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#but he was commenting about a shit rein that he had that kept running away from the group
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avatar-anna · 1 year
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“Yeah, it used to be you lecturing me in your classroom, but that is now a close second,” he admitted// we need more on this fantasy of h about proffffff
I think it's important to know that Harry is absolutely enthralled by Professor. She doesn't see it or notice it that much, but he finds her so attractive in so many ways (it's giving very 🎶you don't know you're beautiful🎶)
So it would makes sense that he would absolutely worship the shit out of her in bed, but in a way that doesn't overwhelm her. Professor is a generally serious person, so he likes to be a little unserious behind closed doors.
There's typically a lot of giggling and playful teasing that turns into long, drawn out kisses that eventually leads to Harry pushing her onto her back.
Harry almost always takes the reins, and both of them are more than happy and comfortable with that, though Professor realizes he's been dropping little comments about his fantasies, and she decides to do something about it. He's made her feel comfortable enough that she not only can be a little bolder in the bedroom, but she wants to be for him. He does so much for her in that way, she feels like doing the same for him
One day Y/n asked Harry if he could pick her up from campus, but little does he know she had a whole thing planned. She was in one of her more revealing outfits, which was only showing a little more leg than she normally would, but it was noticeable to Harry when he entered her classroom. He expected her to be ready to go, but she asked if he didn't mind sitting for a few minutes while she did a couple more things, one of them being running a lecture by him.
Now, Y/n didn't really teach material that was “sexy,” but she tried her best, talking about body language and reading a person by simply looking at how they hold themselves and things of that nature. All the while she walked around so Harry got a good look at her, she dropped her chalk a couple times and bent down to pick it up in such a way that has Harry pulling at the collar of his shirt.
She could see out of the corner of her eye that Harry was fidgeting at his desk, which made her smile because, wow, she really did have an effect on him. She lectured for a few more minutes before going over to him.
“How was that?”
“How was what?”
“The lecture. How was it?”
“I...I, uh, It was...”
He couldn't even form words because that was his dress shirt under her sweater vest, and she was wearing his favorite perfume of hers, and as she came around to sit on his lap, he saw a hint of a lace bra beneath the undone buttons of the shirt.
Harry didn't know if Y/n was doing this on purpose, but the way she tilted her head and waited for criticism about her lecture was very convincing. Either way, there was no way he could focus when she kept bending over and talking to him the way she was. Deep down, there were days where he wished she might one day take the lead, but he wouldn't have really cared if she did or didn't. Now, though, he thought it might be happening, but he wasn't sure.
“I was having a hard time focusing.”
“Why?”
Harry could only breathe shallow breaths as she began to play with the ends of his hair.
“Tell me why, Harry.”
He didn't mean to, but he could feel his pants tighten. The look she was giving him, the tone she used, like he was in trouble. He couldn't help it.
He leaned forward, desperate to kiss Y/n now, but she pulled away. Just out of reach. She put a finger over Harry's lips, rubbed it along the seam, parting them but not dipping in. “Answer me first.”
“I was distracted,” he said. “By you.”
“Me?” she asked, and Harry thought she looked genuinely surprised. “What did I do?”
“You—”
This was a game, he finally realized. There was a glint in her eyes, the one she usually got when she was about to beat someone at chess. Trying his best to contain his growing excitement, Harry did his best to play along. “Nothing. You were perfect. I'm sorry. It won't happen again.”
She seemed to mull it over. “I still think you need to be taught a lesson.”
“I agree,” he said, trying not to sound too eager.
“I demand you take me home and...not let me out of bed until my legs feel like jelly.”
So into whatever was happening, Harry barely registered that Y/n probably hadn't gotten this far in her plans for them. He was just eager to please.
“That’s what you want?”
“That’s what I want.”
Harry grinned and let his hands wander just a little bit so he could grip her appreciatively. “I think that's fair. But... wouldn't it be more... conducive to my learning experience if we stay here?”
For the first time, Y/n blushed, leaning in close to hissed, “This is where I work, Harry!”
Chuckling a little, he leaned in and kissed Y/n’s cheek. So this was her limit. Fine by him. “Okay. Should we leave at separate times so no one will suspect anything?” he asked, trying to keep their momentum going.
“Y—Yes. That's a good idea.”
When they got back to the townhouse, Harry threw Y/n over his shoulder and made good on her request.
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callsigndragon · 1 year
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Hold my hand | One
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Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x OFC / Jake Seresin x Red
Wordcount: 2.3k
Warnings: mentions of cancer, death, more death, someone's mom is a whore, the seresins had a shitty childhood... and then all fluffy and lovey dovey stuff!
Masterlist
If you want to get tagged, comment down below!
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Eighteen. Jake was eighteen. Jenn was sixteen. It wasn’t the best idea. Heck, it wasn’t even an idea. It was just a choice. A choice made in a moment of need: Jake protecting Jenn while she ran upstairs to pack her things. 
Jake had been waiting for that moment since he was 10. Since the day their father died. Cancer was a bitch, and the Seresins had a taste of it. Tom, the human shield that kept the siblings safe from their mother, was gone. And for the next 8 years, Jake counted the days left until they could run away from that house. 
The day had come. 
“Where do you think you’re going, Jacob? You are not enough. You don’t know how to do anything!” Janine spat, tumbling around the living room and spilling the contents of her black mug—the one that was supposed to be used for coffee but that she filled with any alcoholic liquid she could find. “Nobody will love you. Nor you or your sister. That fucking whore. She’s a needy bitch, going around begging for some attention, and will end up pregnant like a cow before she turns twenty!”
Jake could hear Jenn running downstairs with tears in her eyes. How could her own mother talk about her like that? “If you hated the idea of becoming a mother so much, you shouldn’t have gotten pregnant in the first place!” 
“We are not the same, mother. Just because you don’t know how to do anything, it doesn’t mean I can’t learn.” Jake replied, taking a few steps back. She was the only person he was afraid of. 
“You don’t have money. You don’t know how to do anything! What are two little pieces of shit like you gonna do out of this house? You might as well give up. Kill yourselves and end my suffering.” The woman threw the mug over Jake’s head, missing Jenn by a hair. 
“I will wait until Jenn turns 17, and then we’ll join the Naval Academy. Like dad did.” Jake clenched his jaw, stopping the feelings flooding his mind at the thought of his late father. 
“You don’t have the guts!” 
“You’re just afraid of ending up alone. But we’re gonna walk out that door, and we won’t have to see your face again.” Jenn cried, choking up on her tears, feeling a mixture of anxiousness and impatience. 
And they did. They walked out. They never looked back. 
They took the reins. 
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Jake parks his truck outside the Hard Deck, a bar that used to be the center of his world when he was a student at Top Gun. It’s been a while since those days. 
“Hey, isn’t that Javy’s car?” 
Jenn raises her head and looks at the black Chevrolet Impala parked next to them. “Holy shit, it is his car. Look, the little duck I bought him for Christmas.” 
Jake turns off the engine and gets off the truck, slamming the door behind him. “He came here and didn’t tell us?” 
Jake raises an eyebrow, pointing a finger at him. “Jay, you came here and didn’t tell him either.” 
“Because it’s a secret detachment” 
“And there you have your answer.” Jenn rolls her eyes, getting inside the bar and marveling at the ambience, the smell, and the homely, inviting atmosphere that reigns over the place. She never had called a place ‘home’, but she knows that this could be the closest thing to it. 
“Well, well, look at that! Javy Machado in the flesh.” 
“Valkyrie! Oh my goodness, we’re working together again?” Javy says, leaving his beer at the bartop and hugging the female. “Where’s the ugly Seresin?” 
“Right behind you.” Jake reveals, patting Coyote’s back and chuckling. “Please don’t flirt with my sister, it would be awkward.” 
“I’m not flirting!” Javy fusses, sitting down and gesturing to Penny, the owner, to bring two more beers. “This has to be a hell of a mission if we are here.” 
“Only the best of the best, Coyote.” Jenn raises her beer, the two men do the same, toasting for them and the future mission. 
“Do you think someone else might be joining us?” Jake asks, occupying the seat next to Javy’s. 
“We’re only three, and we don’t have a wizzo… We need another pilot with a back-seater.” Jenn adds, turning to the pool table and preparing the table so they can play. “Maybe Phoenix?” 
Jake thinks about it for a second. “Yeah… You can’t have a special secret mission only for the elite and not call her.” He looks at the flabbergasted expressions of the other two pilots and points at them with his index finger. “Don’t tell her I said that.” 
“She wouldn’t believe us even if we tried.” Javy jokes, grabs a pool cue, and gets ready to play. 
A few minutes pass, the three pilots absorbed by their game, until four more pilots join them, Phoenix at the head of the group. “What do we have here! If it ain’t Phoenix!” 
Jenn smiles when she sees Nat and looks with curiosity at the other three of them. She reads their names on the badges. Fitch, Garcia, and Jenkins. Jenkins kind of rings a bell, but she doesn’t remember why. 
“And here I thought we were special, guys. Turns out the invite went to anyone.” Jake teases, sitting in the pool, watching the newcomers' faces. He goes from Phoenix to the two men, but his eyes stop when they notice Jenkins’ eyes. They have to be the most beautiful eyes he has ever seen. Dark blue irises look at him, but he gets lost in the hazel ring around her pupils. Her eyes look like galaxies, and he fears that he might get lost in them if he stares too long. 
“Fellas,” Phoenix says, making Jake stop staring at the female pilot. “this here’s Bagman.” 
Jenn snorts, and Jake glares at him. “Hangman.” 
“Whatever.” Phoenix turns a bit, looking at the other three aviators. “You’re looking at the only other Naval Aviator on active duty with a confirmed air-to-air kill.” 
Jake smirks, faking modesty. “Stop. You’re gonna make me blush.” 
“Mind you, the other guy was in a museum piece from the Korean War.” Phoenix adds, looking at Hangman with her head tilted. How much she loves to tease him. 
“Cold war.” Jenn and Javy correct her at the same time. It might be an old plane, but it’s still a kill. 
“Same century,” Fitch says, crossing his arms over his chest. He is not impressed by the man’s achievements. 
“Not this one.” Garcia remarks, and Jenn looks at Javy, wondering what to do. “Red Queen has a confirmed air-to-air kill with a fifth gen aircraft. That’s impressive.”
“You know, I’ve heard a lot about this Red Queen, and yet, I have never seen her. I’m starting to believe she’s not even real, just a product of someone’s imagination to make my work look less impressive. I think someone’s jealous and goes around inventing rumors, guys.” Jake says, turning to grab his beer. 
“I’m Red Queen.” Jenkins announces, moving a step closer to him and smirking. “Want me to show you the report?” 
Jake clears his throat and gets up from his sitting position, as if he were really worried about looking like an idiot. More than he was already. “I am… I’m sorry. I really thought you were a myth. Everyone says you were the perfect student at the Naval Academy and, well, I am… I didn’t picture you like that.” 
“I know I’m short, but that has its benefits, Lieutenant Bagman.” She says, looking at the other two pilots. “My name is Rowan Jenkins. Red Queen. Everyone calls me Red.” 
Jenn, who had been looking at the exchange in front of her, blinks a few times and snaps out of her thoughts. “Oh shit. I’m Jenn Seresin. Valkyrie. This is Javy Machado. Call sign Coyote. And the… Bagman here is Jake Seresin.” 
“Wait, you’re siblings?” Rowan says, looking between the two Seresins, trying to spot some similarities. Yeah, she can see some of them. 
“Unfortunately.” Jenn mutters, earning a smack in the back of her head from Javy. “Who’re your friends, Phoenix?” 
“I’m Mickey Garcia. Fanboy.” 
“Reuben Fitch. Payback.” He says, smiling. “Revenge was already taken.” 
Jenn smiles, and smiles at Phoenix. “Glad to see you here.” 
“This mission can’t work without me, what can I say.” She gestures in the direction of the bar, and speaks again. “Who’s he?”
The friend trio frowns, not understanding her words. “Who’s who?” 
Phoenix motions in the direction of a guy, seated down, eating, and cleaning his lap. He doesn’t seem to realize that he’s the center of attention. Suddenly, he raises his head, and he’s a bit startled by the number of eyes staring at him. 
“When did you come in?” Jenn asks, moving so she can see the aviator. 
“Oh, I’ve been here the whole time.” 
There’s a moment of silence, Jenn and Jake share a look. Jenn knows that look. He’s about to make a joke that can be either the most unfunny thing ever, or really offensive. “The man’s a stealth pilot. Literally.” 
Well, it wasn’t that bad. 
“Weapons Systems Officer, actually.” The wizzo replies, looking at all the faces that are staring at him. 
“With no sense of humor.” Jake’s sister is about to smack him, but he gets up and walks toward the bar. 
“What do they call you?” Natasha asks, interested in knowing the wizzo better. 
“Bob.” 
“No, your call sign.” Payback chuckles, knowing that it’s something that happens regularly. Aviators are more often called by their call sign than by their name, so sometimes you don’t know where the call sign ends and your name starts. 
“...Bob.” He insists, and they all look at each other. 
“Wait, you’re Bob Floyd? From Lemoore? You’re my new back-seater.” Phoenix says, walking closer to her wizzo. Other than herself, the person on whom she will rely the most.
“Looks like it.” Bob answers, smiling a bit. 
Jenn turns to look at Javy. “Dude, have you seen Jake?” 
“Val, you have to be a bit more specific here. I see him a lot. He’s not as good looking as he thinks.” Javy remarks, earning a slap from Jenn. “Auch!” 
“Idiot. How he was looking at Red before he knew who she was? Did you see that?” Jenn reiterates, looking over to the bar to make sure that her brother doesn’t come back. “I’ve never seen him look at a girl like that.” 
Javy thinks about it for a minute, noticing how his best friend keeps looking over his shoulder to look at her. “He’s smitten.” 
Jake’s sister almost has a fangirl moment because, for the first time in years, Jake Seresin might be interested in someone for more than just sex. “I never thought I’d see this day.” 
“Can we emphasize the fact that he has fallen for the only girl that is better than him at his job?” Javy says biting his bottom lip to not laugh. 
“...Holy shit, you’re right!” 
Jake comes back from the bar, having changed the song on the jukebox. “Bradshaw! As I live and breathe.” Jake says, walking over to Jenn and Javy to give them some beers. He gives one to Red and the other to Phoenix. 
Javy’s eyes widen when he realizes that Bradshaw is, in fact, standing right next to Phoenix. “Oh my god.” 
“What the fuck is he doing here? He’s not fast enough for a special mission,” Jenn says, as if that were the only reason she doesn’t want him there. 
“You look good, Hangman.” Rooster says, watching Hangman’s every movement. It’s only then, when he stops right next to his sister, that he realizes that Jenn Seresin is also in the building. Brilliant. 
“I am good, Rooster. I’m very good. In fact, I am too good to be true.” Hangman says, making Phoenix and Rooster share a glance. 
Jenn looks at Rooster, the man who once was everything she ever wanted, and turns to keep talking with Javy. Family comes first, she reminds herself. Hangman might be a pain in the ass, but Rooster is not a saint, either. He talked as much shit as Hangman did back in the academy days. 
“What I wanna know is who’s team leader? And which of y’all have what it takes to follow me?” Jake states, looking at the others. 
“Of course, I’ll be team leader.” Valkyrie says, winking at Javy, who shakes his head. 
“Nah, Jenn. You’re wrong. It’s gonna be me.” Hangman insists, giving the pool cue to Javy. 
“Hangman, the only place you’ll ever lead anyone is an early grave.” Bradley raises his voice, wanting to be heard by all of the present aviators, even those who are having private conversations. Jenn glares at him, body already moving in his direction, but she’s stopped by Javy and Jake before she can say anything that she might regret later. 
Instead, the other Seresin walks to Rooster, slowly but with a smirk on his face. “And anyone who follows you is just gonna run outta fuel. But then that’s you all over, ain’t it Rooster? Snug on your perch, waitin’ for juuuuust the right moment. That never comes.” Jake smirks, tilting his head. “And I’m not talking about your performance as a pilot, only.” 
“Jake.” Valkyrie warns him, not wanting this to become too personal. 
Slow rider sounds in the back, and Jake laughs. “I love this song!” 
He leaves, and Phoenix and Rooster exchange a few words, but Jenn can’t hear him. She’s more focused on Bradshaw and that stupid Hawaiian shirt he’s wearing. One that she knows too well. 
She bought it for him when they were dating. 
---------------------------------------------------
Taglist:
@shrimping-for-all
@purplevortexx
@emorychase
@xoxabs88xox
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m-jelly · 2 years
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Hiya I have a request! How about something where the reader saves Levi from the Zeke thunder spear explosion and takes most of the damage for him. How he would be react to it and how he tries to help
You got it. I think I know where to take it with the ending etc.
You can't leave me.
Pairing: Levi x Reader
Genre and tags: Cannon AU, confessions, the reader is hurt, the reader protects Levi, an injured reader, love, happy ending.
Concept: You and Levi survived the woods full of friends turning to titans. You travel together on the carriage with a tied up Zeke. You keep an eye on Zeke, but comment to Levi how he's tied up is a bad idea. Zeke shows signs that he is going to make the spear blow, so you dive at Levi to protect him. In the blast, you take most of it to the back. In the aftermath of the explosion, Levi drags you out of the river and check you over to find you're losing a foot and there's shrapnel in your back. Levi does the best he can for you while begging you to stay alive because he's in love with you. Hange arrives and works with Levi to save you from Floch.
You sat in the carriage with your eyes on Zeke. You sighed, then looked to Levi. "Captain? I understand you're angry at him, but I don't think this is a good idea."
Levi gripped the reins. "Tch, quiet brat, please."
Levi was suffering a little, he'd just had to kill so many scouts with you at his side. Levi was so terrified when everyone turned because he thought you would be among them, but you weren't. You'd refused to drink the wine because you were on duty. Levi had loved you for a long time. He had wanted to start something with you because he was aware that you loved him too. You both had unspoken love, but a mutual understanding that you were going to wait until Eren was stopped.
Levi went to say something to you, then you tackled him off the carriage as Zeke screamed. Levi's eyes widened when he heard the explosion, then he felt the heat of it hit him. He panicked when he realised you'd taken most of the hit, but before he could ask you both landed in the water. As Levi sank, he felt your touch leave him.
Levi swam towards you and pulled you close, then he swam to the surface and gasped for air. He swam to the edge, then dragged you out of the river and felt blood trickle from his face from something flying at him and slicing part of his face. He panted, then saw your back had splinters of wood in, but thankfully nothing too deep. He looked you over and saw your right foot and part of your leg missing.
