you. He shifted uncomfortably. “The honorable thing would be to return to my room.” He muttered finally.

You smiled at him, “Well, it's up to you. It wouldn't be the first time we shared a bed.” You paused, “And you weren't too worried about being honorable then.”

Loki smirked. “No, I suppose not.” Then he sighed, “Still, Thor might ask questions.”

“About? You needed a place to sleep, my room was closer and you weren't feeling like going back to the basement after all it reminded you of. I imagine there's still signs of the hunters down there, I'm sure that sort of mess is hard to get out.”

Loki pursed his lips, “Very well, if you are fine with my presence, I will stay.”

You climbed off the bed, leaned up and pecked his cheek then went over to the dresser and grabbed a set of sleeping clothes. “I'll get changed in the bathroom, do you have anything you want to change into?”

Loki twisted his hand, fingers outstretched and palm upwards. Green magic shimmered over him, his outfit wavering in your vision and becoming sleep clothes. “Couldn't do that in previous circumstances, my magic was hindered.”

Your mouth had fallen open and you slowly closed it, nodding. “Wow.” You raised your eyebrows, completely impressed.

Smile widening, Loki walked around the bed and crawled under the covers, “Are you going to continue watching me or are you going to dress?”

Rolling your eyes, you went into the bathroom and set about readying for bed. When you were suitable, you returned to the room and crawled under the blankets next to him.

Laying on your side, Loki scooted over towards you, pressing his chest to your back and resting his chin on your shoulder. His hand smoothed over your stomach, stroking the soft fabric of your night shirt and the tender skin beneath. You smiled at his touch, snuggling your rear closer against him. Loki's hand tightened on your stomach for a moment, his breath catching before slowly calming himself.

Loki's voice was deep and dangerous, “Don't tease pet.” He whispered, nibbling your earlobe and pressing kisses to your throat. He moved achingly slow, mouth closed and mindful of his fangs.

Sighing, you pushed your hair away and allowed for more skin to be accessible to him. You could hear Loki inhale sharply as he laved his tongue against your skin before quickly pulling away.

“Don't tempt.” He groaned, the flirtatious taunting from before now gone.

“Couldn't help it, sorry.” You mumbled, reaching behind you and rubbing his thigh.

Loki laced his fingers between yours, guiding your hand back to your chest and pulled you tight to him once more.

“Good night, well morning, Loki.”

“Sleep well, love.” Loki whispered into your ear.

Your skin pimpled at the feeling and you squirmed slightly, a large smile on your face. Then quickly, the two of you were fast asleep.

-

-

You woke slowly, rolling over on your back and looking around. Feeling the bed, there was no traces of Loki.

You sat up and looked around the room, “Loki?” You called nervously, then saw the closed bathroom door.

“In here.” Loki called from within the bathroom.

The door opened and he came out yawning, sharp fangs glistening in the dim lights.

You leaned back on the bed, eyes roving shamelessly over his figure. “Thor said you had aversions to electricity.” Loki had a towel wrapped around his waist and nothing else. There was a pale purple scar on his chest and signs of other scarring as though vampire claws didn't heal well. He rubbed briskly at his hair with a second towel, drying the long black strands, messy from wet.

Loki shrugged, looking up at you with an easy smile. “I can hear the hum of the electricity, it sets my teeth on edge.”

You tore your eyes from his toned abs and looked at his face, “Makes sense.”

Loki smirked at your roving eyes, green magic shimmering over him as he slowly returned to his clothes that you had grown accustomed to seeing him in.

Sighing, you patted the bed, “Come here.”

Loki acquiesced and came over, sitting beside you. You motioned for him to turn and began running your fingers through his hair. After a moment, you reached to the nightstand and grabbed your hairbrush, silently running it through the wild strands.

“How you used to look, that image you had,” Loki stiffened at your words and you gently touched his shoulder to calm him, “your hair was so lovely, but I like this too. You look good either way.” You added shyly.

Loki chuckled, touching the slowly drying strands. “So much has changed.”

“You're Asgardian.”

“Raised.” Loki muttered stiffly.

“That's Nordic?” Loki nodded, “Isn't there something with the culture of having braids in your hair?”

“Washing your lover's hair was common on Asgard, having braids is common as well.”

You lifted his hair to your face, barely fighting the urge to bury your face in the softness. Instead you allowed the aroma of the soap to fill your nose and quietly sigh. “It's kinda similar.”

Loki chuckled, “Yes, I suppose you're right.”

Slowly you began working through the soft locks of hair, parting and twisting the strands into braids. “Hopefully having your hair under control will help you feel more normal again. Or at least better in your skin.”

Loki absently touched his hair, glancing down at it. “Thank you, you are far kinder to me than I deserve.”

“Everyone deserves kindness.”

“Kindness returned for kindness done to them, I have been far less kind than you deserve.”

You shrugged, fingers moving delicately through the black strands, “Well, then I'm happy to start a new cycle.”

“That would be ideal.”

The two of you sat in silence, you working on Loki's hair. Loki seem torn between restlessness and complete stillness, as though he couldn't decide if he should be prowling around on the hunt or watching as a cat watches its prey. From time to time, his fingers would twitch, but otherwise he was completely still.

“There!” You pulled away, patting his shoulder as you stood up and stretched. “All good. C'mon, let's get me some food.”

Loki unfolded from his seating position. It was the only possible way to describe how he stood up. The two of you walked side by side, his arm wrapped protectively around your waist, down to the kitchen.

Upon seeing Thor at the table, Loki quickly pulled his hand away from you and fidgeted with his thumb nervously.

Thor's eyes shifted from you to the braids in Loki's hair and he smiled knowingly. Breaking the silence, he said, “I've been thinking.”

Loki rolled his eyes, “Always dangerous coming from you.”

Thor smiled and continued, “Curtains are enough to stop the harmful effects of the sun, assuming these stories are even true.”

“Quite an assumption to make, and quite the potential pain if we assume wrongly.” Loki replied.

Thor nodded eagerly, “Yes, which is why I won't risk you fully exposed to sunlight, but I wondered, what if you were to wear clothing that protected you from the sun, surely you could go out during the day then.”

You crossed your arms thoughtfully, leaning against the wall. “I mean, it could be a possibility.”

Loki looked between the two of you. “And should this prove wrong?”

“I figure we could start with gloves and hold your hand out towards the sunlight coming through a crack in the window. If it's wrong, we never speak of this again.” You looked between the two brothers, finally back to Loki.

Thor chuckled, “Oh, we will most certainly speak of it again. Loki will make great pains to remind me of my foolish idea as much as possible.”

Loki smiled despite himself, “I recall many of your so called plans going astray more often than not.”

“And your plans, as crazy and chaotic as they might be, working in ways we never hoped to expect. Yes.” Thor inclined his head, “Analise said she never dared venture into the sunlight and with the cloudy days and ran so often here, it was the perfect environment for her to live. If cloud cover can lessen any effects, perhaps a combination of clouds lessening any pain you might feel as well as gloves and start carefully and simply.”

Loki sighed wistfully, smoothing his finger over his lip. “I do miss the days of the sun. Well, in theory. I miss the warmth on my skin, but this new mind I possess...” He trailed off.