His eyes widened in panic. "Shit." He yanked his cloak off, then wrapped it around the stump on your leg. He pulled you into his arms and sat with you. "You stupid fucking brat. Why would you do that for me?"
You gasped, then smiled at Levi. "You're okay."
He nodded. "Of course I am! You were the one who got blown up."
You welled up and cried in the pouring rain. "I'm so glad."
"Glad? You stupid brat! I should have been hurt, not you!"
You lightly cupped his cheek. "It'll be okay Levi, as long as you live."
He squeezed you. "Don't you leave me, don't you fucking leave me. You can't leave me!"
You smiled sadly. "Levi."
"Don't Levi me. You will live, you hear me? I held out on telling you that I am madly in love with you because after this fucking war we were going to get married and have a teashop together."
You wiped his tears away. "That sounds, perfect."
He nodded. "It is, so you better stay alive so we can have it!"
"I will because I love you. I can't leave you all alone."
Levi held you close, then tapped his forehead against yours. "Please, stay alive."
Levi held you in his arms and kept you awake until Hange arrived with Floch. He gave Hange a pleading look of help. She nodded, then provided a distraction. Levi dove into the water with you and Hange dove in right after. Hange led the swim as Levi pulled you along. He kept swimming until it was time to run. Levi picked you up like a bride, then ran until Hange led him to some leftover supplies.
He lay you down and let Hange carry out the best medical care she could on you. Levi sat by your side the whole time and never left. He'd allowed Hange to give him some stitches on his face, but priority for him was you. You sacrificed yourself for him and it was hard for him to face facts that you might not pull through. He didn't want you to die, but there was a high chance.
You sat up quickly, then looked around to see Hange, Levi and others sitting around the campfire. "I'm hungry. Does anyone have food?"
Levi looked back at you, his eyes wide and tears threatening to fall. He said your name, then slid over to you and hugged you tightly. "You finally woke up."
You hugged him back. "Yeah." You hummed, then let him go. "Could I have something to eat? I'm starving."
"Sure, I'll get you something."
You pulled the cover off you. "It's okay, I'll get it." You heard everyone go quiet, then you looked down at your leg to see why the air grew heavy. "Ah..." You shifted your leg a little. "I understand." You hummed. "I only need one foot to use my gear, so I'm not out yet."
Levi took some hot food from Hange, then handed it to you. "You're not fighting."
"But I can fight!"
"No!" Levi's tone made everyone hunch up, go quiet and avoid looking over. "Eat."
You started eating, then you had some water and lay back down with your back to Levi and the others. You were feeling sorry for yourself, but you knew why Levi was quick to say no. You were in no fighting condition and he could have lost you. You let out a long sigh, then blushed as Levi lay next to you and faced you. You watched him pull his blanket over him, then he locked eyes with you.
Levi blushed a little. "I thought you were asleep."
"I'm not. Is everyone else asleep?"
He nodded. "Yeah." He shuffled closer to you. "Please don't fight. I could have lost you, but you're back and you want to throw yourself into danger again?"
You reached over and held his hand, then you pulled his hand close and kissed his fingers. "You win. I won't fight."
"Thank you." He sighed. "You should go back to the city when you're well enough. We have a horse for you, but only when I think you're well enough. I love you." He spoke your name softly and moved up close to you. "Go home and start on our teashop, okay?"
You hummed a laugh. "I will."
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queenxxxsupreme · 3 years
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Aftermath (Arthur Morgan x f!reader)
A/N: Here is my masterlist and here is the link to go to if you’d like to be on any of my taglists! My latest rdr2 fic was a Charles fluffy piece called The Chase if you want to check it out :)
Warnings: mentions of falling off a train, hurt reader, descriptions  of wounds and blood, but mostly fluffiness
Word Count: 2.7k
Summary: After a heist ends badly, Arthur cleans you up and chastises you for not being more careful. 
***
Your horse came to a stop in front of the hitch post just outside of camp. You paused for a moment to breathe now that you were safe. 
Your heart was still racing from the events of earlier and your hands gripped your horse’s reins so tightly that your knuckles hurt. But that pain was nothing compared to the rest of your body. 
“Need a hand, Y/N?” Lenny asked, tying his horse up and moving towards you. 
“Get me down before Arthur-,” You stopped, the sound of hooves pounding against the earth making your stomach clench up. You knew it was him. 
Lenny helped you down from your horse, catching you as you slipped down from the saddle. You tried to put weight on your left leg, but the pain in your ankle was too much. You nearly collapsed. 
“Easy there, Y/N.” Lenny kept his arm around you. 
Your eyes caught sight of Arthur and John coming into camp. 
“Go, Lenny.” You urged, letting him go and giving him a push away from you. 
“Are you sure, Y/N? You can’t even stand on your own.”
“I’ll be fine, Lenny.” You assured him, leaning against the hitch post for support. “He’s angry and I don’t want him yellin’ at you.”
“Tie ‘er up.” You heard Arthur tell John, no doubt talking about his horse. You couldn’t bring yourself to look in the direction of his voice. 
You took a deep breath and started to make your way across camp to yours and Arthur’s tent. You gritted your teeth together. Your nails dug into your palms from how tightly your fingers were curled up. But you pushed through the pain and kept going. You just needed to make it to the tent before Arthur could make a scene in front of everyone. 
“Y/N!” Susan gasped. “What in the hell happened to you, girl?”
You wanted to shake it off, to tell her you were fine, but you knew if you opened your mouth you’d make some sort of pained sound, something that would alert a certain outlaw that you were more injured than you let on. 
“Don’t let her walk away from you, Mrs. Grimshaw.” Arthur spoke, his voice deep and devoid of the usual teasing tone he had when he spoke towards you. 
“What happened, Arthur?” Hosea moved towards you both, wanting to make sure you were okay. 
You shook your head, still hastily walking in the direction of the tent.
“Y/N!”
You didn’t acknowledge Arthur. 
“Don’t you walk away from me, woman!”
You were so close to the tent, maybe another six steps and then you’d be able to—
A large hand grabbed hold of your arm and he pulled you around to face him. You lost your balance, stepping on to your left leg. You cried out in pain and your knee buckled. 
Arthur caught you, one of his arms wrapping around your torso while the other grabbed your hip. 
“Let me go, Arthur!” You pushed against him, your hands flat against his chest as you tried to put as much space between yourself and him as possible. 
“Don’t be fucking stupid, Y/N. Ya got a busted ankle. Shouldn’t be walkin’ on it.”
“I can handle it my-damn-self!” You protested, still pushing against him. You tried to pry his hands away from you, to break his firm grip on you by grabbing his fingers and pulling away but he wasn’t letting go. 
“Quit being so goddamned stubborn, woman.” Arthur growled through clenched teeth. “Ya just fell off a fuckin’ movin’ train! Stop tryin’ to act so tough!”
“Get your hands off of me, Arthur Morgan!”
“Enough!” Dutch boomed, sending a wave of silence across the whole camp. It was only then that you realized everyone was watching you look like a fool. 
Arthur released you. The second he did, your weight was naturally distributed to both of your legs. You winced and lost your balance, using a crate by John and Abigail’s tent for support. 
Arthur flinched as if he’d catch you, but you caught yourself before he could come to the rescue. 
“Y/N, are you okay?” Dutch asked, a furrow in his brow. 
“M’fine.” You forced through gritted teeth. “Wish people would stop askin’ me that.”
“Looks like you got into a bad fight at the saloon and lost.” Micah commented. 
“I’ll fucking show you a bad fight, you fucking inbreed-,”
“You better watch your mouth-,”
“I might be torn to hell but I will beat your ass into the ground-,”
“Cool it, both of you!” John intervened, stepping in front of Micah. 
“You can barely stand on your own, and you’re covered in blood.” Dutch said.  
“S’not my own.” You muttered, but he didn’t bother to listen to you. “Least I don’t think it is.”
“We don’t need you dyin’ off from an infected wound, Y/N. If you won’t let Arthur help you patch yourself up, have one of the girls do it.”
You nodded, locking your jaw tightly. 
Hosea shooed everyone away, knowing very well you’d pick Arthur. You were thankful that he’d give you guys some privacy. It was hard when the only walls you had in camp were made of canvas. 
“Are ya gonna stop bein’ a stubborn ass so I can help you?” Arthur asked. 
You nodded, keeping your eyes down. 
He moved towards you, carefully scooping you up bridal style. You winced, eyes squeezing shut. The way you were moved created a sharp pain in your ribs. 
Arthur took you to your shared tent and sat you down on the cot. 
“Start taking off your clothes.” He moved away from you and began to unravel the sides of the tent to give you privacy. 
Your hands were too heavy. Your muscles ached. Even the thought of moving brought on pain. You knew very well you wouldn’t be able to undress by yourself. 
Arthur glanced over his shoulder to look at you and saw that you were just staring at the picture of his mother he had framed on the chest next to the cot. 
“Pumpkin?”
“Hm?” You didn’t tear your eyes away from the picture. He could see it in your eyes. You weren’t really there with him. You were in your head. Arthur let out a gentle sigh, rubbing the side of his head, and moved to kneel down in front of you. The movement caught your attention, drawing your eyes to him. 
You took in a little breath, straightening your posture as your eyes focused on him. 
“M’gonna go get some things to clean you up with. Get some of your clothes off so I can see what we gotta deal with okay?” His voice, though deep and rumbly, was sweet and gentle. “Maybe put on your little gown, okay? That way we can see everything without you bein’ so uncovered.”
You said nothing, but you kept your eyes on him, on his lips more specifically. He wasn’t sure if you were actually getting everything he was saying, or if you were still zoned out. 
“Can you do that for me, pumpkin?”
You nodded your head a little. 
He rubbed the outside of your thigh before standing up and leaving the tent. 
You watched him go and for some reason seeing him leave made your heart beat harder and faster. Tears stung your eyes and you quickly brought your hand up to wipe them away. 
The events of earlier that day flashed through your head.
It was supposed to be an easy train robbery. Dutch and Hosea had planned it out with Arthur taking the lead. You joined him with Lenny, John, Javier, and Sean. 
Everything went smoothly until another group of eight men on horses showed up with plans to rob the train themselves. And as luck would have it, you used to run with one of the men. He was anything but a nice guy and definitely not someone you wanted to run into during a heist. 
When Arthur returned to the tent, he found you sitting on the cot hunched forward with your head in your hands. You weren’t changed out of your clothes and it appeared that you were crying. 
He placed the bowl of warm water down on the chest by the cot and put the other supplies in his arms down as well. 
He knelt down in front of you, large hands wrapping around your wrists to pull your hands from your face. Your cheeks were stained with tears and your eyes were red. 
“Are you cryin’ cause I was yellin’ at ya?”
You shook your head. 
“Are you hurtin’?”
You nodded. 
“Where at, pumpkin?”
“Everywhere, Arthur.” You cried quietly. “I-I’m so-sorry.”
“Don’t start that now.” He shook his head. “Won’t do you any good to start apologizin’ while you’re upset like this. It’ll just make ya even more upset. Don’t want ya makin’ yourself sick. Now let’s get you outta these clothes.”
“I-I can’t-Arthur, I’m just-,” You couldn’t seem to form sentences even though you knew what you wanted to say. The adrenaline had worn off and you were exhausted. You just wanted to sleep, but you knew Arthur wouldn’t let you do that just yet. 
“S’alright, pumpkin. I’ll help ya.” He reached up and began to unbutton your shirt. 
You fell silent, sniffling every now and then. 
Once your shirt was unbuttoned, he carefully pulled it off of your shoulders. 
“Shit, Y/N.” Arthur cursed under his breath. With your shirt gone, the bruising on your arms and chest could now be seen. 
There were hand-shaped bruises along your upper arms and a few cuts on the back of your right forearm. Your chest had a long bruise across it too. It was an odd pattern and Arthur couldn’t figure out quite what it was. 
“I-I didn’t….” Arthur reached out to tentatively trace his fingers over the bruising on your bicep. “Did I….?”
“No.” Your voice was raspy. “That’s not from you. There was a man on the train. He caught me off guard. He’s the one who gave me a busted face.”
Arthur pressed his lips together in a firm line. You could see the anger festering behind his eyes. His large hand came up to cup your face, his thumb brushing across the corner of your cracked lips. You winced a little. He apologized softly. 
“What about the one on your chest?”
“There was another feller, he used a metal bar to clothes line me.”
He pulled his hand from your face, eyes lingering on the nasty bruise on your chest. 
“The second I got my footing, I put a knife between his ribs.” 
“That’s my girl.” He praised, making your heart race. 
Arthur reached around you to find the strings to your corset. With one effortless tug, the corset loosened and you took a breath. 
“I know you’re happy to be outta that.” Arthur tossed the corset to the foot of the cot. “Ya think you could stand so we can get your jeans offa ya?”
“I can stand on my right, but not my left.”
“I’ll be on your left. You lean against me. How about that?”
You nodded. Arthur stood up and helped you to your feet. You slipped an arm around his shoulders, grabbing a fistful of his jacket to brace yourself. He put an arm around you too. 
“How am I supposed to get my jeans off when I got one arm around you and you got one arm around me?” You asked him. 
He paused for a moment and you watched as he thought about it. 
“Well, I gotta hand and you gotta hand. Why don’t we use ‘em both?” He suggested. 
You giggled. 
It took some effort, but the two of you worked together to unbutton your jeans and get them down. 
Arthur nearly had a heart attack when he saw the cut on your thigh. How did he not see it before? 
“Jesus Christ, Y/N.”
“M’fine, Arthur.”
He got you into your nightgown and then sat you back down on the bed. 
He started with the thigh wound, cleaning the dried blood and then wrapping a bandage around your leg. From there, he looked down at your ankle. A bruise had already formed and around the joint was swollen. 
He sighed out, then turned his attention to the bowl of warm water. He dipped the clean rag into the water and rung it out. His eyes flickered up to your face. He paused for a moment. 
Your nose had been bleeding but now the blood was smeared across your cheek, dried. Bruising trailed from underneath your eye down to your cheekbone where a cut was from a fist. Your lips were busted and split open. The corners of your eyes were black and blue. Your nose didn’t look broken, so that was good. 
He let out another sigh. You knew he was trying to keep his emotions at bay. 
“I…. Arthur, m’sorry.” You whispered, your voice breaking from how quiet you were. 
He shook his head. His jaw ticked as the muscle tightened. He was gritting his teeth together. 
“How could you be so stupid, Y/N? Told you to wait for Javier or John. I knew there were men coming but you didn’t listen.”
“You would’ve done the same.”
“But I wouldn’t’a been thrown from the goddamned train.”
“You don’t know that.” You mumbled under your breath. 
Arthur took hold of your chin, turning your head so you had no choice but to look at him. 
“Don’t get that way with me, pumpkin.” He started to wipe blood from under your nose. “You could’ve died today. I…. I could’ve lost ya.”
You fell silent. 
He cleaned the blood from your face, using soft, gentle brushes with the rough rag. 
“Arthur? Y/N?” Mary Beth spoke from outside of the tent.
“It’s alright, Mary Beth.” Arthur dipped the rag into the water. “You can step in.”
You looked to him then down at his chest. 
“Just wanted to bring Y/N some supper. Thought maybe she’d be hungry.” Her eyes found you and she gasped softly. “Oh, Y/N. You….” She trailed off. 
“I’m okay.” You assured her, offering her a little smile.
“Thank you, Mary Beth.” Arthur took the bowl of soup from her and placed it down on the chest by the cot. 
“Is there anything I can do for you?” She asked softly.
“Get me some fresh water in this bowl please, would ya?” Arthur asked her. 
“Of course.”
As she slipped out of the tent, Arthur returned his attention to you. 
“The man who threw me over….” You started, but trailed off, unable to finish. 
“I’m gonna find him and kill ‘em.”
“No, Arthur.” Your eyes widened as you looked up at Arthur. “Please. You-You have to promise me never-to never go after him. I’m-I’m fine. Just a little beat up is all.”
Arthur furrowed his brows together. 
“Do you…. You know that feller, don’t you?”
“Used to run with him.” You answered quietly. “He’s not someone you play with, Arthur. He’s worse than Micah.” 
Arthur sighed through his nose. 
“And you didn’t think to tell me back there that you knew him?”
“It wasn’t really high on my list when we had fellers shootin’ at us, Arthur.”
He rubbed his brow.
“I know you’re mad at me.”
“M’not mad at ya, pumpkin. Just…. I was scared that I was gonna lose you.” 
You turned your head away from him but he wouldn’t let you look away for very long. With two fingers beneath your chin, he turned your head back to him. 
“When I saw you go over the side of that train, I-I fuckin’ lost it. Nearly beat the piss outta poor Lenny ‘cause he was in my way. Couldn’t get to you fast enough.” Arthur shook his head. He brushed a tear from your cheek. “When we finally stopped the train and I found you….” He trailed off. 
“It don’t matter now, Arthur. I’m here.” You reminded him, turning your head to kiss his palm. 
“Yeah, but that’s not the point, Y/N.”
“We got dangerous lives, Arthur. You can’t protect me from everything.”
“I can damn sure try.” He tucked a piece of hair behind your ear. “You mean the world to me, pumpkin. Ain’t gonna let shit happen to you. Even if that means I gotta stop you from doin’ stupid shit.”
You smiled a little, leaning forward to tuck your head underneath his chin.
Taglist:  @doggone-cowgirl @winterwolf @lauramb7 @caraqas @bluscryn @krenee1drful @zodiacaldust @nonodino @gabstaroc @cal-lifornication @thefirelordm  
If your name is in italics, it wouldn’t let me tag you :(
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babylooneytoonz · 3 years
Text
Defender - Geralt of Rivia x Fem! Reader
Summary: The first time Geralt sees you, you are defending someone else's honor. He likes it secretly but doesn't say anything. The second time he sees you, you are defending his honor, and he can't help but finally decide to talk to you.
Warnings: Just some fluff I wanted to try my hand at, and a lot of language warnings [Explicit language]
[ My Masterlist ]
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It wasn't unusual at this point of the hour for the pitchers of ale to keep overflowing as villagers prefered more ale than bread— your own bread lay untouched on the table in front of you, but the pitcher of ale was empty, not a drop of ale left for you to swallow.
"More ale?" The bard joked, as he sat down in front of you, teasing you with his own pitcher of ale that was brimming full. You took a glance at it, licking your lips in excitement, before you ghosted a look at him and squinted your eyes, glancing at him.