“It warns against it?” You finished, offering what he might be thinking.

Loki nodded, “Yes, there are dangers associated with the day. It is best to sleep then.”

“Perhaps we could return you to a normal schedule and one day join up with the Avengers.” Thor beamed.

Loki raised his eyebrow. “Would they really want me to, as you say, join up?”

“You are my brother, they would be happy to have you.”

“I wonder if you hold yourself in too high of regard for them.” Loki muttered.

“They understand now that there were sources of power at work outside your control.”

Loki flinched, it was barely noticeable but you saw it. “Yes, I suppose they might. That after all is why we're here as we are, is it not?”

“And perhaps one with your newfound skillset might prove viable to their team.” Thor added.

Loki shook his head and retorted sarcastically, “Oh I'm sure they would love a liability such as me, one who relies on the blood of another to satiate himself.”

“Or, you could choose to live anywhere on Earth you wanted.” You interjected, “Where are the rest of your people?”

Thor bit his lip, “I passed on leadership to a capable council while I sought the return of my brother. Perhaps one day we would be welcome among them.”

Loki rolled his eyes, “Wonderful, truly wonderful. They shunned me before and you think like this they would welcome me?”

“They welcomed you as a hero when our sister threatened their lives.” Thor tried, his tone still optimistic and soothing.

Loki shook his head irritably, “Desperation does wonderful things for the heart.”

“Or,” You interrupted loudly, stepping between the brothers and resting your hand on Loki's upper arm, “we could think closer in the future, not as far, and like, consider what to have for breakfast and maybe when the sun is up, we try that experiment? Or we could think even shorter and think of how best to spend the night? The night is young as they say, there are books to be read, computers to be browsed, maybe even go for a walk. Being inside this much can't be good for the body or mind, I think a good hike outside would be good for all of us.”

The tension in Loki's body lessened considerably at your touch and he smiled wistfully, glancing towards the window and to the outside. “Being out of this building would be a pleasant change of pace, let's do that.”

[annonymous-duck-blog]

Guardian and Ghost

Ever since it came to existence, it had only one simple task from its Creator. Find the vessel for the Light. Task so simple, yet so important. For a long, long time it had thought it's an easy task. It watched as many others like it, other Ghosts, found their vessels, their Guardians, in a span of few decades. It had thought it would join them in no time.

Beam of blue light shined through the meadow. It stayed for a moment then faded away. It popped up again not too far from the last place. The light appeared and disappeared again and again. A sigh full of frustration replaced the light.

"Where are you?"

The whispered question echoed through the meadow, a tired prayer of a tiny floating machine. The only answer was chirping of songbirds. With another tiny sigh it ventured deeper into the forest.

This place used to be a battlefield. Its shell twirled slowly, grimly taking in the scene. So many corpses hidden under the green foliage. Many of them were completely lost in time. They had to be here for centuries. The Ghost took a moment of silence for them, optic dimming slightly, before it continued its mission.

It scanned and scanned for many hours. It would do so for many more if it weren't interrupted. The once chilly sunny day changed into a cold and rainy night. Its shell shook off the drops of water in annoyance and it sighed. It'd been doing that a lot lately.

It had to find a shelter from the heavy rain. It remembered back when it focused purely on its task. It had been so eager to find its Guardian, it still was. It neglected itself and pushed past its limits too often. Had it not been spotted by another Ghost, a Ghost with its Guardian...

They took it with them back to the Tower, got it repaired and bought it a new shell. It wanted to go look for its Guardian right after but they stopped it. Sparkle, the Ghost with a Guardian and with a name, said it took at least a day to properly adjust to a new shell. It stayed with them until their next mission. For a day it pretended what a life with its own Guardian would be like.

Cold water wormed its way through the cracks of its shell chilling its core. It stuttered in its flight squealing. The glitch didn't last long. Once recovered, it rotated the most damaged part downwards and quickened its pace.

The trees nor the small rocks offered a proper shelter. Too windy, too moist... The weather was getting worse with every passing minute. It had to keep low to the ground to battle against the wind. It stopped dead in its tracks. It stared at what could have passed for a rock covered with moss. But it was a Ghost.

This wasn't the first time it found one of its own damaged beyond repair or already taken by the elements. The swirl of emotions it felt was always the same. It was shocked at the sight. It was sad for the fate of the Ghost. It felt gratitude it wasn't its own shell it was staring at, immediately followed by shame for feeling like that.

Flash of lightning snapped the beaten Ghost out of its thoughts. Was that a cave? It casted last glance at the moss-covered shell, silently thanking it. It flew past it into the dark.

Finally out of the rain, it rapidly swirled its shell to shake off the remaining water. Its temperature rose up almost instantly. Despite being a machine it felt tired. It looked around and soon found a crack big enough for it to fit and high enough to be safe. Thanking the Traveller, its Creator, for the protection, it powered down.

After rebooting it felt much better. System check told it about few minor problems. Thankfully, none of them were new ones. It might need to ask a passing Guardian for help soon though. After the quick self check-up it flew out of the crack.

The Ghost was surprised at the size of the cave. It meant to go outside to continue its search but seeing the cave had tunnels possibly leading to another cavern made it want to explore.

It felt drawn towards the tunnel furthest on right. It let the feeling guide it. The tunnel was a narrow one, barely enough space for a human to fit through. It moved on despite the improbability of someone being there.

The cavern was about half the size of the entrance of the cave. There were cracks big enough for sunlight to through so the Ghost turned off its light. The ground and walls of the cavern were overgrown with moss and small yellow flowers. This place looked like it were pulled out of the stories that were read to children ages ago. It stored the location of this lovely cavern. It was one of the places the Ghost wanted to share with its Guardian.

On its way out the Ghost paused and turned around. It returned back into the centre of the cavern and flew higher. A spark of hope filled it. There was a body! Of course it hadn't noticed it right away, it was mostly covered with moss and flowers just like the floor. It was a corpse of an Exo, female one. She had to be here for a long time to get so overgrown. Inspecting the metal corpse further the Ghost took a note how the moss and flowers made a shape of a cloak the hunter Guardians like to wear so much. It even outlined a hood around her head. Its shell fluttered around in anticipation before scanning the body.

"It's you! It's you! It's you! I've finally found you!" The Ghost danced in the air, its shell twirling back and forth.

Not wasting any more time the Ghost released the Traveller's Light upon the body. It watched in suspense what was about to happen. The Light soaked into the body, accepting its vessel. The Ghost watched in awe as the Light mended the external and internal damage. Circuits reconnected, rust vanished, gashes closed. The body, once deathly still, jolted with life.

The Exo sat up abruptly, flowers, moss and soil flying in all directions. She took in a harsh breath, as if she stayed too long underwater and just broke to the surface. That only sent her into coughing fit; her artificial lungs bothered by the dust and dirt that settled in over the years wanted to purge it all out. The Ghost wordlessly hovered above her. It had waited centuries for this moment, it could wait few more minutes.

Once her coughing lessened, the tiny machine announced its presence.

"You have no idea how long I've been looking for you."

The newly reborn woman jerked her head towards the sound. Her amber coloured eyes studied the flying machine. It was tiny, about the size of her fist. It surely had seen better days, the once bright white paint was chipping from its body, faded and covered in mud. In few places rust was already showing. It didn't seem dangerous, but she eyed it with suspicion.

"I know you must be very confused," it continued on, "many things have changed since you were last alive."

"I died?" she croaked, her voice not yet working properly.

"Yes, you were dead for many years. I think centuries even. But I resurrected you, so you don't need to worry about that," it finished with a giddy twirl.

She stared at it as it danced around in the air happily muttering "found my guardian" over and over. She snorted at the sight.

"What are you anyways?"

It halted and turned to her. The rear of its shell wiggled in a nervous fashion.

"Ah," it sounded almost embarrassed, "I'm a Ghost, your Ghost now. And you are a Guardian, my Guardian."

The Ghost then talked about the Traveller, how It brought knowledge to humanity and the era of "Golden Age" began. The Exo listened closely. Few times she looked like she recalled something but the memories were just outside of her reach.

"Don't beat yourself over it, for not remembering," the Ghost whispered softly. "All Guardians start with no memory of who they once were. Some remember a few memories over time or find ancient relics of their past. Who knows," it twirled closer, gently tapping against her forehead before moving back, "you might be one of them."

The Guardian smiled saying "thank you". The Ghost jittered its body in response.

"Silly me!" it exclaimed loudly startling its Guardian. "We should be on our way to the City. C'mon, Guardian! We have a long way ahead of us."

She shook her head with a snicker. ˈWhat an interesting being, this Ghost,ˈ she thought. Getting up was harder than she anticipated. Her knees buckled and she fell. She managed to stand up on second try. She followed her Ghost out of the cavern into the light, the remaining flowers bouncing with her movement.

[bazypitchandsimonsnow]

Watford Cove

Chapter 10: everything back and more

Rating: T

Genre: Fluff/angst

Word count: 2580

Chapter: 10/13 [All chapters]

Summary: Simon and Baz have some time before exams start. They decide to go on a date before the storm begins.

Read on AO3

AN: Okay okay omg two amazing people made fan art of this fic and I'm so happy and grateful. There's this fantastic piece of my punk Baz by @neck-mole and this wonderful art of my pastel and punk beauties by @jessethejoyful. I love them so much and I'm still freaking out about it so thank you to those two again. Now onto the chapter. It's more fluff cause my boys need it tbh. Also I posted this to the wrong blog for like 30 seconds because I’m an idiot sorry!

Tagging: @wayward-son-61 @jeansjeansjeansjeans

———————————————-

“You and your boyfriend are gross.”

I plant myself on the picnic table with a thunk, giving Niall a curious look. “And good afternoon to you too, mate.”

“I’m serious,” he says, arms crossed. “You two are disgusting.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Huh, didn’t peg you for a homophobe, Niall.”

Niall rolls his eyes and shoves my leg. “Fuck off, you know that’s not what I mean. You two are snogging everywhere all the time. Didn’t you just get caught in the gym closet yesterday?

That’s unfortunately true. We did get caught, with Simon’s legs around my waist and my hand up his shirt. Coach Mac was certainly not amused. He made us reorganize said closet as punishment. It was totally worth it though.

After our talk last week, I assumed Simon and I wouldn't be around each other as much, no longer afraid that our relationship would end abruptly. But it’s the exact opposite. We sneak off between classes, after school if I’m not with Bunce, at night if we both can’t sleep. He’d be here right now hanging with my friends if he didn’t have a makeup chem lab to do with Bunce. I don’t know exactly why. Maybe it’s something about our promises, the trust we gave each other. Confessing our fears and understanding them.

Or maybe we’re horny teenagers who like to snog and cuddle. That would also make sense.

“He’s my first boyfriend, give me a break.” I snatch Dev’s cigarette carton and take a stick out for myself. “And I might not see him again for a year if exams go badly.”

“We get it, man,” Dev says. “And we’re happy for you. But you’re also snogging 24/7 and it’s gross.”

I take a deep drag and grin. “Yup.”

Niall sighs and leans back, his stupid aviators slipping down his face. (He thinks they’re cool. And I hate that he’s right.) “Whatever, fine. Be gross. But I have some questions for you.” He points his cigarette at me very dramatically.

“Okay...”

“One: if you go to Switzerland, how the hell are we going to contact you?”

“Simon said he’d mail me. You know, snail mail. You two can do that as well.”

“Good. Two: Are you going to come home for the holidays?”

“Probably not. Only if I behave maybe.”

“That sucks. And three: can I have your bike while you’re gone?”

I blow smoke in his face. He coughs, Dev laughs loudly. “No, you git. My beloved motorcycle will be stored in Simon’s garage so my father can’t dispose of it while I’m away.”

Niall groans pathetically. “That’s not fair. I’ve wanted that thing for ages and now I don’t even get it if you’re gone? Rude.”

“You’ll crash it.”

“Will not.”

“Will to. Simon is scared to ride it without me, so I know he’ll just leave it alone. Unlike you.”

Niall pouts, crossing his arms. “You and your stupid responsible boyfriend.” He lowers his sunglasses and gives me a curious look. “Have you two horny idiots even been on a proper date yet? Or are you just defiling everywhere you go?”

I open my mouth to protest, but quickly have to shut it. With all the excitement and exam cramming and sneaking around, we haven’t remembered to do something so simple as a date. That is a grave injustice. And I must correct it.

I pull out my mobile and open Simon’s contact in my phone. He’s still listed as “Pretty Moron”. I’ve refused to change it even since we’ve started dating.

Baz [12:36] Hey wanna going on a date after school? If so, meet me outside the north entrance.

Pretty Moron [12:37] ok sure this is kinda out of the blue luv

Baz [12:38] Do I need an excuse to want to go on a date with my boyfriend?

Pretty Moron [12:38] no it’s just odd and spontaneous

Pretty Moron [12:38] i like it tho

Pretty Moron [12:39] i’ll meet you then <3

Baz [12:40] See you then. Now go back to your chem lab idiot.

Simon doesn't reply, thankfully. He needs to pass his classes as well. This is perfect actually. Exams start tomorrow. Simon and I can have a good time before mentally dying. I lean back, eyes closed and smiling.

“Ugh he looks all lovesick again,” Niall groans. “Gross.”

I kick his shoulder, nearly knocking him off the bench. Dev snorts.

“Careful, Niall,” Dev says, “he’ll tease you just as much when you get a girlfriend.”

"If he gets a girlfriend,” I say flatly.

Niall punches my feet. Dev roars with laughter. Fuck, I’m going to miss these two if I leave. I wish I’d put my pride aside earlier, and given myself a better chance of staying. I only hope it will work out now.

———————————————-

Simon saunters out of the north school entrance with his typical sunshine grin. He’s wearing floral shorts, mismatched floral shirt, a rosebud bracelet, and his checkered Vans because he has no regard for fashion norms whatsoever. It's amazing. Bunce is by his side, holding her heavy textbooks. When Simon spots me, he runs up and wraps his arms around my shoulders, planting a wet kiss on my cheek.