"I prefer getting my own, bard." You gave him a smile, far from tight-lipped, but distant enough for him to understand that you were not looking for something more than friendship. He smiled, batting his lashes as he eyed you through his blue eyes and moved to the other end of the tavern where his white haired friend who didn't like being addressed as his friend sat, and he was immediately greeted by his trademark grunt.
"I saw it, Jaskier." Jaskier couldn't believe his eyes, the Witcher was indeed smirking at him, without even trying to mask it with a veil of impassivity.
"Saw what?" Jaskier asked, now curious, as he leaned forward, letting his elbow rest against the table and brought the pitcher up to his lips.
"The great bard gets rejected." Geralt said in a low voice, his words ending with an amused scoff from his end and Jaskier opened his mouth, his jaw almost dropping.
"That wasn't— that wasn't rejection. I didn't even attempt anything with her yet." The bard protested, and Geralt nodded, amused as he brought up his drink to his lips and downed the contents of it in one go.
"Right, Jaskier. Shall we move on?" Geralt didn't even try to hide the amusement that he was feeling, feeling even more amused at the way the bard was handling the rejection, or whatever it was. But the fun was over for the night, and the two had to make a move as they had to get to the next city by before dawn.
The two of them tumbled out of the tavern, more like the bard did, swaying to his right and left as he sang a song that was now beginning to bring Geralt back into the sour mood he always was in, but he chose not to comment on it. This was more so because his eyes were fixed on a timid boy, not more than fifteen perhaps, as a man thrice his age stood towering over him, writhing in rage as he screamed at him, chastising him.
"Is that the kind of hay you decide to feed my steed? I paid you a satchel full of coin for this? Give it back, I say." Geralt was sure that the man was drunk, and this was one of the things he absolutely detested amongst the humans, the things they did under the spell of their drunkenness.
"But, this — this is the best hay we've got. What more can I possibly —" The boy tried to rationalize with him but Geralt could see it that the man was far from understanding. He thought of intervening, but then, he didn't want to start another fight. And then, there was the fact that they had to be in the next village by dawn or else someone else will put their hands on his bounty.
"You think you are going to get away with this, lad? I'm going to make sure you get thrown out. You don't deserve a single shilling—"
Geralt's eyes shone with a sudden anger, his nose twitching as he took a step towards the man the minute he grabbed the boy from his collar and yanked him away. However, before he could teach him a lesson, someone else had beat him to it.
"What do you think you are doing?" You stepped in at the exact same time, grabbing the man's beefy paw that held on to the scared boy's collar, your nails digging into his flesh that forced him to draw his palm away.
"This is none of your business, whore. Why don't you go back in and look for men who are actually interested in you?"
The look that you gave him was like death, your eyes narrowed dangerously as you began literally barking out at him.
"If you really cared about that steed, you would have stayed to ensure what he was being fed, but why would you? You were more interested in fillin' up that humongous belly with more ale. Trust me, that tunic looks like it won't be able to contain that belly much longer."
Geralt couldn't help but give you a side smirk as he moved on to pull Roach out of the stables, his back now turned towards the conversation that was playing out behind him. The boy had managed to escape and he rushed towards Geralt to assist him with bringing the mare out but Geralt stopped him, handing him another ten coins from his pouch.
"It's okay, boy. Go on home and have a nice supper tonight. You've earned it." The boy smiled wide, quickly pocketing the extra ten that he had earned, his excitement evident from the flicker in his eyes. He was about to run off when Geralt grabbed his arm lightly that forced him to turn back and look up at the white haired man. "Who's that, boy?" He asked, pointing towards you.
"That's [Y/N], the blacksmith's daughter. Her father's one of the best around here in Temeria."
"Hm," He watched as the boy scampered off, and he began walking away towards where Jaskier was already waiting for him, by the road, holding Roach's reins in his hands, when your voice reached his ears again, forcing his attention towards it.
"There you go. That's what you paid the poor boy, didn't you? Five coins? There's six in there. I added one extra. Now fuck off, and don't show your face around here, or the next time, I'm going to ask father to have your head with the next sword he makes."
Geralt turned around, watching as the grumbling man left, but you kept standing your ground, watching him until he was out of sight. You turned slightly, and your eyes met the Witcher's, as he was walking away, before you walked off again, paying no heed to him whatsoever.
"What took you so long?" Jaskier chirped, his lute held protectively at his chest like a cradled baby.
"Roach got a little too comfortable." Geralt replied, stroking the mare's side as the two started walking down the road that led to the outskirts of the village and Roach whinnied in protest, bumping her head against Geralt's side as if in her own language trying to tell Jaskier how blatantly the Witcher had lied and put the blame on her— a poor animal that couldn't speak.
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"Are we going through Temeria again?" Jaskier asked as the two of them entered the familiar city of Brugge again, just after a span of ten days. Both the men were covered in gore, but Geralt didn't seem to care. And Jaskier, he was too enraptured in watching the Witcher strike the Harpy right through her heart to even protest.
"Yes, Jaskier. I would really like a bath, I don't know about you." Geralt grumbled, in his low, brooding voice and the bard chuckled.
"What are you insinuating? You could have just asked if you wanted me to rub soap on your lovely bottom."
"Jaskier—" Geralt's dry warning was enough for the bard to shut up, only for a few seconds before he started blabbering on another topic instead. But lucky for Geralt, he had learnt by now the art of tuning out the bard when he really didn't want a headache.
The two of them entered the tavern, but Geralt frowned when they were not greeted by the ignorance that they had been greeted with here the last time he had stepped into this city. He frowned, pinching the bridge of his nose as he began to walk up to the owner of the tavern when three villagers stumbled towards him, blocking his way.
"What the fuck is your kind doing here again, eh? And fuck, you smell like shit."
The men sized up to the Witcher, glaring him in the eye. Maybe they were the dumbest people you had ever seen, from the corner where where you were sitting at, watching the scene unfurl, or maybe they were just too drunk to realise that the Witcher could snap their heads like a twig of a branch. And no one would even shed a tear for them. And rather, would be celebrating at the riddance the Witcher would have given them.
"Oh we don't mean any harm, we are just looking for rooms." Jaskier had only begin speaking, when one of the men cut him off.
"Brugge has no rooms to offer this mutant son of a bitch."
Geralt growled, his eyes sparkling underneath the lighting of the tavern, and eyed the other villagers looking at them, waiting for the Butcher of Blaviken to strike.
"Let's go Jaskier."
"But Ger—"
"I said let's go." The Witcher turned around, leaving behind him a patch of Harpy blood where he just stood seconds back, but someone grabbed his wrist.
"Jaskier, can you—"
Geralt snapped, ready to jerk his arm away and he angrily turned towards the bard only to realize that he was too far from him to have held his hand. His eyes fell to his wrist, noting the feminine hand that held him, fearlessly. He looked up to realize that it was you, [Y/N], the big mouthed, yet intriguing Ironsmith's daughter.
"Who decides that? The two of you? When you can't even see that you've so clearly pissed your pants?" Your bold words caused a sudden ripple of laughter to emerge through the crowd and the spectators who were just sitting a few minutes back watching the drama unfurl. This was the ficklemindedness of the human race, and wherever Geralt went, this ficklemindedness followed him. It was when a chuckle erupted from beside him from Jaskier that he realized that he had zoned out. The two men in their drunken state had indeed pissed their pants when they had been speaking to Geralt. Their faces turned a bright crimson, partly with rage, and partly with embarassment as they darted out of the tavern.
You let go off Geralt's wrist, slowly turning to him with a faint smile playing against your lips and nodded before you turned towards the owner, "Two rooms, Thiagu, on me. Can you get someone to draw their baths?"
"You don't have to be everyone's savior." Geralt finally spoke, breaking the silence between the two. You lowered your head, just to regard him better before your lips contorted into a jolly smile and you shook your head, "So you've heard about my tales. You can ask your friend to write a song on me." The two of you gave the bard a look who was already being escorted by the owener towards one of the rooms, as Geralt grunted.
"Your blood must be thicker than the rest, men seem to piss in their pants at the sight of you." He commented, and you couldn't help but snort this time.
"Nah, Witcher, that must be you. The saviour of the human race, the slayer of monsters and the man that makes another man piss their pants."
Before Geralt could come up with a reply, the owner of the tavern called out, informing the two that the room was ready and a bath for Geralt had been drawn.
"Well, Witcher. That's your cue. And mine as well. I've got to resume my nightly watch, you never know who might need me to save their honor."
You smiled, noticing how Geralt's eyes flew from your eyes to your lips, just for a split second before they fixed on your orbs once again. The Witcher smiled, and he swore to the Gods, if Jaskier had been around, he would have written a song on it, how a woman was able to make the brooding Witcher smile.
"If you need a new sword, or a new dagger, you know where to find the blacksmith, that's where you will find me." You smiled, unbeknownst to you that Geralt already knew who you were.
He was going to get a new dagger maybe, not because he needed one, but because Jaskier could use one, and then there was the fact that he was already looking forward to seeing you again.
"I'll take your leave now, Geralt. You really do need that bath." You winked, bowing in a dramatic way as you began taking slow backward strides towards the exit of the tavern and he kept looking at you, his mouth curved into a side smirk.
Before the next second, you were out of sight, and Geralt walked up the flight of stairs, following the owner of the tavern, and all he thought of was that he needed to convince Jaskier on how he needed to keep a dagger on him, for safety and protection.
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A/N - Ugh, well. I was gone for a while, but I thought I would write something and it's been ages. This is my first Geralt of Rivia work, and I would really love some feedback so I can aim to write more for this fandom in the future. 💗
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slutsofren · 3 years
Text
Danger Days Chapter 5: Skylines and Turnstiles
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summary:  arriving at the University of Eastern Colorado, things start pointing to an unwanted direction
warnings: little allusions to anxiety and awkardness, everybody is finally getting along (kinda), mild sexual tension,  reader is fucking horny
word count: 3,116
read on ao3 here / danger days masterlist
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You had been zoning out for about the last hour, only starting to pay attention as you saw the familiar red brick walls of the university. Joel had been droning on and on and on about football and the rules of the game, teaching it to Ellie and she lapped it all up excitedly. If there was one thing you had grown to love about the girl, it was her passion for knowledge, especially of the old world.
As they talked, you recalled your adventures the past month, thanking the stars it was a rather smooth journey to get here. The three of you only encountered one group of hunters that weren’t much trouble and they were rather well stocked on supplies and food, keeping you all fed for a few days longer.
The two horses were doing well too, the long trek didn’t seem to bother them as much as you originally worried. Made the journey much smoother and shorter than you accounted for. When you all left Jackson, it was only October, now it was maybe halfway through November. You were making pretty good time on your schedule. 
“I don’t see a glass building,” Ellie told you, pulling you out of your thoughts.
“We’ll need to get to the center courtyard of the campus. You’ll see it from there, it’ll look like a mirror made of glass.” You raised a hand and pointed through some buildings, vaguely gesturing the way.
You led them into an area of the campus that led to the science center. But Joel stopped you and dismounted, giving Ellie the reins, “Stay, Callus.” After a couple feet of walking away Joel asked her, “What kind of a name is Callus, anyways?”
He goes around, searching the area for either troubles or supplies, grumbling about the name Ellie gave the horse.
“Not my fault you forgot to ask Tommy his name,” Ellie jokes and jerks her thumb at you, “Or that she didn’t know it either.”
“Hey, don’t bring me into this, kiddo. I’m just buddies with my dear Whiskey here,” you pat the neck of the black horse. He gave a little huff beneath your fingers and shook his head, enjoying the attention. “Besides, Cherry is the only one able to tell the difference between all of them.”
Joel gives you a faint smile as he reaches for the bit on Callus, guiding him through a gate into the middle of the campus that you waited by.
After being in such close proximity to each other, the two of you began warming up to the other. Of course, you still chucked snide comments at him, often calling him an old bastard when he’d piss you off or do something snide. He would reply in kind, calling you a brat and threatening you to behave.
Needless to say, that awakened a little fantasy you totally didn’t need of the man, eliciting some rather vivid dreams when you slept. Hinting that maybe you were unfortunately in need of a good orgasm to get it all out of your system once and for all. Being out in the middle of fuck-all nowhere made that kind of difficult.The mental imagery alone kept you up most nights on your watch while you kept an eye out as the two rested. Regardless, Joel had been a gentleman towards you, apparently all that southern charm was genuine but he was still a broody asshole most days, never once hinting he saw you in such a way despite how often you’d catch him staring.
Ellie on the other hand, took to you rather quickly. She would ask you question after question about California, FEDRA, what to expect with the Fireflies at the lab, what you were like before the outbreak. She was intrigued about life pre-cordyceps virus, it was as if it was a fantasy to her.
Well, you admit, you supposed it was. She was born after the virus took hold, she never got to experience the things you and Joel did in the world before.To go to a zoo, a concert, gossip with friends about who likes who in school. The only thing she knew was to keep fighting, surviving, and running. Despite how cheerful and passionate she could be about her comic books or absorbing as much knowledge as she could, you were saddened that she never got the chance to be normal.
As much as you tried to keep some things private during her lengthy questionings, you knew her curiosity was blinding. She meant no harm, likely going to you for these questions seeing as Joel was completely shut off from his past, not that you blame him. You couldn’t imagine what he experienced from what Tommy had told you before.
Ellie looked around on the horse, “So, these places… people would live here and just study? Even though they were all grown up?”
“Yeah, study, party, and find themselves. Figure out what they wanted to do with their lives,” Joel replied. He let go of the leather strap and motioned for you and Ellie to stay where you were as he walked towards what looked to be like a loading dock and began searching.
She repeated Joel’s last sentence about finding themselves, possibly turning over the idea in her mind, after a few moments of silence of both of you watching Joel she turned to you, “Did you ever go to college?”
You shook your head, silently telling her no. “I was too young when shit hit the fan, but I would explore these buildings and take the books that were salvageable. Read them when I had the time. Tried to educate myself however I could.”
“What would you have studied if you went?”
“I don’t know,” you think. Suddenly you remembered some of your favorite books that you had stolen from these very buildings. “I really liked reading the history books that I found here. Maybe I would have done something with that. Or maybe,” you ponder, “maybe I wouldn’t have liked history if not for the whole world fucking ending.”
Ellie considers this for a moment. Then, from the corner of your eye, you watch Joel disappear behind a corner and you turn towards her, “What about you?”
Ellie scrunches her face in thought. “Art. Or maybe music. I like being creative.”
You smiled at the idea, “Ellie Williams: Comedian, Artist, Rock Star.”
Ellie smiles widely and the moment is cut short by Joel announcing somewhere above you. “There was a look-out here,” his voice calls down.
Both of you look up and see Joel leaning over a concrete railing on the second floor. “That’s a good sign,” Ellie says to him, then she looks at you and asks quietly, “Right?”
“I don’t know,” you answer honestly. You furrow your brows and begin to bite on your bottom lip, unsure of what to make of things. It’s unlike them to leave a look-out abandoned. Now that you’re thinking about it, you’re pretty damn positive you’d have come across somebody by now.
You try to get your facial expressions back in check, not wanting to worry Ellie or even Joel by making them feel like something is vastly wrong with how this looks. Before, when you were with the militia group, there were armed guards practically on every roof of this campus. They were always checking in with each other, making sure none of the infected or even hunters penetrated the walls. It wasn’t always secure or even practical, more lives were lost that way but it helped protect the lab.
You’re pulled away from your anxious thoughts as you spot Joel. He takes one last look around then comes down from the loading dock and gets back on the horse he’s sharing with Ellie and looks to you, gesturing his hand out in front of him. “Lead the way.”
You give Whiskey a little kick and he takes off, jumping over a concrete barricade then leading them up some stairs and under some ornate arches and pulling the reins to the left. With a motion of your hand you point to the science building in the distance, “There it is. The one with glass walls.”
Ellie looks over his shoulder and huffs a surprise, “It really does look like a glass mirror.”
Unfortunately there was a locked gate between the group and your destination. “Question is, how are we gonna get through here,” Joel thinks out loud.
After looking around it seems the only way forward is through the crumbling buildings. Joel dismounts from Callus once again and led you both through a broken wall on the left that led to the inside of the old library.
“How many people you think are there? Fireflies, I mean,” Ellie wondered.
“Reckon it takes quite a crew to run that operation,” Joel looks at you.
You nodded at both of them idly, “Yeah, when I was here we had at least a few dozen, maybe more. I kind of kept to myself.” 
“You think there’ll be other people my age,” she asked, not letting her eyes look up towards you.
“I do.”
The three of you approached another locked gate inside the building, essentially cutting off both the library and the rest of the hall you were in from each other. Joel pulled on the handle and it creaked open, Callus and Whiskey both shuffled and whined, making you and Ellie shift on them.
“Woah, woah, woah, what is it boys,” Joel tried to calm down the horses.
Your attention got pulled away when you heard a shriek and Ellie said, “Sounds like runners.”
Joel looked back behind him then forward at you, “Stay together. I’ll go check it out.”
“Joel, no wait,” you try to argue as you dismount but he closes the gate behind him.
“Stay with her,” he tells you. “I don’t want the horses or her runnin’ off again.”
You give him a hard look that he mirrors, neither one of you wants to budge but the look in his brown eyes make you waver, finally caving into his demand. “Stay alive, you stubborn old bastard.”
His lips twitch, hints of a tense smile wishing to creep on his face. He puts his hands up on a calm gesture as he removes his backpack, removing the shotgun from it and pocketing a couple extra rounds as he stands back up. “I’ll be right back,” he says your name softly, his voice deep and rich, “I promise.”
As he walks away, you inhale a deep breath and your heart is beating. You’ve come to hate it when this happens, not that it did much. Whenever the three of you found yourselves in a tight situation with the infected, you each carried on with taking them down. You hated this, hated that he felt the need to do this on his own.
It fuckin’ sucked waiting.
Just as you were working yourself up more, you heard five consecutive shotgun blasts. Then silence. Ellie must have noticed your worry because she announced loud enough for Joel to hear, “Hey, I was thinking… I would’ve wanted to be an astronaut.”
“That a fact,” his voice rang out in the distance, echoing off the library walls.
“Yeah, can you imagine being up there all by yourself? Would’ve been cool. I’m just sayin’.”
You opened up the gate, leading Whiskey inside the library, still simmering with whatever the hell you were feeling. Ellie trotted her horse past you to another gate, this one opening with a panel and leading back outside to the courtyard on the right.
Faintly you could hear presumably Joel starting up a generator three times and then panel next to the gate lit up. You pressed the button, opening it up then went back to Whiskey, jumping up into his saddle.
Joel came back down the steps and grabbed the reins to Callus and his eyes fell on you, “Told you I’d be right back.”
“What about you? What’d you want to be,” Ellie asked him.
Joel looked away, focusing on something in the distance as you all walked out the opened gate. He scratched at his beard and admitted, “Oh… well, when I was a kid I used to want to be a… a singer.”
You raised your eyebrows and gave a small laugh, Ellie did too. “Shut up,” she said jokingly.
“I’m serious.”
“Sing something”
“Ah, no.”
“Come on, I won’t laugh,” she begged.
“I don’t think so.”
You watched as they both bickered over this, Ellie even tried to pull you into the conversation, saying your name, “Come on, tell him we won’t laugh!”
“Maybe he can treat us after a successful creation of the cure,” you compromise. Joel turns to you and ponders.
“We’ll see.”
The three of you make your way down the steps, then turning to the left, continuing your trek to the science center. Ellie gets Joel's attention, “She said she wasn’t sure what she would have done.”
“Is that so?”
You shift your weight on Whiskey, “Yeah. I mean, I like history now but back then? I didn’t really have a plan after graduating high school. I didn’t really click with anything, y’know?”
He absorbs that information and ponders. “Yeah, I get it.”
The silence took over and whatever anxiety you had was lessening yet amplifying the closer you got to the building, still wary of the fact you hadn’t seen any sign of the Fireflies aside from the abandoned look-out. Joel got back up on Callus as you approached the center of the school and together with Whiskey, jumped over another barricade.
The view in front of you was a much larger campus courtyard, with a giant fountain in the center decorated with a statue in the middle of it. Ellie was the first to notice a small group of bright orange monkeys and cooed at them as they chattered and swung around the clearing.
“That was kinda awesome,” she said as they swung away into a nearby building.
You smiled at her reaction and asked, “First time seeing a monkey?”
She nodded and repeated, “First time seeing a monkey!”
Atop the two horses, you all keep looking around searching for a sign of life but finding nothing. Leading you all down another outside corridor. Joel offers, “Maybe these guys like to keep a low profile.”
Ellie, now sounding less energetic, half-heartedly agrees.You bank right, vaguely remembering where to go when she points to a wall to the left. “Hey, look. Fireflies.” When you turned to look, you noticed the old wall tag.
“Yeah, it was to help point the way to the building we were in, in case new recruits got lost or something like that,” you tell her.
You pull into another corridor that is also blocked with a gate. To the right of the wall is a painted sign, saying ‘disconnect generator when not on duty’ in bold white letters.
Together, each of you gets off Whiskey and Callus and attempts to lift the gate to find it won’t work. The damned thing wouldn’t budge. Joel grumbles, “Probably have to find the generator.” He walks to a barricaded doorway to the right and peers around it then kneels. “It’s gotta be through here.”
“Joel, you are not going by yourself again,” you tell him.
He looks over his shoulder at you and cocks an eyebrow at you. The two of you, once again, locked in this damned game. He sizes you up with an intense stare and he already knows he’s won. You groan loudly, “If you die in there, just remember I told you so, old man.”
“Watch Ellie, you damned brat.”
He turns and crawls under the barricade, giving you a bit of a nice show of his ass before entirely disappearing. You roll your eyes to yourself as you turn back around, standing near Ellie and the two horses.
“So,” she starts.
“So?”
“What’s going on between you and Joel?”
It was so unbelievably hard to keep your face in check, to keep your internal screaming from etching your facial expression. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Ellie.”
“You both look like you want to fucking kill the other in their sleep.”
“That’s because I do.” Amongst other things.
You cross your arms in front of you, mindlessly showing your defensiveness on the topic and definitely not trying to tell the obviously fourteen-year-old who has never had the sex talk about how your body is screaming with alarms to get dicked down by the first person you see. Mentally scolding yourself for your predicament. How dare he.
“That’s just Joel,” she says. “He’s always like that.”
“He needs to learn how to work as a team or else we’re all going to end up dead, or worse.”
Gunshots cut the conversation short, the two of you ducking close to the ground, both pulling out weapons. It was difficult to tell where the shots came from because the two of you were still in a tunnel but you whisper-shouted, “Joel!”
Nothing but eerie silence responded to your call, settling in your bones. It took everything you had in you to not bolt and look for the man but both you and Ellie looking around for any sign of him. “Son of a bitch, this is exactly what I was talking about,” you groan frustrated.
Seconds ticked by that dragged into forever-long minutes. You weren’t a nervous person on missions, always trying to stay hyper-focused but truthfully, you don’t know how you’d handle the return journey with just Ellie.
Before you could work the nerve to go search through the maze of dorms, Ellie notices him before you, “Joel! Are you okay? What happened in there?”
“More infected, I’m fine,” he shouts, exiting a door from the far left, as he runs over to where you and Ellie were standing still, waiting for him.
“Here - come open the gate!”
As Joel pulls the generator to the wall to plug it in, Ellie tells him, “Holy shit you’re lucky you came out of there alive. She almost ran in after you.”
Suddenly you felt like you couldn’t breath under your coat as you gave Joel a sheepish look. “I didn’t want to have to explain to Tommy that I got his brother killed, alright? Don’t let it get to your big head, cowboy.”
Joel raised a brow at you then grunted, resuming to kickstart the generator to power the gate. It came alive kind of loudly but you resigned, only to mount your horse again choosing to ignore whatever Joel or Ellie could be thinking.
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feralandmoonstruck · 3 years
Text
Prize
DNI IF UNDER 18
Warnings: Kidnapping, self harm, suicide attempt, doctor/hospital, blood
Word Count: 2,950
Fiora ran. Staccato hoofbeats pounded behind her the same rhythm as her heart trying to break free of her chest. An entire life spent watching the horizon for any sign of danger was being brought to heel in blood-churned mud beneath a hazy sky that stank of smoke and piss and death. An entire life spent in fear of Breschen soldiers pulled up short as a gauntleted hand snatched her hair and yanked her off her feet. Her scream choked off as her back hit the ground. The last of it exploded out of her, leaving her unable to breathe. Even dazed, she struggled to get back up. She needed to be faster. To outrun the nightmare playing out around her. Mud sucked at her skin. It made her boots slip as she tried to get her feet back under her. The foul mix of muck found its way inside her mouth and she gagged. Then she was on her knees again, about to push herself up and run, when the soldier’s hand clamped down on the back of her neck. Empty lungs took all of the strength out of her fight, but she twisted and squirmed nonetheless. The soldier was a mountain she railed against. He let her struggle for a moment before pulling her wrists behind her back and binding them with a rough length of rope. He looped a second rope between her hands, threaded it through a ring on his belt, and then secured it to the saddlehorn. He remounted and dragged her up onto the horse, situating her in front of him to keep an eye one her. He had come prepared. Fiora’s breath returned as they rode away from her village. She spat obscenities at him that were wholly ignored. It didn’t matter what she did, the soldier had won his prize.
It was three days of being tethered to horses and stakes and clinging to the other weeping women who had been taken before reaching the palace. The soldiers kept them on the edges of comfort. They were fed and given blankets and water. The men spoke to them with gentle words. They weren’t monsters. They didn’t mistreat the women. Life in Bresch would be better, they promised.
“Dracen,” the soldiers called the man who had taken Fiora. “Prince.” “General.” A Breschen prince had destroyed her home and her life. He had stolen her away from everything she knew and loved, and he had burned it all down to ashes. That callous destruction hardened in the depths of her heart, a seed watered with her tears. It would grow to be the death of one of them, Fiora did not care which.
Dracen’s hands were gentle but firm as he lifted her off his horse once they reached the palace stable yards. She squirmed and jerked against him, but she could have been a kitten for all that it mattered. He swung her into his arms. Fiora’s fight had all but gone out of her.
“Thank you, Andreas,” he called to the groom who held the reins of Dracen’s silvery-blue gelding.
“I’ll take good care of him.”
“I know you will.”
“Say something! Acknowledge me! Anything,” she begged.
Dracen continued to ignore her.
Another servant was waiting to open a door to the palace for their prince. They kept their eyes carefully averted as Dracen carried her inside and the door shut behind them.
The interior was blessedly cool after three days of stinking heat. Dracen’s chest was warm against her side. Fiora twisted her chin up and sank her teeth into his shoulder. He sucked in a sharp breath, freezing for a heartbeat. His forearm shifted against her back and then his hand was in her hair, wrenching her head away from him.
“That’s enough.”
Fiora sneered up at him. “I’ll never stop fighting you.”
Dracen looked down at her, his brown eyes softening at the edges. “It’s not sustainable, but I would expect nothing less.”
“You destroyed my life.”
His grip loosened on her hair, but he continued to hold it. A warning. He didn’t answer, just began to walk again, his boots ringing against the granite floors.
When they finally stopped, it was in front of a plain, unassuming door. He set her on her feet. One hand remained on her shoulder to keep them tethered. Always the subtle reminder of his strength and his power over her. “There’s no other way for you to view it, but know that this is better than death.” He opened the door.
The room beyond was empty, save for a small cot on the floor. There was only one window, far above Fiora’s head with no chance of reaching it.
“I wasn’t even given the choice. I would have chosen death.”
Dracen nodded, “I’ve no doubt about that. That’s why you weren’t given that option.” He walked her into the room. “Someone will be by with food and water.” He drew his dagger and sliced through the ropes binding Fiora’s wrists. Her skin beneath was red and scabbed. Without another word he walked out, shutting the door before she had a chance to bolt. A lock clicked. Fiora screamed, slamming her fists against the heavy wood. A cough choked her. It wracked her body to the point of bringing tears to her eyes. It’s not sustainable. Dracen’s words echoed in her ears. Every act of defiance had sapped the strength from her. Every scream scoured her throat raw. Every jerk and pull of her body wore down her stamina, making her ache more and more. She slid to the floor as the tears finally came.
The door opened, sending Fiora tumbling face first into the floor. “Oh!” came a small voice from above her. “Oh no! Are you alright?”
Fiora blinked up and noticed a servant with a guard standing over her shoulder. She rolled onto her back, forcing the maid to step over her. “I’m waiting to die.” The guard followed her inside and shut the door.
“I’m Lettie,” she said, ignoring Fiora’s comment, “and this is Milo. I’ve brought you some food and some water if you’d like it.”
“And I’m here to keep you from doing something destructive. Prince Dracen said that you’re a fighter.”
Fiora’s laugh was hollow as she picked herself up off the floor. “Your prince is a monster.”
Lettie gasped. “You shouldn’t say such things about the prince! He is protecting us all.”
“Protecting you maybe, but he doesn’t give a shit about Olerans.”
“How can you say that? He brought you here. Surely here is better than what you left.”
The words stung. “Give me the food.”
Lettie held out the tray that contained a thick sandwich and a cup of water. Fiora snatched the water first.
“Easy,” Lettie cautioned, “you’ll not want to drink it too quickly.”
“I know that.” Fiora grabbed half of the sandwich in one hand and sat down on the floor. She took a large bite as Lettie kneeled in front of her.
“If you’d like, after you’re done eating I can take you to the bathing chamber.”
Fiora looked up at Milo, “Will he be there?”
“I’ve no plans to watch you, but the prince assigned me to you. All the women brought back were assigned a maid and a guard. I’m to keep you –”
“From doing something destructive,” Fiora finished. She took another bite.
“We’re only trying to keep you safe,” Lettie said gently.
Fiora swallowed thickly. “Safe for what? What do they plan to do to us?”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know. We were only told to keep you safe and to take care of you as well as we could.”
“When can I see the others?”
Lettie shook her head. “I’m not sure of that either. We weren’t told much.”
Fiora sighed. “A bath would be nice.”
Lettie smiled. “We can do that.”
The heat of the water leached the ache from Fiora’s muscles. She was still sore, but it was better than she’d felt in days. She could barely keep her eyes open as Lettie and Milo led her back to her room. After three days of fighting and sleeping on the ground and being slung over a horse, the cot may as well have been a bed of the softest feathers for as quickly as Fiora sank into it and let slumber pull her down.
She awoke disoriented. Her throat was dry and raw and her tongue felt pasted to the roof of her mouth. She sat up, the memories of the previous few days returning in a hot rush. She climbed slowly to her feet and made her way to the wall. The first slam of her head against the stone sent pain exploding through her. She screamed. Blood poured over her lips. And then she was laughing and crying and screaming all at once. Death would hurt either way, but at least this was on her terms.
The door to her room was thrown open, and then hands were wrenching her away. Milo was shouting something, but she couldn’t make out the words. He dragged her out into the hallway.
“Let me go,” she begged. “Just let me do this!” Blood hazed her vision.
“Milo, let her go. She’s not an animal.” Fiora didn’t recognize the voice.
“Prince Dracen said I’m not to let her do anything destructive, and now look at her! We thought she’d be fine in an empty room!”
“Dracen,” the voice snapped, “is busy, and I’m telling you to let her go.”
Milo released his hold on Fiora, and she collapsed. The newcomer’s voice drew closer to her. “Hey,” he said gently, “are you alright?”
“That’s,” she choked, “a stupid question.”
He gave a soft chuckle. “I suppose it is. I’m Prince Viorel. Let’s get you cleaned up, shall we?” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.
Fiora groaned as she sat up and wiped the blood from her eyes. Her head throbbed.
“Milo, go find the physician.” Milo hesitated for a moment. “She will be fine in my care. Go.”
“You’re one of the girls Dracen brought back from Olera, aren’t you?”
“He should have killed us.” Even with her eyes clear, she still saw Viorel as more of an overlapping blur than a person.
“Perhaps, but my brother still has a soft heart from time to time. Do you want to die so badly?”
“Death is better than being a Breschen prisoner.”
Viorel frowned, his face duplicated. “And if you weren’t?”
“Unless you plan to send me home, I would still choose death.”
“Is there still a home for you to go back to?”
Fiora glared at him. It hurt to think. Before she could piece together an answer, the sounds of Milo and the physician hurrying to them echoed up the hall. Viorel drew back to give the physician room to work. He stood with Milo off to the side and they conversed in voices low enough that Fiora could not have heard them even if she were paying attention.
Once finished with his examination, the physician spoke briefly with Viorel then disappeared with Milo once more. Viorel returned to the floor next to Fiora. “You’ve got a concussion,” he said, answering her question before she had a chance to ask it. “And a broken nose. He wants to keep you for observation for a couple of days.”
Fiora spat air from between her teeth. “I want to see the others. The women your brother stole, I want to see them.”
“You’re in no state for that right now. Not to be rude, but you’re an absolute mess and you would likely only frighten them.”
Fiora tried to shake her head, but the movement set the room to spinning and she slumped sideways. Viorel caught her before she could hit the ground.
“I would like to stay with you, if that’s alright.”
“But you’re a prince,” she said.
“Fourth prince, but seventh child. There is little that is expected of me on a day to day basis.”
“Seventh?”
Viorel laughed. The sound was as rich as wine. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a reaction like that. But yes, seventh out of eleven altogether.”
“All from the same mother?” Fiora blinked rapidly as she tried to wrap her head around the information.
“Yes, surprisingly. I promise you can meet her and all of my other siblings.”
“If I promise not to die, right?”
“Death would make it a sight more difficult.”
Fiora let out a laugh that was more of a groan. “And if I don’t?”
“No one can make that decision for you, but I hope you would consider delaying it. At least for now.”
Milo and the physician returned again. A stretcher was held between them. “Ma’am,” the physician said, “we need to move you now.”
Fiora nodded slowly. They put the stretcher next to her and helped her to lie back on it. When they had her situated they lifted between them.
Viorel touched Fiora’s shoulder. “Would you mind terribly if I were to join you?”
“I suppose not. Not that I think you’d listen even if I said no.”
Viorel chuckled. “I’m not sure I would either.”
He followed them back to the infirmary, standing at the edge of the room while the physician and one of his aides moved Fiora to her bed and proceeded to run a series of tests on her.
The aide helped lower Fiora back on the pillows while the physician conversed with Viorel. When the aide kneeled and pulled leather straps from beneath the bed, Viorel stepped forward. "You're not restraining her."
The aide's eyes went wide. "My apologies Prince, but it's protocol for patients who pose a threat to themselves or others."
"And I'm telling you that you're not restraining her, protocol or no." The aide placed the straps back under the bed. "I plan to stay here for the night at least. If something happens, I assure you I will notify you. She's gone through unfathomable hardship, and I have no intention of leaving her alone."
"Fiora. My name is Fiora."
Viorel looked over at her, "I have no intention of leaving Fiora alone."
"As you wish, my prince." They retreated and Viorel dragged a chair up next to Fiora’s bed.
Her eyelids fluttered as she looked up at the prince. “Thank you for not letting them strap me down.”
“You’re not an animal, Fiora. Dracen should know better than to treat you as such. Any of you. If he planned to take you from Olera, he should have planned to make your lives here as comfortable and attractive as possible. Otherwise things like this happen.” He reached out and carefully brushed her blood crusted hair from her cheek.
“I’m so tired,” she admitted.
“No rest yet,” he said gently, “we still need to get you cleaned up.”
Fiora let out a slow breath. “You’re right.”
“If you will pardon me for just a moment.” He waited for her nod before stepping around the curtain.
She could hear his boots clicking through the infirmary, passing by the rows of empty beds. Her eyes flicked to the window above her, to the edge of the bed where she knew the straps lay just beyond her reach. She sighed. “You’re not an animal, Fiora.”
“Fiora? Fiora, wake up.” Viorel laid his hand on her shoulder.
She woke with a gasp.
“There you are.” He smiled, his cheeks creasing with dimples. Fiora stared at him, her eyes tracing the bow of his lips, the line of his nose, all the way up to flintlock eyes. “We’re going to get you cleaned up now, okay?”
She turned her gaze to the other person standing next to her bed. “Lettie, I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“I should have been there. This wouldn’t have happ–”
Fiora raised a hand to stop her. “There isn’t a single thing you could have done. I did this, not you.” The other girl’s face crumpled. “You’re here now, and so am I.”
Lettie nodded. “You’re still here.” She reached into the basin of water on the cart next to her, wringing out a rag before passing it to Viorel.
“Has anyone told Dracen yet?”
“Milo is looking for him, my prince.”
He nodded and bent down to dab blood from Fiora’s skin.