“Hi, darling,” he purrs.

“Hello, love,” I reply hushed.

Bunce promptly ruins the mood by fake retching onto the sidewalk. I roll my eyes. Simon chuckles. “Thanks, Pen.”

“I can’t believe I agreed to help Basilton just so you two could be gross for longer.”

I shrug. “Well, I certainly do appreciate the help. Thank you, Bunce.”

“Aw,” she drawls sarcastically. “You’re going to make me actually sick up.”

Simon sticks his tongue out and holds onto me tighter.  “You think he’s going to ace his exams tomorrow, Pen?”

“If he follows my brilliant teaching? Yes.”

“I’ll do my best,” I say genuinely. Because I will, no doubt. Because I have too much to lose if I don’t. Bunce notices, observant as she is, nodding with a genuinely kind expression.

“So,” Simon says, “are we off to our date now?”

I grin wolfishly, excitement brewing in my gut. “As soon as you get on my bike, yes.”

Bunce sighs, already turning on her heels. “Bye, arseholes. Don’t defile too many places, please.”

Simon shrugs. I flip her off. He swings his legs over the back of my bike and wraps his arms around my middle automatically. Two engine revs, and we’re off.

Originally, I thought about taking him to Mount Olympus. But that’s too predictable. Simon and I need more than one place to call our’s. So we don’t head north towards my neighbourhood, but west, towards the Wavering Wood.

It’s another secluded area in town, surrounded by willow trees and thick brush. Most people avoid it. But I know of somewhere perfect for us. With some brilliant manoeuvring and and careful driving by me, we end up in a small clearing by a pond. The grass is soft and flat. Willow trees give us just enough shade to be comfortable. The water sparkles in the sunlight like something out of a dream.

“Wow,” Simon gasps, “this is gorgeous.”

“Our little town is full of surprises. And,” I pull out a large plastic bag from my knapsack, “so am I.”

I bring out the plastic tablecloth first. It’s white and red checkered, like something out of the fifties. Then I take out the roast beef sandwiches and sour cherry scones. Cousin Pritchard was more than happy to give me some fresh ones for free. Simon’s eyes light up beautifully at those. I spread out my arms with flourish.

“Ta-da,” I announce.

“A picnic by the water?” Simon giggles. “Really?”

“I’m feeling romantic. Sue me.”

He quickly plops himself down cross legged on the crinkly plastic. “Hey, I’m not complaining. Especially if there’s food.” He opens the takeaway container, grinning at the roast beef. “When did you get all this? At lunch?”

I sit down too, stretching out to lounge next to him. “No, free period at the end of the day. I broke many speed limits getting all of it.”

“Baz! You’re supposed to study during free periods!”

I sigh, shaking my head. “Simon, exams start tomorrow and I’ve been studying intensely for three weeks. If I’m not ready, then neither Bunce or I are as smart as we think we are.” Simon still looks concerned. I reach out and grab his hand, running my thumb over the back of it. “I’ll be alright, love. Trust me.”

His expression finally breaks, a corner of his lip pulled up. He stretches out next to me, not letting go of my hand. “Okay.”

Simon digs into his food. I laugh at all the crumbs around his mouth. Part of me wants to kiss or lick them off, but I settle for just brushing them. Simon giggles and blushes, making my heart soar. He goes after the scones almost immediately after finishing his sandwich. Of course he inhales them like a vacuum cleaner.

“Leave some for me, Salisbury,” I grumble.

“Fine,” he groans, handing me a pastry.

“Sorry I’m not letting you eat all of the sugary treats, love. I know it’s a sacrifice.”

He glares, but the weight of it is lessened by his bulging chipmunk cheeks filled with crumbly pastry. I just keep smiling as I bite my singular scone.

Once we’re done, I end up on my back with my eyes closed, Simon half resting on my chest. He uses an index finger to slowly run over my collarbone. I trace circles in the small of his back. His strong chin digs into me slightly, but I’m fine. Really, I’m fantastic. I’ve sitting by a pond, resting in willow tree shade, all with a gorgeous boy pressed against me. This might be heaven. But I wish Simon seemed to feel the same.

“Simon,” I sigh, “stop looking at me like that.”

I can practically hear Simon frown in confusion. He knows I can’t see him, but I’m incredibly perceptive. I can feel it. “Like what?”

“Like I’m going to disappear the second you close your eyes. I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere just yet.”

“O-Oh.” He lowers his head, putting his arms around my middle and his cheek over my heart. “Sorry.”

I sigh, petting his hair. “It’s alright, love, I understand. Everything starts tomorrow. Just...” I wrap both my arms around, trying to get him even closer. “Just don’t start letting me go until I’m actually gone.”

Simon growls slightly, like a defensive animal. He scoots up and buries his face in my shoulder. His grip on my waist tightens. I can feel his every huffy hot breath.

“I’m not letting you go ever,” he whispers harashly. “I promise.”

I chuckle, amused by his affection and determination. “I know, love. Me neither, and I’m going to fight like hell to stay. I promise.”

He starts moving around. I can’t see what he’s doing from my angle. Suddenly, Simon is lifting up my hand and putting something around it.

“Simon, what are you-”

“It’s for good luck,” he blurts. “For tomorrow.”

I lift up my wrist. It’s a rosebud bracelet like the one he's wearing. But strangely, the flowers are black instead of pink. It looks handmade. The roses are meticulously hand coloured, each flower obviously glued on one by one. I strain my neck down to kiss the top of Simon’s soft hair. He squeezes my sides

“Thank you, love,” I whisper.

Simon hums in approval. I fall back and look back out the sky. We go quiet again, and I bask in the moment. This perfect moment just before the storm really starts. With Simon against me, my fingers in his hair, him breathing softly, gripping my shirt, and everything calm around us.

For a long while I thought I wanted to burn the whole world down. But now, I think I could be content just staying here forever.

———————————————-

Watford is looming over me even more than usual. I feel like the whole building is going to lean down and fucking eat me. Students walk in without noticing me. Most look like they’ve been hit by a bus, with messy hair, baggy eyes, and piles of loose notes in hand. I try to look calm, but my hand is fiddling like mad, spinning Simon’s bracelet over and over. The smooth glide of it is comforting. I try to focus on that. Until something crashes into me so hard I nearly fall over.

“Fuck!” I wheeze.

Suddenly, a familiar freckled face pops in front of me. “Hi.”

“Bloody hell, Simon,” I breathe out harshly. “You scared me, arsehole.”

“Sorry,” he chuckles, absolutely not sorry at all. He’s wearing his rose flower crown again. He does tend to wear it when he’s excited. “You seemed really deep in thought, love.”

I sigh, running a nervous hand over my hair. “Just, this is it. Whatever I do starting now decides my fate. Ugh, Christ, that’s so over dramatic.”

“It’s fine, I understand. And don’t worry.” He reaches down to squeeze my hand, the one with the bracelet on, his matching one right next to it. “You’re going to do great.”

“You better! Or I’m going to have to deal with a very weepy Simon.”