An aide swapped places with Viorel at one point so that he could go with the physician to speak with Dracen about the incident. That’s what they had begun calling it, “The Incident,” as though it was some unfortunate accident and not a deliberate act by Fiora herself.
Lettie and the aide, Caris, had washed the blood from Fiora’s hair and had her sitting up by the time Viorel had returned. wheeled the cart holding the basin and rags away for a final time. He waved Lettie out after them.
“You’re looking better already,” he said as he took a seat next to her.
“And you’re a liar. We both know what I look like.”
“You wound me.”
“How are the others? Did your brother tell you anything?”
“None with reactions so drastic as yours I’m afraid. Mostly weeping, from what he’s heard.”
“But they’re alright?”
“They are. It’s your turn next, if you think you can manage?” His words were gentle, no hint of mockery or reproach in them.
“I can’t promise that,” she whispered.
“I wouldn’t ask you to. This is something only you can choose. Until then, I’ll be here so long as you’ll let me.”
Fiora nodded. “I think I could do that. At least for now.”
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a-libra-writes · 4 years
Text
A Dragon’s Fire - Daenerys x Red Priestess!Reader
heyo! this was requested by an anon who originally wanted an assassin w fire magic, and i compromised w a red priestess who was an assassin but decided not to hurt dany (bc that seems neat!) but ive been in the shit this week so ... i wrote something fluffy instead. I know, im a big fail, lol. I hope yall enjoy it anyway
Summary: Dany has a big gay crush. That’s it, that’s the fic
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“Is she everything you hoped for?”
Y/N did not answer the man behind her. She focused on the flames in front of her, dancing in the brazier into familiar shapes. She had seen them for many years. It’s why she was chosen by the priests, and since the red comet fell from the sky, they whispered if she listened close. Here, in the dragon queen’s palace, she could hear the fire inside the dragons. 
The bear knight’s metal armor and annoyed tone was not enough to distract her. Y/N reached her hand into the fire, it shaped into a dragon that sat in her palm. She didn’t feel the fire, but her red silk sleeve was burning. 
Jorah disliked her silence, but he disliked many things about Y/N. When he first saw her fire tricks, he thought they were illusions, but the heat of them said otherwise. Then there was the first time she set upon Drogon…
He suppressed his shiver and set that memory aside. “The khaleesi wants to see you.”
Y/N closed her palm, and the dragon slivered out, flying back into the brazier. The flames glowed blue for just a fraction of a second. She waved her hand over them, and the fire smothered itself. Smoke rose out of the hot coals, but those too began to rapidly cool. 
She wondered if the knight was still unsettled by her magic. Even the khaleesi had moments of awe and uneasiness, although she was fond of watching. Y/N stood, her silk robes gently scraping the marble floor. Jorah was already walking away, and she made no effort to run to catch up to him. She knew where Daenerys was.
The chambers Daenerys set aside for her council was well-lit and had an impressive, engraved table at the center of it. Its legs used to be harpies made of carved marble and ivory, but she had them removed for dragons made of onyx and rubies. Y/N liked the change, and how they glittered in the light. Perhaps she was biased - her own ruby hung around her neck, although it was far larger and smoother than any gemstone Daenerys had seen before.
The girl’s purple eyes lit up as Y/N entered the room. Y/N couldn’t help but return the sentiment, giving her khaleesi a smile. She was pleased there was no one else in the council room. “You wished to see me, khaleesi?”
“Yes. Jorah, you may leave us.”
Jorah didn’t protest, but he did shoot Y/N a look before he left the room and closed the doors. Y/N noticed there were no Unsullied in the chambers, either.
“I talked to him about what he said the other day,” Daenerys said after a moment of silence. “Ser Barristan, as well. They don’t … In the Seven Kingdoms, your sort of magic is seen as a dream. Unreal.”
“As unreal as dragons?” Y/N tilted her head, and Daenerys tried not to focus on how her hair slid across her bare shoulders. When Y/N first entered her service, she wore modest robes that covered nearly every inch of her. Since then she had adopted a more elegant, free style, at Daenerys’ subtle suggestion. She was pleased with the result. 
Daenerys set her thoughts straight. “True. The reason I called you here was to locate Rhaegal. I haven’t seen him flying overhead in some time.”
“Nor have I.” Y/N touched the ruby that dangled by her collarbone. It was held with a simple gold chain, and anyone could have missed the way it seemed to flicker. It could have been a trick of the light, but Dany knew otherwise. “Would you like me to find him?”
Of course Y/N knew how to do that. She knew how to start and stop fire, how to dream about it, how to see into it. It was only logic that she could find it. She once told Daenerys that the dragons were beings of fire, swirling and living heat. She looked at them like …
… Well, not how others looked at them. It was hard to puzzle out Y/N’s expressions and thoughts. You could ask her something directly, and she’d have some sort of strange answer, or she’d just stay quiet. Daenerys could tell when Y/N was thinking something over, at least. Her pretty eyes would lower, and she’d touch that ruby - was it hot to the touch? It seemed like it - and she would be gone. Sometimes she stayed very still for hours, staring into fire, or staring into nothing.
But she’d always have an answer eventually.
Daenerys’ knights warned against Y/N’s counsel, telling her not to listen too closely to the words of a strange woman of a strange religion. Even Missandei had commented on the followers of Rhllor’s intent to convert King Robert and other places, and the strange magics they could possess. They warned her as if she did not know how to think for herself.
It upset her, but Y/N took such words in stride. She often seemed to know what others thought and said about her, and she did little to stop it. Missandei had warmed to her, Ser Barristan did not think she was any real threat, but Ser Jorah remained unconvinced and wary. Grey Worm did not like talk of magic or priests, but he had no real ill thought of Y/N, and Daario liked to ask her all sorts of ridiculous questions for his own amusement. 
“I have found him, khaleesi.”
Daenerys couldn’t believe her thoughts had drifted again. Y/N often had that effect on her. “Where? Can we ride to him?”
“We could. He is in no danger, he is simply occupied with…” A soft smile came to Y/N’s red lips. “Something he has not seen before. That’s why he’s been away.”
“What could possibly interest him for that long? He’s been gone for days.”
“Shall we find out, your grace?”
Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah would warm her against this, ask her to take one of them or the Unsullied on the trip. Grey Worm would ask to escort them, Missandei would worry and send guards after them anyway. Daario would want to come along. Daenerys looked to the open, blue sky. There was still plenty of sun left.
“Let’s be quick,” She said, already giddy even if they hadn’t stepped a foot outside of the palace yet. “Missandei will keep them busy. Do you want to share my horse?”
Y/N was not an adept rider, but she still said, “That is alright, khaleesi. I can ride my own.”
Daenerys tried not to feel disappointed.
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The danger outside the protective walls of Meereen was real, but Daenerys comforted herself with the fact that Drogon and Viserion often flew about these hills, and no one had seen them leave. Y/N said it would not take long, that they’d return toward the end of sunset.
Why do I keep believing her? Daenerys asked herself. She glanced aside, watching the woman reposition her reins. Her normally serene facade was broken everytime she rode a horse. She was not afraid of the creatures, but she had only recently learned to ride, and the beasts weren’t always fond of her.
“If you keep moving like that, you’ll make him nervous,” Daenerys said. “There’s no need to clutch the reins so tightly, either.”
Y/N nodded, and tried to relax her posture. Luckily, she picked an agreeable horse. Daenerys recalled the saddle sores and aches she received when she learned to ride. Her handmaidens gave her a balm to ease the pain. Maybe she could find that for Y/N.
I’ll ask someone to deliver it to her. I couldn’t give it to her myself - no, who says I can’t? But what would she think…
It was hard to tell exactly what Y/N was thinking, but sometimes she slipped, like now. Her brows were slightly furrowed as she righted her posture, and once she was satisfied with it, she kept glancing down at the ground, or at the horse’s ears. Y/N pet his soft neck, then slowly reached up to scratch between his ears. She jerked her hand back as her horse shook his head and made an annoyed sound.
“He didn’t like that,” Daenerys laughed, and it was adorable how Y/N gently laughed, too. She was usually so subdued, so quiet, so … what Daenerys used to be. 
“But his ears are so cute,” Y/N went back to petting his neck, which he much preferred. “Doesn’t it make you think of a cat.”
“No, not at all.” 
“Not even a little? There were some strays I’d feed at the temple. Their ears would twitch when I came by. They could smell the food in my pockets.”
Sometimes Y/N would speak of the temple she grew up in, or the other Free Cities she had travelled to, the friends she had known. Perhaps if she showed this side to the others, they would trust her more, but Daenerys was happy to have it to herself. 
The grass thinned and made way for rocky hills and in the distance, orange and yellow canyons. The sun was beginning its descent, and soon the sky would match those oranges and yellows. Y/N stopped her horse. 
“We can walk from here. Do you hear him?”
Daenerys stopped her own horse and listened. There was the slightest breeze, some distant bird calling, the sound of her horse’s nicker and … 
She shook her head. “If he’s close, we would have heard him by now.”
Y/N dismounted with some inelegance, but she fixed her clothes and just smiled. “Maybe you will when we get closer.”
They tied the horses to one of the few trees in the dry area, and Daenerys followed Y/N’s lead. 
It could be a trap. She could have men waiting there, or there could have been someone following us …
The thought was fleeting, and Daenerys fell in beside her. They both changed to more practical clothing, but Y/N still had a shimmering red cloak tied around her shoulders. As they walked, Daenerys began to hear something strange. It was faint, but as they came closer…
“Water?” She looked at Y/N.
Y/N’s sweet lips curled upward. She often smelled of smoke and spice, and Daenerys wondered if she tasted that way, too. 
They came to the edge of a small canyon, which could be better described as a deep ravine. Water glistened at the bottom of it, and more importantly, the deep green scales of her dear Rhaegal. He lifted his wings high and water spilled on his back.
“What is he doing?” Daenerys asked, but she was answered just a moment later. Water spewed up from the ground in a huge geyser, all at once, and Rhaegal happily opened his mouth and snapped at it. The water fell in thick droplets all around the dragon, the ravine and the two of them.
Y/N pulled her red hood over her head. Daenerys wiped her brow. “You didn’t tell me to pack a hood.”
“Apologies, khaleesi.” Y/N giggled. She peered downward. “If we’re steady, we can walk down to him.”
Rhaegal’s long tail lazily swung back and forth in the water. He was resting, and it only submerged his arms and legs, but he was content. Daenerys noticed all the charred bones scattered around the ravine. She wondered how much was in the water. Her feet found stability, and she carefully followed a natural, steadying path downward. Y/N was just ahead, although she wasn’t as confident in her descent.
They came to a small landing and had to stop there. The rest of the way was simply too steep. Rhaegal seemed to just notice them then, and Daenerys’ heart swelled as her child lifted his head and gazed at her with his sharp eyes. They weren’t merely brown, but bronze, with all the steadiness and strength that metal held. She touched his nose and muzzle, marvelling at how much he had grown. 
His eyes quickly flashed toward Y/N, and Daenerys felt his growl vibrate underneath her hand. She frowned and quickly said, “No.”
She remembered Y/N’s first encounter with Drogon. That was also the day she had taken the strange, beautiful priestess into her court.
Just like with Drogon, Y/N showed no fear. She stepped forward, but she didn’t make an attempt to touch the dragon. She lowered her hood, and Rhaegal’s long, black pupil tightened.
Daenerys felt the heat of his breath as he snorted through his nose. She tensed, forcing herself to stay calm as she repeated her order. “No.”
The geyser blew again, and Daenerys didn’t flinch. Rhaegal watched it rise in the air, then pulled away from his mother to open his jaws at the water again. His black teeth glittered in the setting sun.
Daenerys looked to Y/N. The priestess was so calm and steady, so unaffected … except Dany caught how her shoulders sagged in relief.
“He isn’t like Drogon,” Daenerys said, remembering that day. “He wouldn’t have hurt you.”
Y/N replied simply. “Drogon did not hurt me.” 
Had you been any other woman, he would have killed you. Except ... 
It took days for the servants to remove the char marks on the marble, and some of the melted pillars were still being repaired. Daenerys was half tempted to leave them like that, as a warning to any potential enemies, but it was unsettling to think it may have been Y/N that was burned away.
Except, she didn’t. Her red robes and long hair did, but her necklace and body remained unharmed. Daenerys and her court watched as the fire arced around her, singing away everything but skin and metal, and that ruby she never removed. Y/N looked Drogon straight in the eyes, even as they were obscured by his fire. 
His temper always was the worst. She had done nothing but approach Daenerys too quickly. Jorah was the one who pulled her back behind one of the pillars, and Daenerys remembered how the heat licked her arms as it tried to reach around the marble. Daario had pulled Missandei to cover behind the other pillar. 
Drogon almost never came to the palace, he always wanted to be in the sky, yet he came down on that day. And when the fire cleared and the floor was charred black except for a small circle … He stood back, and Y/N still looked at him. She only trembled slightly. 
She isn’t any other woman.
The geyser blew again, and rained down upon them. The water’s heat didn’t bother her, but all the dust from the ride was stuck to her skin, and the water didn’t clean it off. She had dust in her hair, too, and probably some stray pieces of grass. 
She smiled. It had been some time since she was properly dirty after a ride, and she looked forward to a perfumed bath and brushing her hair when she got back. Daenerys glanced to Y/N, who was occupied with watching Rhaegal. She also had dirt on her cheeks and neck, and some in her hair, and maybe if she wanted a bath afterward, too…
Daenerys reached forward and tried to rub some of the dirt off her cheeks. It didn’t work, but Y/N’s pretty eyes went wide. She didn’t pull away. “Khaleesi?”
Daenerys stepped forward, gently moving her palm so she had Y/N’s whole cheek. Just as she thought - as she dreamed? - the priestess’ skin was flushed and warmer than anyone she’d touched before. 
“You can say my name,” Daenerys said. She tried to tease, but her beating heart and their closeness made her breath catch. She thought Y/N was wearing color on her lips, but perhaps they just always looked like that? 
“Daenerys.” Y/N tried it out, and the dragon queen felt like a girl again, feeling her heart soar at hearing her name on those lips. She leaned in, bringing Y/N closer to her. Their foreheads brushed, and the warmth between them turned to heat.
A piercing roar broke through the sky, and cut straight between them. Daenerys recognized the sound at once, and it distracted her as Y/N jumped away. The woman’s cheeks were as red as her cloak.
Above them, Viserion broke through the clouds and bellowed down at his brother. The first cry was for Daenerys, and the second was probably a command for Rhaegal to move aside. The green dragon made room for his brother, and the water reached the top of the ravine as Viserion splashed straight into it. Y/N pulled Daenerys back before the muddy water could splash all over them.
Daenerys was far too overheated and flustered, and the sight of her children amusing themselves only gave her a little relief. At least Rhaegal was alright. 
Y/N had pulled her hood back down, and it was a shame. At least her lips were still visible through the shadow, although looking wasn’t as good as tasting.
“We’ve been gone for a long time. Let’s ride back.” Daenerys led the way out of the ravine. Y/N said nothing until they were back to the horses, who were understandably spooked from the dragon that flew overhead not fifteen minutes ago. Y/N held her horse’s reins and tried to soothe it, and Daenerys helped, touching the priestess’ hands perhaps more than was needed. 
Y/N didn’t pull away, and that gave Daenerys the courage to kiss her cheek. The soft dyed linen brushed her own cheek, and she caught a whiff of perfume.
The priestess giggled, and it was a better relief than the breeze that was slowly blowing across the hills. “Please, Daenerys. I’m covered in dust.”
“I am, too. Let’s wash up when we ride back - together?”
She caught Y/N’s bright eyes under the hood, and they sparkled as she blushed and tugged the hood further down. “Yes, that would be lovely.”
So it was decided. By the time they reached the gates of Meereen and entered the Great Pyramid, Y/N had dropped her hood and her easy, serene face had returned. She disregarded the suspicious looks, she gave an easy nod to Missandei, who returned a tentative smile. As far as anyone knew, Y/N’s mind was wrapped in her usual visions and prayers.
Until Daenerys brushed her dirty hair aside and smiled at her, then Y/N’s cheeks blushed and her eyes widened in that adorable way. She let the khaleesi take her hand, entwine their fingers, and guide her to the great baths. Y/N’s red cloak fluttered behind her, drawing attention to them. Some Unsullied guards probably saw, and surely others, but Daenerys didn’t care. 
She’s like fire, and I am a dragon - how could she bring any harm to me?
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mortedeveles · 3 years
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BEAST. [Halloween Week] [P.2]
Summary: Throughout the years you’ve known Bakugou Katsuki, he’s never celebrated Halloween with you. This year seems to be an exception, and you’re not sure if it’s a good or bad thing. One day at a scare house unravels the secrets of the friend you’ve been pining after for months, and you experience horror and fear like never before. 
THIS IS PART 2. FIND PART 1 HERE: BEAST P.1
PLEASE CHECK OUT MY OTHER HALLOWEEN WEEK FIC HERE: TILL DEATH DO US PART. 
HALLOWEEN WEEK MASTERLIST! 
Pairing: Werewolf! Bakugou Katsuki x fem!reader
Theme: Horror, fantasy, halloween, quirkless!au. [HALLOWEEN WEEK] [ONE-SHOT: PART 2] 
TWs: description of graphic violence, fighting, cursing and blood. 
Word Count: 3K (aprox. 3026 words)
A/N: Hey guys! Here’s the second (and final, until stated otherwise) part of BEAST! With this, I’ve concluded my part in Halloween Week! HOWEVER, please continue supporting the event and my fellow writers with REBLOGS, comments and likes!
If you enjoy this, please support me with REBLOGS, comments, follows and likes!! 
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''Ka-Katsuki,'' your lip wobbled as you spoke. ''Are you still in there?'' 
The werewolf bared its teeth, growling lowly. Your heart raced as you weighed your options.
I need to get away from him. But if I run, he'll overpower me. Beads of sweat dripped down your forehead.
Wolves live in packs. They work with one another. Maybe, he'll still recognize me...?
With a hard swallow, you rose from the ground. Bakugou growled and his body tensed but made no attempt to rip your body apart.
''Hey,'' you said softly, slowly reaching out a trembling hand. Bakugou growled loudly, saliva dripping from his fangs. You swallowed.
Wolves can smell fear.
Straightening your posture, you licked your lips as you forced yourself to stop trembling, and stared at Bakugou at his eyes. Time seemed to slow down as you did so. Your movements were impossibly slow, sluggish and at any moment, you could make a mistake. 