Penelope Bunce saunters her way up to us, pushing her glasses up her nose. Simon grins and throws his arm around her shoulders. “Well, if you taught him well, then we all should be fine, right?”

“Teaching can only get you so far depending on the person.” She flashes me a smug as all hell look, and if Simon wasn’t in my way, I swear I’d kick her. But that smug smile soon becomes genuine, and to my utter surprise, she walks in front of me, stands on her toes, and ruffles my hair. What the hell?

“Good luck, Baz,” she says. “You might not want it, but I’ll give it anyway.”

Huh, not what I was expecting. But I certainly appreciate the sentiment. I nod. “Thank you.”

She nods in reply, then turns to walk into the school. Simon and I are the only ones left outside. I feel him lean against me, his arm perfectly lined up with mine.

“Good luck,” he whispers. “I don’t think you need it, but I want to say it.”

I kiss the top of his head. “Thank you, love. Good luck to you too.”

In a split second, before I can register what happens, Simon reaches up, turns my head, and kisses me. It’s insistent and passionate. He’s obviously holding nothing back, so I don’t either. I put hands on his hips and pull him against me. Simon’s arms wrap fully around my neck, pressing us together even more. If I could, I'd never let go.

But we do have to pull apart eventually, though our faces stay close. I keep my eyes closed and lean my forehead against his. He breathes heavily. The smell of cherries tickles my nose.

“Good luck,” he whispers.

“You already said that,” I reply. He smacks my head lightly.

“Shut up.”

“Nope. If I do well, you’re going to be stuck with me and my smart mouth.”

He pulls back, letting his arms fall down until we’re holding hands. “Yeah, I know. So go ace those goddamn tests.”

I start walking us towards Watford, fingers laced together, so tight and unwilling to part. “As you wish, love.”

———————————————-

AN: I know this chapter may feel like filler but I wanted it really badly. Baz needed to settle shit with his friends of course. And Simon and Baz need some normalcy through all this craziness. Like, I wanted them to have a calm moment before exams. I also felt like I needed to show them being normal. Just them go on normal dates with no snogging and being happy together. Sorta shows they could continue after this insanity and excitement, hm? Hope that got across. This is probably unnecessary but I always feel the need to explain my writing. Thank you for reading! And thank you again to the amazing fan artists! :D

Chapter title is from "War" by Sum 41

[kenzieam]

The Reaper and the Vixen - Chapter Four (Eric X Fox)

Rating: M

Genre: Drama, Angst, Language

Thanks everyone for the re-blogs and support!!! IT IS SO AWESOME!!!

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A huge thank you to my right hand and Jai-sister @iammarylastar ! Quelle equipe!

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TRIGGER WARNINGS - SAME AS CHAPTER 2, PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THESE THEMES.

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Eric paced almost manically. It was close to seven and Fox was due any minute. He’d barely been able to hold himself together after Fox had agreed to meet him tonight, squirming in his chair and grinning like a goddamn idiot. Fox had been kind enough to ignore this, or was too wrapped up in her own thoughts to notice, and had cleaned and covered his new tattoo with a clear bandage, giving him instructions to leave the covering on for three days and watch for any unusual redness almost as if nothing had happened, almost. The faint tinge of her cheeks had given her away.

Eric had all but floated out of the shop, looking over his shoulder to see Fox watching him as well, a mix of nervousness and anticipation on her delectable face; before drifting into the local grocery store, flitting around like some tattooed, leather-clad faery sprinkling magical dust on toadstools or some shit as he filled a basket with supplies. If anyone noticed his light heartedness he didn’t notice them and he’d soared home on an unbelievable high. Fox was giving him a chance, she was letting down her mysterious guard enough to give him a peek inside and his body hummed with anticipation. He wanted her, more than he’d ever wanted a woman before, his groin tightening uncomfortably every time he let himself think of touching her, but it was so much more than that.

Fox calmed him, in a way he could honestly say no one else could, or ever did. It was exactly like the clichéd ‘coming home’ analogy. Eric had never felt totally at peace, totally comfortable in his skin or surroundings, always just the tiniest bit on edge, like something essential was absent, a cog missing in a machine that unbalanced it just enough. The club helped, his brothers helped, enormously; but there had always been a latent absence in Eric’s heart, one he’d been so used to, so inured to he’d not even fully recognized it was there until Fox had appeared, like sunlight at the mouth of a cave and illuminated it. Now he was painfully aware of this fissure in his soul, and that he’d been unconsciously trying to fill it, or at least soothe it’s ache, with meaningless flings, temporarily numbing the soul-deep hurt with physical release. No more, his body, his heart, his soul only wanted one now, would never settle for anything else.

If Eric’s mother had still been alive she would have spouted some new-age theories about ‘soul mates’ and finding ‘your eternal, infinite mate’ the one you’d been destined for, the one you were reborn into each new life to eventually find and Eric would have scoffed at her teasingly, disregarding her nonsense on the surface while internally squealing like a teenage fan girl about it. She would have loved Fox, Eric mused, and he was genuinely and deeply saddened that his mom never got to meet Fox, that Fox never got to meet her; that his mother had died before she could have witnessed her only child truly happy, gone to her grave knowing without a doubt that Eric was going to be alright, that he’d found his rock and safe place, the only thing she’d ever truly desired for him.

‘All I want is to see you truly happy, Eric. You have the club and your brothers and an active life, but I know you’re not complete, not yet. When you finally find that person, the one that makes you feel so alive you worry you’ll just explode, hang onto them, never let them go. You deserve that love and you deserve that happiness. I’m sorry, your dad died before he should have, and you were forced to grow into a man too soon, to take care of a mother who failed you, who let her sorrow override her responsibility to care for her child, but you never punished me for it, you waited for me and I can never find enough words to tell you how proud I am of the man you’ve become. You remind me of your father, so much it hurts sometimes. You deserve love Eric, and I know you’ll find it. Just don’t be afraid of it when it comes.’

Eric shuddered as his mom’s final words echoed through his mind. She’d been sick for awhile, finally caved and gone to the doctor only to learn that it was too late to do anything but prolong the inevitable and she’d eschewed any last ditch medical treatments in favour of wringing as much as she could out of each day. In the end she’d been lucky, and an infection had taken her before the final agonies of cancer could, and Eric had sat with her at the end, held her hand as she’d whispered this last wisdom to him, until she’d finally sank back into the blankets and left him. She’d known, Eric realized with a shock, Mom knew that Fox was out there, that we would meet eventually and she’d tried to direct me as best she could because she had been right; his love for Fox was so intense he did feel like he could explode and it did make him afraid, the depth of passion and connection he felt with her.

Shaking his head Eric forced these thoughts away, the last thing he needed to do was answer the door looking like he’d just been bawling. Ducking into the bathroom he splashed cold water on his face and scrubbed, taking a few deep breaths to slow his heart. Shit, if Fox could hear his thoughts just now she’d run screaming in the other direction, straight to the police station for a restraining order. He’d never been this nervous around another person before, never and, at the same time, so absolutely at peace. He’d also never been this introspective or deep in the past and a smile curved his lips just as the doorbell rang.

Taking a few more deep breaths Eric opened the front door and couldn’t stop a huge smile. Fox smiled cautiously back, her expression much more uncertain, and cleared her throat. She’s swapped out her work clothes for black skinny jeans and a sleeveless black silk blouse with that big, baggy neckline Eric had heard Tris call ‘cowl’. Her hair was drawn up into a large clip and a pair of silver coloured flats now hid her hardcore pedicure; she shifted her feet nervously, startling Eric out of his distraction.

“You look beautiful.” Eric blurted and Fox’s adorable flush was back.

“Thank you,” Fox murmured, “you clean up nicely yourself.”

Although not vain about his appearance, Eric found himself flattered all the same. Not wanting to dress up too over the top he’d eschewed his only black suit (worn to funerals and weddings, and that was it) and instead had on his nicest jeans and a black button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up. His feet were bare because he hated wearing shoes unless he absolutely needed to, and yes, he’d ridden his bike barefoot before, and his face still tingled from the quick shave he’d given it while the spaghetti sauce was simmering.  

He realized he’d all but froze at the door like some malfunctioning robot and cleared his throat. “Come in.”

Fox stepped past him, chewing her bottom lip then turned and held out a six-pack. “Here, you said not to bring anything but Tris was absolutely scandalized to hear that and demanded I at least bring something to drink.”

Eric grinned, imagining Tris’ hissy fit and accepted the pack. “Never had this before.” It was some dark ale, from a brewery he’d never heard of, Dark Horse Distillery.

“Yeah, I didn’t know any of the stores around here carried it. Some friends of mine opened a microbrewery a couple years ago and this is one of their products, my favourite of theirs, actually.”

“Thanks Fox, I can’t wait to try it, I love dark beer.”

Fox smiled in return, her anxiety lessening slightly. Eric stepped back, gesturing her to continue further into the house and he smiled when he saw Fox’s expression. His house wasn’t huge but it was his and he loved it. The ground floor was mostly open, the kitchen, living room and dining room all combined, with a separate bathroom, bedroom and utility room, and an absolutely massive loft above. The loft was what had drawn Eric here in the first place, it was enormous, with it’s own ensuite and balcony, the exposed beams rustic and homey. Eric couldn’t count the number of times he’d fantasized in the last few weeks about making love to Fox up here, pressing her against the balcony railing as he drove into her from behind, their mingled cries reverberating through the surrounding woods, laying beneath her on his king-size bed as she rode him hard and fast, making use of the giant shower and it’s multiple jets and ledges.  

Fox turned back towards him, and something squeezed in Eric’s chest at the expression on her face.

Her cheeks went beet red this time. “I’ve always loved this style of house,” she murmured quietly. “The loft, the open ground floor. Never really got a chance to design them in Seattle.”

Eric hoped the sudden flare of emotion in his heart didn’t show on his face, but goddammit, the woman he loved cherished the same style of house he did, maybe he was going to explode.

Clearing his throat Eric forced his attention back to supper. “Spaghetti’s ready, do you want to sit out on the veranda?”  

Fox ducked her head. “That would be nice.”

***************************************************************************************************************************************************** Fox couldn’t quite stifle a moan as she tasted the spaghetti and Eric was insanely grateful the patio table hid how suddenly, insanely turned on he was by the sound. His entire body tensed and he had to flex his fist against his thigh, digging his nails into the denim to ground himself. Christ, if he was lucky enough to take Fox to his bed he would goddamn well combust if she made that noise again.

She flushed again. “This is good.”

“You sound surprised.” Eric teased, grinning lazily.

Fox took the bait, grinning back. “Well, I knew you were a motorcycle god, but I didn’t know you were cordon bleu as well.”

“You’d be amazed at what I could do for you.” The words were out before Eric even realized he’d said them and his breath caught in his chest at his audacity. His chest loosened again as she only smiled wider.

“Maybe you’ll show me one day.”

“Anytime you want, baby.”

Fox ducked her head, hiding her smile and Eric exhaled hard, fighting to subdue the fierce sensations racing through his body. Christ, if he didn’t get a handle on himself soon he was going to screw this up royally.

Fox looked back up again and Eric held his breath, waiting. “You mentioned a movie, maybe?”

***************************************************************************************************************************************************** Eric was hardly watching the movie, he was watching Fox. She’d squealed when she’d seen the DVD, plucking it from the shelf like a kid at Christmas. Eric would have happily watched paint dry as long as he could sit with Fox while he did, and he couldn’t stop a chuckle at her enthusiasm.

“I love this movie,” she bit her lip in that adorable, pants-tightening way. “Is this one okay?”

“Whatever you want,” Eric smiled.

Now, maybe halfway through, Eric would be hard pressed to remember what movie was playing. He’d had eyes only for Fox the entire time. Perched on the opposite end of the couch Fox sat, her feet tucked up underneath her, eyes glued to the screen. She’d tensed slightly when Eric had moved to sit on the couch as well, but he’d purposefully sat at the opposite end, leaning back with a sigh and spreading his legs in that basely masculine way. The beer she’d brought was good, damn good in fact, and Eric had already decided to bring it into the club, the gorillas there could use some culture.

He watched her drain her bottle and stood, reaching for it. “Here, I’m empty too, I’ll grab another.”

Her answering smile set his heart aflame and once he was behind her, in the kitchen, Eric had to rest his hands on the counter and take a few deep breaths to slow it’s racing. Fuck, what was this woman doing to him?

Flipping the cap off one, Eric returned to the couch and held it out to Fox. Panic flashed in her eyes and he was momentarily stunned.

“What?”

She fumbled to speak, obviously distressed, her cheeks reddening again. “I’m sorry, can I have an unopened one?”

Eric frowned for a half-second in confusion then, like a puzzle, everything fell into place with an audible thump. Managing a smile he handed her his bottle, still unopened and sat at the other end again. His heart pounded in his chest and he found it hard to breathe. Goddammit, if he was right..... Reaching for the remote, he paused the movie.

“How old were you?”

“What?” Fox asked, but the waver in her voice told Eric she’d heard and understood him perfectly.

“How old were you when someone put something in your drink?” Eric repeated gently, not trusting himself to look over at her.

Fox was silent for so long Eric began to fear that she was just going to leave, leap to her feet and run away, but then, she drew in a shaky breath and whispered. “Nineteen.”

Eric’s breath left him in a painful rush and a deep ache settled in his chest. He couldn’t look at her, or else he’d leap at Fox and drag her into his arms, terrify her with the intensity of his desire to comfort her.

“My first year of university. The boy I loved, thought I’d marry, have babies with. He’d been wanting to have sex, but I was still a virgin and kept saying no, I was afraid of the pain..... he invited me to a friend’s party and I woke up just as he was...... finishing. I could almost have told myself it was all a bad dream if I hadn’t found out I was pregnant a month later.”

Eric found it hard to breathe, his knuckles white as he fought not to simultaneously draw Fox into his arms and pound the living shit out of something. A killing rage coiled through his limbs, tempered only by his desire to soothe Fox.