''It's Y/N. You remember me, big boy?'' Slowly, you stepped closer, keeping your hand outstretched.
Surprisingly, the werewolf only grunted in response, watching your every move.
''I'm your friend. And you can be a gremlin sometimes, but you won't hurt me, right?'' 
You reached the beast. Your hand brushed against Bakugou's head, softly petting the fur. His chest rumbled and slowly, his body relaxed.
But just as the storm had calmed down, it picked up at full speed. A few feet away, you heard a howl from the bushes, followed by loud growling and the rustling of branches. 
Bakugou immediately tensed, pushing you a few feet away and snarling towards the source of the noise. His fur tips stood up, claws gleaming in the moonlight, his beastly eyes swarming with bloodlust. 
You fell to the ground- again, and staggered backward, fearing what was to come. In a blink of an eye, a large, lean werewolf leaped out of the bushes and tackled Bakugou to the ground. 
A flurry of snarls, growls, and yelps filled in the air and for a second, Bakugou's eyes met yours. And they weren't pitch black, but the shining red you loved. As he yelped, you swore you heard his voice intertwine with the whine, yelling at you to leave. 
Nearly tripping on your own feet, you raced out of the forest, even as you heard Bakugou yelp. It made your heart squeeze from the worry, but all you could think about was escaping the forest.
Branches scraped your arms as you ran through the forest, and you nearly wept out of joy when you left the trees behind and stepped onto cracked concrete. 
Your foot slapped against the road as you raced further away from the forest, following the road signs until you reached a familiar looking neighborhood. Home.
You don't remember how you must've looked as you arrived home, with scratches and scars, twigs and branches in your hair, and a look of absolute fear on your face, but surprisingly, your parents weren't home, so it was one less problem. 
Since it was the weekend, you had been planning to sleep in all day and try to recover from whatever the hell happened yesterday. The images still flashed in your mind, all of them blending together- the scare house, Bakugou's horrific transformation, the gruesome fight. Your stomach wouldn't stop churning.
Around the afternoon, the doorbell rang. You heard your parents shout and fight earlier, but ultimately left around ten in the morning. Groaning, you buried your face deeper into the blankets, deciding to ignore whoever was at the door.
But then the doorbell rang again. And again, and again, until it kept ringing consecutively for minutes.
''Go the fuck away!'' You shouted from your bed, hoping it would reach the stranger's ears.
Maybe it did, but they didn't care. The doorbell continued ringing, and you buried your mouth in a pillow and screamed into it.
After a few minutes, you regained your composure and went towards the front door. Surprisingly, they were still there. You froze when you met familiar red eyes. 
It was Bakugou. He was holding an orange plastic bag in one hand, his other scratching his neck nervously. When he saw the door swing open, his eyes widened for a second.
''Hey.'' He said gruffly. Even as he retained his cool and careless composure, you could see the sweat trailing down his forehead, and his left shoe tapping the floor anxiously. There were some stitches and bandages on his face that weren't there yesterday. 
''What- what are you doing here?'' You asked, wondering whether if this was the end of your friendship or not.
Bakugou swallowed. ''We need to talk.''
You bit the inside of your cheek before reluctantly nodding.
''Okay. Come on in.''
                                    ─── ・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚. ───
''What do you remember?'' Was the first thing he said as the two of you sat at the dining table.
You snorted, tapping your fingers on the table. ''Bakugou, I was scared, but I didn't go into a coma. I remember...everything.'' You swallowed thickly. He remained silent. You pressed your lips in a thin line.
''What...why didn't you tell me about it before?''
He scoffed dryly, raising an eyebrow in amusement. ''Wouldja have believed me if I did?'' 
You shrugged, before pondering it for a few moments. ''Yeah, you're right. That was a dumb question.'' 
Katsuki chuckled, before shoving the mysterious object in front of you. 
''What is this?'' You questioned as you examined the bag.
''It's for you, obviously.'' His snarky comment made you smile.
When you opened the bag, your smile grew wider. It was hundreds, if not thousands of candy, the type you'd get after trick or treating at dozens of houses.
''Look, I know... yesterday didn't go as planned, a lot of weird shit happened, and I'm sorry.'' 
You giggled. ''You don't say?'' The blonde snorted and rolled his eyes. 
When he moved, you noticed how he softly winced and clutched his ribs. Your eyes widened and you leaned over the table to examine his face and chest.
''Oh god. You're hurt from yesterday, aren't you?'' 
Bakugou shrugged you off, avoiding your gaze. ''It's nothin'. Just got roughed up a bit.''
You frowned, rising from your seat and walked towards him, grabbing his face in your hands. You didn't notice how his face went warm.
''This is my fault,'' you murmured, brushing your thumb on his cheek.
''If I hadn't suggested going to that stupid scare house, you would've been at home, you would've been safe-,'' You stopped when Bakugou's hands reached for yours and wrapped around yours.
''Shut up, dummy.'' He furrowed his eyebrows. ''It's not your fault. If I hear you blame yourself one more time, I'm going to smack some sense into you. Got it?''
You laughed softly. Between soft laughter and comforting words, you hadn't noticed how close you'd gotten to him, or how easily you'd slid onto his lap.
''Bakugou...it doesn't matter. You're hurt. Let me help you.''
''No.'' His tone was firm and for some reason, angered you. ''I'm fine. Just fucking drop it.''
''No, you drop the act,'' you snapped back. ''Can't you just let me help you?''
The blonde's face hardened. ''I hid this from you for years, because it's not fucking safe for you. This is my shitty problem, so stop nagging.'' 
You slipped out of his lap, crossing your arms over your chest. ''Bakugou, even if I wouldn't have believed you, you could've told me. Look, I don't know how this works, but I could've been there for you. I could've helped.'' 
He growled and rose from the chair, meeting your determined gaze.
''No, I don't need your fucking help. I'm fine.'' 
Maybe it was his constant refusal, or yesterday's events, or the screaming match your parents had in the morning, but you lost it. You lost the reins to your control and exploded. Grinding your teeth together, you rose from his lap and stepped back. 
''You're fine?!'' You shouted, slamming a fist on the table. ''Bakugou, you're a werewolf for christ's sake! And I didn't even know until yesterday! You got hurt yesterday, you need help!'' He scowled and opened his mouth to protest, but you raised a hand.
''No. You listen to me, Bakugou Katsuki. You kept this secret for me for years, and who knows, you might be hiding something else!'' You cried out, rubbing your forehead.
''Don't you trust me?! I've been in love with you for so long, and-,'' A sudden warm and soft pair of lips pressing against yours froze your sentence midway.
Bakugou's hands slid to your hips and you quickly melted into the kiss, looping your hands around his neck. He pressed you closer, lips dancing and communicating in a way neither of you could do verbally.
''I'm sorry,'' he said breathlessly. ''It's so hard for me to say this but fuck- I'm sorry. I know that you're going through a shitty time and this isn't helping.''
Both of you pulled away, chests heaving and swollen lips.
''Shut up,'' you murmured as your hands tangled themselves in his spiky blond hair. ''Shut up and kiss me again.''
Bakugou was quick to comply with your wishes.
                                         ─── ・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚. ─── 
Who knew that an angry discussion would end out in a makeout session, followed by the official start of your romantic relationship with Bakugou Katsuki?
''Oi, Y/N,'' Bakugou knocked on your open door as he stepped inside your bedroom. You beamed and greeted him with a kiss on his cheek, to which he replied the same. You grinned when you saw his face redden.
''Glad you could make it. I have your costume here!'' You rushed to your closet, but Bakugou held you back and squeezed your arm. You raised an eyebrow.
''What is it, Katsuki?'' 
He scratched the back of his neck, before revealing a neatly wrapped black square. 
''I...'' He cleared his throat, averting his gaze. ''I got you something.'' 
Your heart softened. ''Oh, you didn't have to get me anything. What did you get me?''
The blonde placed the wrapped black box in your hands and shoved his hands in his pockets. He didn't respond and instead walked over to your bed and sat on the edge.
''How the fuck am I supposed to know?'' He snorted. ''It's yours, so fucking open it.''
His crude language made you snicker. You took a seat next to him and began to unwrap it. Your jaw slackened as you pulled out the brand new, expensive-looking dress and black, sleek, and shiny cloak.
''I saw that your costume...got turned to shit. So you can use that one, I tried to find the same dress.''
Shocked, you remained silent for several minutes. The dress looked far more expensive than your original one, with richer colors and fabric, as well as the cloak.
Bakugou shifted uncomfortably and you heard him scratch his neck. ''Or not. Do whatever the fuck you want with it, I don't give a-,'' You didn't give him the time to finish his sentence as you launched yourself on him, wrapping your arms around him in a tight hug.
''Thank you,'' your voice was muffled by the blonde's chest. His body stiffened by your embrace, but slowly, hesitantly returned your hug. 
''Tch. It's-it's not a problem.'' As you hugged him tightly, Bakugou was vaguely concerned whether you'd hear his racing heart, somersaulting, and fluttering at your proximity. 
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, the two of you pulled away. You quickly shooed Bakugou out of the room to dress and prepare your costume. Once you were done, you opened the door and allowed him inside once again.
''Alright, you ready to go?'' He gave you a once over and his face slightly reddened. ''You-you look good. Let's go.'' Katsuki grabbed your hand, but you stepped back.
''No!'' You said with a mischievous grin. ''You're dressing up as well.'' 
His eyes narrowed and he shook his head. ''What? Of course not. I'm not taking part in this shitty holiday.'' 
You gasped, grabbing ahold of him and pushing him down on your bed.
''It's not a shitty holiday. Now hush, while I find the perfect costume.''
The blonde grumbled and complained loudly, but made to attempt to leave. 
''You have to do this,'' you said as you fussed in your closet, digging and searching through years worth of clothing.
Bakugou scowled. ''Tch. Out of all the things you want to do, trick or treating is the most important one?'' 
You quickly turned around and beamed in agreement. ''Yeah! Yesterday was weird, to say the least,'' He snickered in response. ''But today will be different. We're going to go trick or treating, and you're going to enjoy it.'' 
The blonde huffed and smirked as he watched you move back and forth in your closet.
''Aha!'' You grinned as your hands wrapped around the year-old ears, collar, and tail, and pulled them out of the basket. Alongside, you picked up the other part of the costume, folded neatly into squares. 
''Here's your costume,'' You shoved them in Bakugou's outstretched hands.
''You've gotta be fucking kidding me.''
You cackled at his stone face. ''I'm not. Now hurry up, I want to see how you look in them.''
With a loud, animalistic growl, Bakugou marched out of your room and locked himself in the bathroom. You couldn't stop giggling as you heard him curse and mutter while dressing. 
Once the door swung open, you sat upright on your bed and waited with expectant eyes.
Bakugou marched into your room with a sneer. You nearly squealed in delight. He was wearing a pair of dark brown wolf ears, a red collar with some loose chains, a long olive green parka that was ripped at the edges, a plain white teeshirt, loose jeans, and a dark brown tail attached to his behind to top it off.
You clapped your hands slowly with an everlasting grin on your face.
''You look... divine!''
Bakugou sneered. ''Out of all the humiliating costumes you could've picked, you decided to go with the most ironic one, didn't you?'' He huffed, before shaking his head and sliding his hand into yours. ''Come on dumbass, let's go trick or treating.'' 
With an excited giggle, the two of you left the house and stepped outside. Houses were decorated with Halloween objects, orange, purple, and yellow fairy lights, hanging ghosts and skeletons, and the wealthier ones had impressive equipment such as a groaning zombie android. 
Children of all ages shuffled past you, in a swarm of hundreds of colors and costumes, each of them running toward houses with an incomparable amount of passion and excitement. You heard squeals, giggles, laughter, and the often ''Trick or treat!'' 
''C'mon, let's go!'' Tugging Bakugou forward and your orange pumpkin bag hanging on your other arm, the two of you raced forward.
Hours went by as you walked house from house, and your bag grew heavier with every house you visited. Bakugou would barely speak when approaching a house and resigned to keeping watch over you.
''Come on, Katsu, you have to enjoy the night!'' You complained as the two of you strode to a small park, deciding to take a small break and sit on the swings.
''I am.'' He replied dryly and you sighed, shaking your head.
''How much candy do you have?'' He opened his bag of candy. It was only a fourth of what you had collected. 
You clicked your tongue. 
''We can't take a break, you need more candy.'' Bakugou shook his head.
''No, I need a break from hearing those screaming brats,'' he grumbled, throwing his head back. You laughed softly.
The screams and squeals of children were distant, and the wind softly blew past you as nearby crickets chirped. Some people lingered by in the small park but weren't too close.
''You're such an old man,'' you teased with a playful grin.
Bakugou growled. ''Fuck no! I am not-what the hell?!'' Shocked, the two of you glanced back, only to see a small pomeranian dog growling, teeth clamped around Bakugou's green parka.
''You little shithead!'' The blonde growled. He abruptly stood up and attempted to grab the parka, but the dog was persistent. It growled loudly, tail wagging as it tugged at the parka.
You sputtered out a loud laugh, eyes wide as you watched the bizarre interaction. 
''Fuck off!'' Despite Bakugou's aggressiveness, you noticed how he made no attempts to harm the dog. 
''Oh my god! I'm so sorry!'' A squeaky voice interrupted your observation and you watched a young girl dressed as a bee rush forward, quickly picking up the biting dog in her arms.
''Fucking control your dog!'' Bakugou snapped as he brushed his parka. ''I don't want to see this shit again.'' 
The girl swallowed before nodding and running off. You sighed, shaking your head in disapproval.
''You could've been nicer to her, she's just a kid.'' 
The blonde grunted. He sat back down on the swing. 
'Whatever. Next time.'' You snorted. 
''I understand why the dog went after you, though.'' Swinging back and forth, you grinned at Katsuki. He raised an eyebrow, unamused. 
''One dog recognizes another, don't they?'' His eyes widened and before he could get his hands on you, you giggled and raced off, leaving the park and Bakugou behind you.
''You little sh-HEY! Get back here, Y/N!'' You laughed loudly as you raced past crowds of children and decorated houses. Just as you thought you had outrun him, a pair of strong and heavy arms wrapped around you and turned you around.
Smiling sheepishly, you looped your arms around Bakugou's neck. His vermilion eyes were still blazing, but with a playful look.
''Getting cocky now, aren't you?'' He smirked, hands grabbing your hips. You tilted your head to the side with a small smile.
''Maybe.'' 
The blonde snorted. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against yours until they were completely pressed together, chasing after each other.
A loud ''Eww!'' broke you apart and you stifled a giggle as Bakugou glared down at the child who had interrupted your moment. The child quickly scrambled away. 
 You smiled, brushing your nose against Bakugou's.
''Happy Halloween, Katsuki.'' 
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PLEASE SUPPORT ME WITH REBLOGS, LIKES, FOLLOWS AND COMMENTS!!! 
If anyone’s interested in seeing BEAST extended (this is the final part), send me an ask or DM and I’ll see what I can do! 
TAGLIST: @sandwichez01​ @ur-local-simp​ @moonri3e​ 
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batgurl1989 · 3 years
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A Wolf In Toussaint Chapter Three
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Summary: After being summoned by the Duchess, you and Geralt head to the Palace of Beauclair with some trouble on the road.
Word Count: 2120
Warnings: spoilers for the Blood and Wine DLC
A/N: I know this is so soon after the last chapter, but I was too excited not to post it. Taglist is open, requests are open.
Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five
Taglist: @rmtndew @henrynerdfan @princesssterek @seanh-boredom @djinny-djin-djin @diegos-butt @cynic-spirit @daddys-littlewhitegirl
"Younin! Watch out!" Geralt growled a warning at you as you dodged a stream of caustic acid an Archespore shot at you. Where Igni hadn't scorched the ground, the large plant-like monsters' poison had. Geralt slashed at one of the large plants, trying to sever it's head.
You tried to stay to the edges of the battle zone, drawing on the smoldering embers for power as you kept fire shooting from one hand at the plants. You didn't have any silver weapons on you, which would have to be remedied as soon as possible. You knew Geralt was worried about you, and that was causing him to be distracted. It had only been a few days since you woke up, and this was the first time you had had to fight since the bandits on your way to Novigrad. You knew it was a risk to draw on the fire, as it was the hardest element to control, and the chaos was weakening you at an alarming rate. But right now, you didn't need to control where it went as long as you aimed wide of where Geralt was.
"It's multiplying!" You called out over the din of the fighting. Buds were springing from the ground. Though these weren't full blown monsters yet, the vibrations of the fire and the fighting were agitating them. One burst close to you, spitting acid in all directions. A droplet landed on your boot, sizzling as it ate through the leather. "Shit!"
Geralt was by your side in a flash, pulling your boot off before the acid could make it to your skin. His eyes met yours for the briefest of moments, concern and something else flashing in the golden depths. You nodded that you were alright, and he was gone again. He swung his heavy silver sword deftly into the monster, his energy seeming to have jolted back to full now that you had come close to being hurt.
Turning your attention to the buds, you carefully stepped further back, out of range of any shooting poison. With your boot off, the rocky ground bit into your sole, but you couldn't think about that now. As long as you avoided the acid pools, you could handle it. Eyeing up the buds that seemed ready to burst, you unleashed a stream of fire, using all your concentration to aim true. The blooming plants burst into fire, sizzling as they wilted to the ground, their poison remaining inside and lighting up with the petals.
Your head snapped around when you heard hissing and squealing. Geralt had slashed through the bud that served as the monster's head, ending the monster's life, and stopping it from creating more buds. He carefully wiped his blade off before returning it to it's sheath alongside his steel blade.
With laser-like focus, he stormed over to you, his hungry eyes raking over your body in such a way that your breath caught in your suddenly dry throat. The tip of your tongue darted out to wet your lips, his eyes tracking the motion like a starving animal. You heard a low rumble deep in his chest, and it set all your nerves on fire, ready for him.
When he reached you, he pulled you roughly into his arms, his mouth covering yours with such force your teeth clacked against his. A long low moan escaped you as you pressed against him, desperate to get closer. The adrenaline from the battle still coursed through both your veins, and it needed an outlet. His hands spanned your back, pressing you tightly against his armour, his fingers gripping the linen shirt you wore for the road. You clutched the grooves of his armour, standing on your toes to kiss him deeper, your tongue delving into his mouth to tangle with his own.