“God, baby. I’m sorry.” He managed to whisper, his voice rough, seconds from breaking. It all made sense, everything, Fox’s fears, her aloofness, everything and Eric had never felt so desolate and helpless.... and enraged. “What.... what happened to-” he couldn’t finish.

“The baby? Abortion... I couldn’t deal with it, with anything.... I made myself finish school, made myself forget.” Her voice finally cracked and she broke down, curling in on herself with a heartbroken whimper and Eric couldn’t and wouldn’t stop himself anymore.

He scooted beside her and gently, carefully, like Fox was a wild animal he was trying to save from a trap, wrapped his arms around her. Fox tensed for a heartbeat, gasping through the tears, then gave in with a moan, leaning into Eric and curling her fingers into his shirt. Her body shook violently and Eric was alarmed at the intensity of her crying, he wondered if this was the first time she’d ever truly given herself permission to let go and just grieve, cry for the girl who’d been hurt so unforgivably that night. Even as his heart ached, his breath locking down with sorrow, his muscles burned with rage, to tear and rip, bathe in the blood of the worthless fuck who’d done this to his woman. That’s right, it was useless to pretend otherwise, Fox was his, now and forever.

“Who was it?” Eric gritted.

“His name was Anthony..... Anthony Fraiy. Last I heard he-” Fox hiccuped against his chest, then broke down anew, her tears hot against Eric’s skin, no doubt she could hear, feel, the pounding of his heart, feel the conflicting emotions running through him. “-he was in LA, designing celebrity mansions.” Eric doubted she realized fully what she’d just told him, comprehended yet what Eric planned to do with it.

Oh yes, Anthony Fraiy would beg for death at the end.

[wotzup]

CH11-Scrolls and the Bandit

Yeah I know I haven't updated in a month. Things have been rough for me in irl so I really couldn't focus on this, or for that matter anything really. I hope this chapter was good enough for that month break. I actually split this chapter into two for convenience and this is the first part(duh). See ya later...

"Your Highness a seagull has arrived with a scroll." the soldier said standing tall holding his spear in his hand. A tall skinny man, who was polishing his wonderful sword stopped his motion abruptly turning around, "Bring me to it.", the soldier bowed, turning around directing the King to its location from the King's quarters on the ship. Placing the sword in its sheath he followed the soldier moving swiftly across the ship. The ship rocked slightly due to the waves but the King had grown used to it. He had been sailing the seas for months now, his daughter sitting on the throne in his absence. Not only would he be able to look at his other colonies he would be able to give his daughter practice on running the kingdom.

As the King passed by the soldiers, ship mates and maids who were present on the way bowed; he was unlike his daughter who really didn't care about these formalities. On starboard, there was a place concentrated with soldiers. The soldier screamed an order to the others and they all stood in a two lines facing each other, creating a path for the King to access the bird, with a loud clank as they slammed the butts of the spears on to the deck. On the other end was the seagull carrying a scroll in its mouth. It seemed to be unfazed by the amount of people and noise. "Here your highness, is the bird."

As if the path was made for it, the bird him hopped down the path the soldiers had formed, dropped the scroll in front of the King and flew away. The scroll looked like it went through a lot, there was splotches of sea water on it making some parts soggy, some seaweed hanging around and torn in some places. It really didn't look like a scroll.

The soldier bent down to pick it up but was stopped by the King himself. He picked it up, cringing as he did so. It looked filthy but whatever the information was, it must have been for him, it had the royal symbol stamped on the outside, now smudged by the water. He opened it carefully, reading the slightly smudged handwriting line by line.

Never did he imagine that he would read such a news. Blood from his face rushed out, his eyes wide open with his mouth agape. He gulped, tears brimming in his eyes. "Captain," he hollered, storming up to the cockpit. "Yes sir." "Turn back home immediately." "But your highness we haven't reached-" "This is a command captain." he snarled.

He needed to go back home, before it was to late.

The trees swayed to the gentle breeze of the nice hot day. The sky was blue as ever, little cotton like clouds dotting it, perfect to gaze at and guess what it looked like.

"Ah this feels so good." Chika stretched as she walked, enjoying the feel of the cold breeze hit her in her sweltering robes. Riko hummed in response. Though their robes weren't black, except for Yoshiko's because she insisted it to be that way, it had layers of lightweight yet durable armor to protect them. "I guess no matter how heavy armor is it is always hot inside." Riko said.

"How long do we have to go?" Chika whined trying to fan herself with her robes. "Chika chan we haven't even travelled for an hour and you're saying this. Don't you want to find You chan?" "Of course I do but... its so hot." she groaned. "Why does the sun have to be so cruel?" "C'mon Chika chan if we don't go faster we won't find their lair."

The quest required them to search for the lair of the bandits so that they could preform a strategical attack on it. Most of the land had been scored by them and Ruby's bird friend from the Forest of Birds- Pinkie, a robin whom Ruby could only understand due some reason(Riko hadn't paid much attention when the younger girl was explaining). There was suspicious activities going on in that forest like there were no attacks on any village by the bandits ever since You had been kidnapped. Maybe Mari thought it was connected (which was obvious) but something just didn't add up. Riko had no clue what but something felt off. It was not only because of Mari's odd behavior but also the soulmate mark on her back. It was fading. It freaked her out. How could it fade so quickly? It wasn't that long ago that You was captured and it had already begun fading.

She had immediately asked Yoshiko about the fading of her tattoo. This was for sure that these tattoos don't fade very easily as usually they are connected deeply in some way or the other. The truth had hit her hard. It made sense. They barely talked to each other unless Chika was there. The tattoos would fade according to how close they were and this meant that they were... it made sense but it hurt her already aching heart. If only she wasn't so awkward, maybe she'd still have a completely colored tattoo. It wasn't this that was odd but the nightmares that accompanied this. She didn't even want to think about them, as they only terrified her. They were so vivid and it scared her, especially what Hanamaru said grimly, "Sometimes the pain of your decolorizing tattoo gives you nightmares, depending on the pain. And sometimes they come true.", and that was something she didn't want at all cost. And it all connected to You in some or the other way. Like the muscular guy who they saw kidnapping You, who again in her dream was towering over her with a sword in his hand, murderous look and Riko had no clue how it ended. It scared her and that guy wasn't helping her.

"Riko chan," Riko came out from the depths of her mind back to the real world. "Huh? What?" "I've been calling you for sometime ya know?" "Really?" "Yup."

"I've got the best idea!" Chika almost squealed in delight, almost jumping up and down. "What about this, if we find the lair of the bandits and if You chan's there we could use a crate of mikans to distract the bandits and we could release You chan and go back home." "Chika chan not everyone likes mikan." "I know, but the ones who like it would eat it and the ones who hate it would run away in fear." Chika claimed with a proud smile. It was a childish yet dumb idea. "Chika chan I don't think that would work." "Aww... I really thought it would." "Maybe not as much as you mikan catapult." "So let's go with the mikan catapult." "No Chika chan we're not!" "Aww..."