His hands travelled lower, gripping your arse before he lifted you off the ground. Instinctively you wrapped your leather bound legs around his waist, your arms going around his neck to steady yourself. With one arm banded under your legs, his free hand dove into your hair, pulling it free of the ponytail you had tossed it into. Your red hair caught in the breeze, fluttering around both your heads in a curtain of fire, blocking out the world.
You pulled away when breathing became a necessity, resting your forehead on his. His golden eyes searched yours, but you didn't know what he was looking for. You breathed deeply his scent, the adrenaline leaving your system, and your nerves calming. This man drove you wild and seemed to centre you. It was a complete whiplash effect, and had your head spinning, but you wouldn't give it up for anything.
"I suppose we should find the horses?" You whispered, not wanting to destroy the mood of your little world. Geralt chuckled softly, before kissing you all too briefly one last time. Slowly, he let you slide down his body until you were on solid ground again. As your foot hit the rocky ground, you remembered you only had one boot on. "I don't suppose you packed extra boots in my size?"
"Sorry, it was a vast oversight on my part." Geralt shook his head, going to retrieve your boot. He examined it quickly to make sure there was no acidic poison left on it, and to make sure the hole hadn't ruined the integrity of the boot. "You should be able to wear it until we get to the city. I promise to buy you a new pair."
"You don't have to do that. I can buy my own." You blushed as you sat on a nearby log to pull your boot back on. The hole wasn't any larger than the size of your pinky nail, and as long as it didn't rain, you would make it to the city. "Could we also stop by a blacksmith, and see about getting me a silver sword or at least a dagger?"
"Of course." Geralt nodded, offering you a hand to help you up once your boot was laced again. You took his rough hand, but didn't let go once you were vertical. He raised his eyebrows at you, but a small smile played at his lips, and his grip tightened around your fingers. "But first, horses."
It didn't take you long to find the horses. They had run off at the first sound of trouble, but these were Toussaint horses, and were used to being ridden into battle, so they hadn't gone far. They were munching grass as though bored, which you couldn't help but laugh at.
"Dandelion is bringing Roach and Marabelle when he comes down. He sent a letter while you were sleeping." Geralt explained once you were back on the road to the Palace of Beauclair.
"So the King let him go?" You were surprised that you hadn't been worried about it until now. Sure you had been busy being captured and then healing and regaining your strength, but your friend's well-being should have come to mind before now. You mentally kicked yourself for being so selfish. "Do we know yet what went wrong?"
"From what Yen could figure out from her sources, the King of Beggars is either working for someone who wants you and he was delivering you to him, or he was trying to get you away from the person who wants you." Geralt fought hard but ultimately failed to keep the edge off his tone. You weren't the only one jealous of an ex. "One day, you will have to tell me what he means to you."
"If that's what you really want." You had nothing to hide, and if Geralt needed to know for his own peace of mind, you wouldn't keep that from him.
"I'm not sure that it is." Geralt grumbled, adjusting the reins in his hands. "But it might be something that can give us a clue as to what just went down."
"Perhaps when we get back from the Palace, we will have time." You nodded. You knew how hard it was to ask about an ex, and if Geralt wasn't sure he was ready yet, you weren't going to push it. The King meant literally nothing to you other than as a friend, but you weren't sure Geralt would believe that without hearing the rest of it. "So is there anything I need to know about the Duchess?"
"Other than she likes things done her way and quickly, not really." Geralt shrugged. To him, the Duchess was no different than any other client, other than she had the army to back up her demands while farmers and villagers barely had the coin to get his services in the first place. "She can run a little hot and cold, but that depends on how grave the job is. If there is no job, she is actually quite pleasant to be around."
"Oh?" You raised your eyebrow at the Witcher, your voice dripping with unimpressed sarcasm. Knowing him and his past, there was only one conclusion that jumped out at you after what he said.
"Not like that, I swear." Geralt laughed deeply, warmly, in a way you rarely ever heard. Then his face grew serious. "Her sister, however..."
"You're joking! You have to be!" You blinked a few times, trying to wrap your head around the fact that he slept with the Duchess's sister. You were pretty sure she was dead, but didn't know if Geralt had a hand in that or not. "Are you joking?"
"I don't kiss and tell." Geralt winked at you but remained silent. Frowning you tried to think of a way to get him to talk, but knew that once he set his mind to it, there wasn't much you could do to change it.
"Fine. Keep your secrets." You mock pouted, turning back to the road ahead. The palace and the sprawling city across the river from it had come into view, and it took your breath away with its beauty.
"Like nothing up North, isn't it?" Geralt commented, watching you take in the fairytale-esque scene in front of you. The towering palace with its spires and arching bridges. Tall trees and rooftop gardens painted the scene with every shade of green. The lake shone like a fiery sapphire as the sunlight reflected on its smooth surface.
"Definitely not." You couldn't tear your eyes from it as you continued to ride towards it. You didn't remember making the decision to kick your horse into a gallop, but sound the wind was whipping through your loose hair, pulling it behind you as you raced toward the city. Geralt kept pace with you, smiling as the joy inside you bubbled into laughter at the freedom you felt in that moment.
At the city gates, you slowed your horses. Unlike in Novigrad, the guards at the gate were mostly there to keep the peace. No one was checking papers, or questioning anyone about whether they were magical or not. Everyone was free to roam in and out of the city as they wished. The atmosphere was completely different than what you were used to, and you felt almost giddy about it.
As you rode through town, your head was constantly swiveling to take in the sights and sounds of the lively city. Artists advertised their skills and their work outside brightly lit shops. Bakers were rushing to keep up with the demand for their pastries. Florists boasted about the colours of their most recent blooms, ready to steal the hearts of those who received them. Fresh fish was brought in from the river, the catch of the day being shouted to draw in more customers. There were few street walkers and even fewer homeless people. The cobble streets were wide and clean, nothing like what you were used to in Velen.
Geralt watched you with an amused look, indulging you when you wanted to stop to watch a street performer either sing or dance. He handed you coins to give to them when the performance was finished as you clapped loudly. Your heart sang out in happiness that he was showing you this part of his world and his life. You could see yourself easily settling in at Corvo Bianco, making wine, traveling to the city when you wanted to take in some art and culture. You found yourself wondering if Geralt would ever retire from the Path, and settle down here for good. But you shooed that dark cloud away before it could rain on the brightness of your day. You didn't know what the Duchess wanted, and that was as much darkness as you wanted right now.
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silkylious · 4 years
Text
Funny Way of Saying I Love You (Dabi x Reader)
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Pairing: Dabi x Reader Warnings: angst(i have an addiction i swear), fluff Prompts: #9 “That’s a funny way of saying ‘I love you’” and  #16 “When have I ever let you down, babe? Okay, don’t answer that”
A/N: Thank you for the request! im taking my time writing these since im physically incapable of writing drabbles. I hope you like this!!
Shutting the door behind you, a soothing dusk breeze fluttered your hair as you moved farther away from your daily hell. Your boss had made it a point to be a pain in the ass today, well, more so than usual. Working overtime on a Friday evening wasn’t what you’d hoped to be doing but you couldn’t exactly complain, it wasn’t like you had anything planned and the promise of an extra paycheck didn’t sound displeasing. Rubbing your temples to ease the headache (courtesy of your boss’s incessant bitching), you walked on autopilot to your apartment, you couldn’t wait to treat yourself to a bubble bath and maybe even some wine. Little did you know that your plans would be thoroughly ruined by a certain scarred villain.
You made the decision to pass by a nearby convenient store that wasn’t too far from your residence to cop some snacks. Filtering through the brands of alcohol, you grimaced at the overpriced tags of the various red wine brands, you settled for some cheap liquor with a sigh. It ain’t much but it should do the trick. After paying for what little stuff you’d fetched, you continued on your trek to your humble flat. The sun had completely vanished from the sky, a lingering crimson bleeding into a rich indigo. Your thoughts were so spellbound by the beautiful sight, that you just barely heard a strained grunt from your left. Blinking back into reality, you halted in your steps right next to a comically shady alleyway. Just like in those horror movies. You snorted at the thought, briefly comparing yourself to that one character who always dies first in movies. Though your internal jesting was cut short when the same sound propagated through the alleyway again, this time much more haggard, closely followed by violent coughing. Against your better judgment, you treaded forward cautiously. Why were you doing this? You weren’t sure. Maybe it was the unfulfilled dream loitering in the back of your mind resurfacing after many years of suppression, but you couldn’t not help someone out in a time of need.
The deeper you ventured into the alleyway, the louder your rationality shouted, begging you to turn around and book it to your apartment complex. You were stopped in your steps when an aggressive cough broke the quiet, the sound now impossibly closer and blood splattered all over the ground before your feet. Your eyes followed the vermilion trail, skinny legs covered in bloodied up, skin-tight jeans came into view, you were met with familiar scarred features. His eyes were struggling to stay open, though at the sight of you he forced his lids apart, flashing you a bloody, half-pained smirk, red liquid running down his scarred tissue.
You blinked. Dabi blinked. You blinked again and then-
“What the shit, Dabi! Are you okay?!”
You dropped to your knees next to his limp body propped up against the shaggy wall. He gave a humorless chuckle, more blood oozing out of the corners of his lips. Dabi hummed when your hands touched his fucked up face, your quirk already pacifying most of his pain. It wasn’t a healing quirk, you were simply able to transfer emotions, feelings and sensations (to and fro) with skin on skin contact. You didn’t want him knocking the fuck out from sheer pain (heaven knows there is no way you were going to lug this human heater home), so you had to ease him a little before tending to his injuries. Your body twitched as the hurt from Dabi’s body merged into your own.
“I’ve seen better days, sweetheart,”
“You don’t say.” The words came out harsh, reprimanding. Dabi winced, from the pain or from your tone, he wasn’t sure.
The plastic bag that had been temporarily abandoned came in handy, you sorrowfully used the liquor to clean the large gashes on his abdomen (not wanting to risk an infection on the way to your complex), wrapping them up securely with scraps of his shirt. So much for a relaxing bath and liquor. You heaved him up on semi-steady knees and took a different, more desolate route back home. The last thing you’d want right now is for authorities to see you walking an injured Dabi, one of the most wanted villains in the current climate, home. He leaned most of his weight on your shoulder, his shit-eating grin told you he was doing it on purpose. You couldn’t find it in you to retaliate as you usually would, too worried to come up with any snarky comments.
This had become way too much of a ritual for your comfort. You’d find him bleeding by your doorstep at ungodly hours, silently asking for shelter. Each and every time, you’d patch him up, provide him with food and your company. You’d grown attached to the scar faced male, and even if you disdained his line of work, you’d respected his life and independence (as independent as someone who crashes on your couch near daily can be). For the past couple months, his tasks had been getting progressively more and more dangerous. Your heart couldn’t help but clench each time you saw him beaten and bruised. You knew it was risky letting these feelings develop, Dabi had made it quite clear that your relationship was nothing beyond physical, with a level of mutual respect and trust.
But this was the worst condition you’d ever seen him in after one of his missions. Not too dissimilar to the first time you met; bloody, bruised and half-conscious, truly a sight to pity. You’d noiselessly knelt down, pressed your hand onto his cheek, he hadn’t even been able to flinch at your touch, too disoriented to react properly. Though in mere moments, he began feeling the pain ebb away; the injuries were still there, he just couldn’t feel them, he equated the numbing sensation to painkillers and drugs. His eyelids parted, revealing gorgeous teal irises. Full of ethereal beauty, despite being unfocused. You had to actively shun your quirk from relaying your attraction to him as you soothed his pain, his staples and marred skin a stark contrast to your soft fingers. That night you gave him a place to stay while he was on the run, you didn’t know why, but you did. Just this one time you’d said. One time became two times. Two times became countless and the rest is history.
The apartment door was slammed open, you were beyond irate. The more you thought about him, his situation, your situation, the more you felt the urge to knock shit over and scream bloody murder. Turquoise hues followed you with contempt – and mild amusement ­– but mostly contempt. Dabi took his usual spot on your worn-out couch, while you stomped your way into the bathroom to get a first aid kit. With your absence, Dabi was left to his own thoughts running amuck. Dabi wasn’t oblivious. He knew what your silence meant, knew what the look of unbridled worry in your eyes implied. Yet he didn’t want to address the less than subtle growing feelings you have for him. Attachment in his line of work was a surefire way to get hurt, he figured that if he kept whatever relationship you guys had physical, he wouldn’t have any issues to fuss over. But he couldn’t lie to himself, Dabi was conscious of the budding adoration in his heart from the moment you helped him out that first time, in that filthy alley. God, he needed a cigarette.
Much to his pleasure, you came back before his mind could implode in on itself. You sat beside him on the couch, leaving more space between you than usual. Without saying a word, your hands undid his makeshift bandages, slowly but surely patching him up an inch at a time. It honestly felt like a routine at this point. That prompted a sour taste in your mouth, you couldn’t stand how careless he’d been recently, and it was eating you up inside. But you didn’t dare voice your concerns, not wanting another aimless argument with him. If silence would save you another headache inducing fight, then silence it was–
“So, you gonna tell me what crawled up your ass?”
Or not.
“Shut. Up.” You weren’t in the mood for his quips today. Fatigue from work, babysitting a villain and dealing with unrequited feelings severely fouling your otherwise warm attitude. You were just on the brink of throwing caution to the wind and letting loose all the muffled feelings you have for him. One more comment and your composure would shatter. Conveniently – or not so conveniently, he seemed to be in a talkative mood tonight.
“Seriously, what’s up with you?” The question was redundant, he knew exactly what was up with you, but he couldn’t think of anything else. Your quietness was killing him. He had to say something. He should have chosen his words a little more wisely though.
“What’s up with me?! Are you being fucking serious right now?! I come home and almost every day find you bleeding on my doorstep. Almost every day I give your reckless ass a place to stay, only for you to go and get yourself hurt again!” Pent up rage exploded from within you, an amalgamation of emotions gushing out of your pores. His eyes blew wide, not only because he had never seen you this angry, but because of the surge of emotions flooding him. In your fury filled stupor, you’d let go of the tight rein you had on your quirk. With a hand still touching his bruised forearm, you began unintentionally bleeding your feelings into him. Rage, sorrow and worry were just a few of the many emotions that rocked his being. But one stood out among the rest, outshining the others with blinding ferocity. And it honestly scared him, how powerful it was, zapping through his body. He figured you had feelings for him, that much was obvious, but he didn’t think they were that strong. Your breathtaking emotions awakened something in him too, pulling it out of the depths of where he tried to hide it, push it down in hopes of abolishing it.
It was too much to handle this, he kept coming back for help when he could easily seek any of his colleagues out, the implication that you meant something to him was so elating yet so damaging. It kept you stuck in place, barred from shutting him out or walking away. You couldn’t keep hanging onto the hope that he might reciprocate your love. It was harming you, no matter how sensuous he was in bed, no matter how gently he held onto you afterwards, he would never call you his lover. He made that crystal fucking clear. You had to put a stop to this. You leveled your shaky voice as much as your vocal cords would allow, barely whispering.
“Get the hell out, Dabi. I don’t wanna see you here again.”
The emotions sifting through him mellowed out, no longer was rage at the forefront. Pain, hurt and heartbreak ravaged him. But that one emotion was still there, despite him being a gaping asshole, it was still present. He smirked.
“That’s a funny way of saying ‘I love you,’ doll.”
“Wha–“ Before you could question his response, he swiftly captured your lips in his own to shut you up. It was a quick, firm peck, but its aftermath amused him greatly. The look of bewilderment on your face was damn priceless. You were, again, transferring your feelings to him. Adoration, confusion, the overwhelming urge to pimp smack him; it was all too entertaining for him. His vibrant teals settled upon your hand still gripping his arm. No fabric to separate them. Your own eyes followed suit. Oh. You immediately stopped your quirk, redacting your palm in the process for good measure. Dabi delighted in the bashful look that overtook your face, his own growing soft. He had trouble accepting his own feelings, but after experiencing yours, he would, at the very least, try for you. Awkward silence ensued. You both knew it was his turn to talk, to finally let out the unsaid words you’d been longing for.
“(name), I… I wanna do this right, take you out on dates and shit,” He cleared his throat. “If you’d let me.”
Your answer came in the form of a crushing hug. Your love was pouring into him again, this time of your own accord. You held onto each other, his hands biting into your skin, your own carding through his dark locks. You didn’t need words. Figuratively and literally. He felt everything in bright, flashing colors, he never wanted this moment to end. But it did. His phone rang.
Clear annoyance shined in both of your eyes. With a heavy sigh, he left your embrace, getting up to answer the call.
Another mission.
With the very recent revelations both of you had come to, the idea of him going on missions carried a lot more weight than it used to. Now in front of your apartment door, he put on his shoes, ready to head out to the League’s hideout. Dabi turned around, breath hitching when he saw you standing there frowning, eyes tearful. For some reason, you had a gut feeling this mission wouldn’t be so easy. You didn’t want him to go. And it was showing.
“C’mon, baby doll. Don’t give me that look. I’ll be back, I promise,” When you didn’t even crack a smile at the nickname he sighed. “When have I ever let you down, babe?” He quickly backtracked. “Okay, don’t answer that,”
You managed a small giggle, shaking your head. You approached him slowly, silently wrapping your arms around him. You relished in his quickening heartbeat. Pulling back, you placed your hands on his clothed shoulders. You edged forward, puckering your lips against his own, the point of contact allowing you to relay your inner turmoil to him. Your hands itched towards his face, fiddling gingerly with the multiple staples aligning his cheeks. “Come back, okay? I love you.”
Breath caught in his throat, Dabi tried to push the words setting him aflame through his lips, but he couldn’t. This was happening too fast; it was giving him whiplash. He didn’t know how to say those words yet, so he opted for calling out to you.
“(name)…”
Without even using your power, the conflict in his eyes told you everything you needed to know. you pushed your forehead to rest against his. His love burned through you, so intense, so like him. With a tiny tug at your lips, you lulled the raging storm in his mind. “Shh, Dabi. I know.”
With a parting peck, he was out the door. He didn’t know what was to come out of this mission, but he did know that he now had one more reason to come out alive.
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fyregrayfong · 3 years
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In These Arms | Chapter 15: The Red Lotus 
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CW: Blood and violent fighting
Lin looks over the injured men and women resting while you and Su check on the officers. Kuvira helps Tonraq down and walks him over to the injured as you bring over medical supplies. “Your arm is pretty beat up” you comment as you hand Kuvira the bandages “It could’ve been worse”. “Hold on, Kuvira you got him?” you look over at her and she nods as you excuse yourself to help bandage another officer’s ankle.