Chika had been working on some ideas for saving You some being absolutely ridiculously childish and somehow involved mikans all the time. Some were kind of funny, some were innovative but easily defeatable but some just made Riko want to bang her head on the stone walls of the castle and die wondering why she knew Chika. Yet it made Riko feel guilty for being useless. All Riko did was be depressed, play some instruments to lessen her agony of the nightmares haunting her in the day and to lessen the guilt not being able to save You, practicing combining instruments specifically the viola and the piano with her powers and be depressed once again.

"Hey Riko chan is that an arrow?" Chika squinted, pointing at a tree in the distance. Riko took a closet look and yes, Chika was right. Riko shook her head at Chika in approval. They had to be on their toes now.

Chika pulled out a tiny disc, about the size of a coin, from beneath her robes and threw it into the air. With a click, the compact disc had enlarged into a sharp spear, ready for battle. Chika caught it, expertly, looking around her for any sign if a bandit. It was a technology that Nozomi had borrowed from a friend.

Meanwhile Riko pulled out a tiny viola from her robes about the size of her palm and with a pluck of its tiny string it grew into a normal viola except this was armed and it was designed to not go out of tune nor break very easily. This would be the perfect chance to test her skills with this new way of using her powers.

"Wait, is it a bandit arrow?" Riko asked after looking around the surroundings along with Chika for sometime like idiots trying to look cool. "Uh, I don't know." "Ugh." "Hey even you don't know!"

Carefully they made their to the tree hoping it won't explode, because there was a chance that it could be those explosive arrows. Luckily they weren't as they didn't explode when Riko's "flower arm" touched it but by the design on the arrow- green and sky blue stripes towards the tail of the arrow did indicate that it was indeed the arrow of a bandit.

"They were here." Chika said steadying her spear. "Maybe we should go a bit farther." Riko said, Chika agreeing to the idea. Carefully, watching their surroundings intently, they ventured ahead. Any moment a bandit could attack them; they could feel a presence in the area.

Whoosh. Riko froze cold in her tracks, terrified. She held the viola tighter and almost began playing. Her heartbeat became erratic as she saw what had passed right in between the two. It was a regal double edged dagger. A sharp blade that seemed to cut through an inch of the bark of the tree it hit, attached to a fine hilt that seemed to be worn out due to repeated usage and topped off with a golden guard that sparkled in the sunlight which had a shiny green gemstone in the shape of a dolphin embedded in it.

Gulping thickly, she turned around. She could hear her heart in her ears beating loudly like a drum. Behind them stood the thrower, standing casually as if nothing happened, her hands behind her head. She was wearing the normal attire for a bandit- brown lightweight armor with green and sky blue stripes on the shoulders, their faces hidden with a black bandanna tightly tied onto their faces, only revealing their eyes and the top of their heads.

"Ah, its you again. Long time no see." the bandit sneered. 'Wait we've seen her before?' Riko thought, shifting in her place preparing herself. "Seems like your princess sent you again." "Of course she did. You bandits have been causing trouble to everyone." Chika told her. The bandit let out a howling laughter, "Wait, give me a moment," she said between laughs, the other two looking at her confused. "Us, causing trouble. Wow, that sounds more of a joke the princess would make." she laughed again, "Are you sure about that, knight? Cause I think we are doing the right thing."

"People have gone missing, towns have been burnt to ashes and supplies have been running out, not just in this kingdom but many others." Riko said with a tinge of pain in her voice. "Do you know why that is being done?" the bandit asked, her eyes curiously looking at them. Chika lowered her spear, as realization hit her, "No but it's wrong. All of it." Chika held her spear tighter now, lifting it up in a fighting stance. Riko agreed to every word. "Where is You chan!?", she bellowed.

"What happened to- I mean- we don't have this You chan." Riko could have sworn the was a some sort of concern on her face before reverting back to the cold look she had on her face. "Where is You chan, you sneaky-" Riko was interrupted, "Like I just said there is no You chan with us."

"We're not going to leave without her." "Well too bad you might have to, you're standing on bandit territory." "This is not the territory of the bandits it's a part of Uranohoshi." "Let's see about that." the bandit threw a wave of daggers at them, waved her arm diagonally, creating wave of water over her, that fell in making her disappear.  Chika dodged them albeit skillfully, some did graze her, spinning her spear like the blades of a fan, the dagger bouncing off of it. Chika remained almost unscathed unlike Riko who seemed to struggle. She played a piece of music but it's intensity was a not enough to match the power of the daggers. The petals only made most of the daggers scrape her each one burning. Riko felt so much pain but she was going to get You, even if she's just to normal to help. "Where did she go?" they looked around them searching for the blue haired bandit.

Whoosh. Another dagger had flown past them from behind, this time almost impaling Chika. "Yikes." Chika spun her spear and both of them turned around.

It was a mistake they committed. Chika shrieked and before Riko could digest what had happened Chika had been kicked into a tree with such a force she heard a sickening crack. "Chika chan!" she yelled and darted to Chika. This time two daggers were thrown at her but she stopped and turned to the bandit who was standing in front of her, a few yards away twirling her dagger. She could see Chika trying to get up onto her feet but was immediately pushed down onto the ground, painfully hard by a gush of water from the bandit’s free hand. She pointed the dagger to her then to herself, "This is between me and you."

Riko played the viola, petals rising beside her now flying at high speeds at the bandit. Riko knew they were deadly unlike before when she used her crossbow, they weren't soft and delicate they were now as sharp as needles, only in this case enough to kill you. They were the petals of a red anemone, a symbol of death.

But Riko wished she had enough skill or experience or maybe if her powers weren't so normal and stupid. The bandit dodged each one skillfully, not one even grazing her. "My turn." she charged towards Riko, at full speed. Riko tried to create a flower tornado or flower hand to pick her up and throw her away but the bandit was quick on her feet and muscular too.

The bandit had dropped her daggers and before Riko could react she was punched in the gut. Air was thrown out of her lungs, struggling to breathe. The viola dropped from her hands and hit the grassy ground. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she stumbled back to be again punched in the gut, throwing her back even farther. Punch after punch, Riko stumbled back, at one point blood flower from her mouth and her body bruised from each power packed punch, till she fell on the ground, nearly about to faint from pain and fatigue. Her eyes were barely open at this point.

The bandit hovered above her. She placed a foot on Riko's chest and kneeled down so that her lips were by her ear. Riko winced, not even able to make a sound from the aching of her body in more than one way. The bandit placed the cold blade of a dagger she pulled out on Riko's bruised cheek, the only thing that made her not fall unconscious. "Listen to me knight. You're just a weakling with powers so ordinary, I can just kill within an instant if I wanted to." Riko felt the remains of her self-confidence crumble. "Let me tell you something, not every thing is what it seems. You might not get it now but you will. And this, tell your princess that time's up. There's no use in trying."

The bandit made a cut with a dagger on Riko's cheek making her squirm as blood flowed from the wound along with many others all over her body. The bandit removed her foot and walked away as if there wasn't a fight here.

Riko was emotionally, mentally and physically drained. If what she said was right, where was You? Who could have taken her? Those dreams did they have anything to do with this? She didn't know. Why was she You's soulmate? She was a person who couldn't even make a mark in her life. At this point she wanted to sleep and forget everything that just happened. She closed her eyes and drifted into the land of torturous nightmares once again.