“You look pretty beat up, y/n” Iris voices out nearby as you turn your back away from her and focus on the ankle “Nothing I haven’t dealt with before. I’m fine” you mutter as you hear a shrieking noise and turn toward the sound. What the fuck is that god awful noise . Su stands up and points to the sky and your eyes follow her glance “Caw! Caw! Caw! Caw!” Lin turns around and looks up “Caw! Caw!” a baby bison rapidly descends down to the ground “Caw! Caw!”
The bison lands and skids along the grass, exhausted. Bolin is thrown off from the crash landing. The poor calf whines and Asami gets off as well. The four adults, you included, run up to the group and you grab hold of Asami “You good?” you ask as you check her over, and she nods.
Mako and Lin help Tenzin disembark from the calf's back while Su helps Bolin up as the kid airbender starts to talk “Hey, everybody. There's something I gotta tell you.”
Lin cuts him off and looks at the teens “How did you guys make it out of that temple alive?”
“It was all Bolin. I thought we were done for. Then out of nowhere, he lavabends!” Mako looks over at Tonraq then at Bolin
“Well would you look at that!” you smirk as Su rests a hand on Bolin's shoulder “I knew you had the potential for something big. You just had to believe in yourself.” Bolin smiles widely at Su,
“You're right. Being moments from death was a pretty good motivator too. Of course, we never would have made it back without Kai.”
Kai smiles “Glad I could help. So anyway-“
“--Did Zaheer get away with Korra?” Tenzin interrupts and you notice Kai frowning, you purse your lips but continue on listening to the conversation.
“I'm afraid so.” Lin laments and Su remarks as everyone turns to her “Apparently, he can fly now.
The crew and Tenzin, Asami, and Bolin raise their eyebrows with surprise “What?”
“How?”
“Are you sure?”
Lin looks over at Tenzin “I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it for myself.”
“I thought the ability to fly was impossible or just some story.” you look at Tenzin,
“I've heard the legends about Guru Laghima's ability to fly. But I never imagined they were true.” Tenzin looks down, worried about Zaheer’s new ability.
“So what's our next move?” Tonraq asks around the group and no one says anything, unsure on how to proceed.
Kai gets off his bison and walks up to the adults “I have an idea.”
Lin sharply talks to Kai “Not right now, kid! We need to figure out where Zaheer took Korra.”
“--And find the airbenders.” Tenzin adds to which Kai is not amused.
You slightly lean over at Kai and whisper “if you want them to listen you gotta say it with your chest, kid” Kai looks at you and nods then irritably yells out “That's what I've been trying to tell you! I know where the airbenders are, and I bet it's where Korra is too!”
Mako looks at Kai and frowns “Well, why didn't you say something?”
Kai frowns and gives a frustrated sigh.
“I mean you guys never gave him a chance. Kept talking over the poor boy” you purse your lips as everyone glares at you and you fold your arms shrugging.
“Where are they? How did you find them?” Kai turns his attention to Tenzin as the baby bison walks up to Kai “After I got blasted out of the sky, I woke up on the side of the mountain where this little fellow found me.” Kai rests a hand on the calf's head and the baby bison whinnies and Kai kneels down to stroke its snout “I tried to sneak back into the temple to see if I could rescue everyone, and that's when I saw the airship leaving. I followed it to some caves a few miles from here. That giant lady met up with some people who took the airbenders into the caves.”
“Was it Ghazan and Ming- Hua?” Lin asked, listening to the young airbender.
“No, there were four more of them. Didn't look familiar.” He stands up and looks at her,
“Must be more Red Lotus members than we thought.” Mako looks over at the group then down to the ground.
“I couldn't fight them all on my own. So I came back here, hoping you guys would show up.” Kai looks at the group “Smart thinking” you gave him a nod then turn your head to Lin
“We need to get to those caves.” Lin remarks and you look over in the direction Kai had mentioned seeing the other airbenders being held,
Kai shrugs “How? I don't think we can all fit on my bison.”
You, Tenzin, Mako, and Lin look at Kai as a shadow passes by overhead and you all look up as a grunt from an air bison is heard. You recognize Oogi circling the sky and Tenzin calls for him “Oogi!”
Oogi lands on the ground in front of his owner and takes a step forward.
Tenzin rests a hand on Oogi's head, and the bison grunts again “I'm glad to see you too, old friend.” He rubs his hand affectionately over Oogi's fur.
“Well no better time than the present. Let’s go there now,” you suggest, and everyone agrees. You earth launch yourself and Asami onto the saddle first. Lin and Su climb in after as you help Tenzin sit down as the rest of the crew get in while Asami holds the reins atop of Oogi’s head. Bolin climbs up Oogi's tail into the saddle - Mako is on the ground looking up at the saddle.
Kuvira walks up to the bison and speaks to Su “I want to come with you.”
Su shakes her head “No, Kuvira. Stay with the injured. We'll be back for you once we have the Avatar.”
Kuvira nods and walks away. Kai climbs on to his baby bison and the calf purrs. Mako walks over to Kai and they exchange some words.
You stay upfront near Asami and Tenzin “You got the reins, ‘Sami?”
“Yeah, I’ve flown Oogi before remember”
“Uh…right. I forgot” you rub your forehead as you move to the back of the saddle and Mako climbs up. Soon Kai takes off with Asami tailing behind him and flies in the direction he last saw the airbenders.
You lean back against the saddle as you fix up your metal forearm sleeves, bending out the dents.
“How are you holding up?” Lin whispers to you and you look down at the chest plate and bend out the dent at your side “I’m good, I just want to get korra and the airbenders out safe” you grit your teeth as you fix the plate trying not to focus on the bruises underneath before leaning back against the saddle.
“I hope Opal is okay” Su looks out towards the view of the mountain ridges
“Since they have Korra now, she and the rest of the airbenders should be fine. They got who they wanted.” You look over at Su before looking away.
Kai comes up beside the saddle “The place where I saw them taking the airbenders is around here.”
“That's gotta be where they took Korra.”
He points to a mountain where there are five airbender statues carved into the side. The statue in the middle is the biggest.
“That's it! Down there, Lefty.”
Lefty moos and flies down. Oogi follows soon after and the two bison land in front of an opening in the mountain. You grab onto the saddle and hop down, you look up and watch Lin slide down Oogi’s tail. Tonraq and Bolin support Tenzin as he gets down from the saddle. Tenzin groans in pain as he holds onto Oogi for support. Su walks towards him.
You start toward the opening and look up at the largest statue as Asami walks up beside you “I don’t know what Zaheer is planning against Korra but…”
“We’re going to stop him and get Korra back, y/n” Asami looks at you and you nod at her “That thing charged up?” you look at the glove and Asami powers it up with blue electric waves sparking out, “Always” Asami sports a determined look.
“Ready?” Su looks at the both of you and receives a nod, the group starts running into the opening of the secret Red Lotus hideout.
*
As Su and Lin make quick work of digging into the cave the voice of a Red Lotus guard comes from behind the last piece of earth “Hey! What do you think you're doing?” there’s a muffled noise as Lin and Su send a chunk of rock from the side, knocking the guard out cold when he collides against the wall. “Saving them” you glare at the guard in a defensive stance as another one runs forward before looking to the side at your group of intruders. The guard bends the two slabs of rock behind him towards them. Su bends up a protective wall of earth and the projectiles collide with it, making the top half crumble. You and Asami leap over the remains of the wall and she ducks as the guard sends another slab at her while you check for any guards more coming. Asami reaches up to grab the guard's arm and proceeds to electrocute his back as she brings him down to the floor. “All clear” you state walking back and the rescue team relaxes when the guard falls unconscious and Su looks to the side locating her daughter “Mom!” Opal is happy to see her mom as Su runs to her daughter and rests her hands on Opal’s shoulders “Oh, honey, I’m so glad you’re safe” she embraces her daughter.
Bolin runs up and roughly shoves Su away, hugging Opal as well “Me too”.
Su sits up and glares at Bolin as Asami starts unlocking people’s cuffs. You eyes find and rush over to check up on an unconscious Kya and Bumi, reviewing Kya’s injuries as Lin helps to support Bumi. Broken bones, bad bruises, overall badly injured…shit, they both look like they fell from a high place. “Kya…” you call out to her softly trying to wake her up as you lift her head a bit, putting your hand on the back of her neck “y/n?” she weakly responds as she opens her eyes “Hey, you guys found us.. Took you long enough” she smiles weakly coughs turning her head towards you. “Yeah…we’re here. Can you walk?”  
“My leg…” she says weakly
“It’s okay….don’t worry. We got you now” You look around and grab a bender “Hey what’s your name?”
“Otaku”
“Hi, Otaku, can you help me support Kya?” another female airbender offers her aid as well and you help them support Kya before checking up on Bumi. Asami unlocks the remaining cuff on Jinora’s wrist and the girl rubs them when it's off. Asami walks away, revealing Kai in the background. Jinora runs to Kai “You’re alive!” she throws her arms around Kai “I can’t believe it!”
you turn your attention back to Kya and notice her leg looks more messed up then you thought whispering to the two airbenders to not let Kya put too much weight on that leg. You greet the kids and Opal before helping Lin support Bumi “I see you had a lot of fun, Commander”,
“Ha! I’ve had better, Captain” he coughs weakly trying to laugh, but his face can’t hide the pain and tiredness.
“Hey Commander, stay with us” you shake him softly.
“We have to get these two out of here now.” Lin cast a glance to Bumi “They don’t look so good”
Bumi coughs weakly “What are you talking about?” he punches his arm in the air “I feel great” he coughs weakly again.
Tonraq addresses the rest of the team “You guys get everyone out of here. I'll search for Korra.”
Mako and Bolin step forward “We're going with you.”
“Me too” you step up as Lin gives you a look as you notice Jinora step forward “You don't have to search for her. I know exactly where she's being held.” The four of you turn to listen as she explains “we’ll run and talk. I’ll bring Jinora back once we’re almost to Korra’s location. You can wait for us here” you look at Pema before taking off with the small team. Once Mako, Bolin, and Tonraq get close to Korra you grab Jinora “come on, let’s get you back.” you look at Jinora “but, I can help!” she protests as you rest your hand on her shoulder, “I know, but you need to take care of the airbenders. Your dad...he’s injured so I need you, Meelo, and Ikki to lead them out to safety.” she looks at Korra’s direction then back to you and nods “Okay, I can return on my own. You join them” she looks at you with determination, “you sure? I can escort you back”
Jinora shakes her head “there’s no time. Save Korra, y/n!” she yells as she scooters back to the others.
*
The four of you run up to an opening at the side of the cave and see Korra yell out a battle cry as she breathes fire out of her mouth. “What have they done to her?” you look on with concern at the scene. You’ve never seen Korra like this while in the Avatar state. Tonraq calls out to his daughter “Korra!” She ignores him and sends out streams of fire toward Zaheer and he dodges, flying up into a hole in the ceiling. Korra propels herself from the ground by blasting fire from the soles of her feet and chases after him. “We have to help her!” Bolin quickly steps in front of the water tribe chief “Look out!” he bends a protective wall of earth as rock collides against it. You look over and see Ghazan then kick up some rocks and punch them at him. “You help Korra. We got this” Mako looks at Tonraq who nods and starts running after Korra and Zaheer.
Mako punches fire and dodges a small piece of ice that flies over his shoulder. You roll over to the side and send a wave of rocks at the waterbender. Ming-Hua avoids the fire and earth and jumps up, swinging the crystals on the ceiling with her water arms. Mako chases after the armless waterbender as you assess the situation with Bolin. Bolin bends a rock at Ghazan who punches it into dust. Bolin sends over another boulder again and Ghazan raises a wall of earth to protect himself. He then bends the wall to Bolin who cuts it clean in half. As he does so, Ghazan charges and tackles Bolin by the waist, causing them to roll along the ground. Bolin throws the older lavabender off and when Ghazan lands, he quickly sends two slabs of rock towards Bolin. The teen dodges the first one and punches the second one into dust.
An ice shard comes within an inch of hitting your face and you look back at Ming-Hua who has a smug grin on her face, “Oops”. Your eyes narrow and you grit your teeth as she tries attacking you again and you jump up to avoid it. At the same time you bend a chunk of earth with you and send it at her. Ming-Hua uses a water-whip to cut through the slab. You land on the ground and send two boulders at her - she dodges and sends a tendril at you turning the tip into an ice shard. You quickly jump to the side as she attacks and Mako sends a flame over to melt the ice. Looking over at Mako, the waterbender uses that quick second wrap her water arm around your neck gripping tightly as she pulls you up from the ground. “Let me go, you bitch!” you spat out as you bend a dagger out and try cutting the water while Mako fights her trying to break the hold she has on you. “Sure” she smirks and throws you across the cave - you hit the ground rolling then fall into a crevice below, landing face first in some water. You push yourself up groaning as you blink your eyes trying to adjust your vision to the darkness, your clothes drenched. Standing up you sense it’s an underground cave filled with water, the only way back is up through the crevice.
*
The splash catches Ming-Hua’s attention and she swings herself away with her water arms and Mako runs after her, shooting fire as he chases the waterbender. Ming-Hua starts bobbing and weaving behind a small pillar of rock as she intercepts the flames and they evaporate. She scurries backwards and trips, falling and rolling onto a small ledge below. She sits up as Mako stands at the top in a bending position. He has Ming-Hua backed up against a wall.
“You have no water. It's over.”
“Not yet.” she gives him an evil smirk
*
You look up and hear Ming-Hua and Mako’s voices and your eyes widen. If she comes down here we’re fucked. You bend a protective wall to hide behind as you hear someone jump down into the crevice followed by a fire shot. Mako lands down and you call out to him “Mako” he turns and you look around in the dark against each other's back. He bends a stream of fire from his hands to illuminate the area. “She’s here somewhere” you whisper as you try to use what little sight you have despite the fire. Sensing danger behind him, Mako turns around, you sense him leave your back and you turn in his direction and see Ming-Hua above the water with multiple water appendages on each arm.
“Now it's over!” she screams launching at the both of you.
She swings forward, Mako immediately extinguishes his fire and the both of you run to avoid the attack. Ming-Hua has encased the lower half of her body in water and she continuously whips her numerous water arms at the both of you. “Get out of the water!” Mako orders as he starts running toward the various stalactites and stalagmites. You run towards a wall before having to backflip to avoid a tendril, then jump on a pillar. The firebender rolls backwards behind another pillar and dashes off to the side. You shoot your cable to the ceiling and hang, pulling yourself up until your palms touch the ceiling. You bend the earth to encase around your arms as you hang on. Mako starts climbing and supporting his weight in between two columns of earth. Everything is happening so fast but the next string of events seemed to happen in slow motion. Mako begins to shoot lightning at the water with one arm. Ming-Hua makes a last ditch attempt to stop Mako and sends tendrils at him with a sharp ice shard. You look up at your arm before bending the earth off and scaling down and get in front of Mako. Kicking the ice off two of them before you feel a piercing sensation entering the left side of your abdomen. Your hand starts to go to the spot, but the entire cavern lights up and you cover your eyes instead. Ming-Hua screams from the electrocution and soon everything goes still, you let go of the cable and jump down to the water, recoiling your cable. Mako joins you as the both of you look shocked at what’s left of the scorched Ming-Hua.
“Let’s go” you mutter as you tilt your head over to the crevice opening and launch the both of you up to the surface.
You jog over toward Bolin but feel a dull pain and trip down, Mako kneels down to help you up “y/n”.
“Go, I’m fine. Help Bolin,” you groan as you look up and see Ghazan bend up a chunk of earth gets knocked back by fire hitting the rock and he is thrown backwards. Mako gets in a bending stance and he runs at the other man, propelling himself off the ground with firebending and passes over Ghazan's head to join his brother. You push yourself up and head over to the brothers once the pain passes. Ghazan bends up a chunk of earth but Mako quickly cuts it with fire. Mako lands on the ground as the three of you send a barrage of earth and fire to the lavabender. Ghazan bends up a small chunk of earth but is soon overpowered by the constant attacks. Bolin sends a rock hurtling at him and it makes contact as Ghazan stumbles backwards. He stands up as you three flank him from a distance.
“There’s three of us and one of you” you yell as you bring your fists up to your face,
“Give up, Ghazan! You can't win!” Bolin yells down at the lavabender.
“I'm never going back to prison. If I'm going down today, you're coming with me!” He turns around to face the group then punches the ground beneath him. The cavern shakes as rocks fall and the ground quakes underneath you, you look at the boys and the floor gives out from under you. You reach out to them as you fall and Bolin manages to grab your hand. Ghazan smirks and reaches for your leg, the burning sensation spreading from where the palm of his hand holds on. You yell out in pain as you try to kick him in the face while Mako sends lightning at him causing him to let go. They both pull you up while dodging the rocks falling from the ceiling. Ghazan shoves his hands down and lava drips down in an attempt to collapse the floor underneath him. Rocks start to fall down from above, “Hang on!” Bolin yells and you ground yourself as Bolin bends a platform of earth and slides the three of you up a slope of flash cooled lava. Reaching safety, you notice a Red Lotus motif on the wall breaking up and disintegrating. The area continues to collapse. Once it’s safe you three glance at each other before turning away and running off.
Joining the rest of the team you’re forced to shield your eyes from the wind. You try to look for a reason for the sudden wind and see  Jinora and the airbenders controlling a massive tornado with Jinora in the eye of the twister as she moves her arms around in a circle before she pushes her hands forward. As the twister moves, you feel a sharp pain in your abdomen. You place your hand there feeling dizzy “Boys…” you weakly call out getting their attention before falling on your knees. “y/n!” Bolin looks at you and notices your face looking pale as Mako notices you holding on to your abdomen. “She’s hurt” Mako helps you up as Bolin puts your arm around his shoulder “Stay awake, y/n” Mako looks at you as you try to keep your eyes open while they walk you toward the group. They set you down gently besides Bumi and Kya as Asami rushes over “Y/n! What happened?!” Asami yells as watches you go in and out of consciousness. Lin turns around at the sudden noise behind her and sees you, her eyes widen and a pit forms her stomach.
“I don’t know. We were running out of the cave when y/n collapsed” Mako stammers out as Lin kneels beside you “Where’s Ghazan and Ming-hua?” she barks out while she sits by your side and Asami puts your head on her lap as the brothers stand over you.
“Taken down”
You feel woozy like if your blood pressure is dropping as you blink trying to focus on Lin as she calls out to you, “y/n, focus, talk to me”.
You slowly blink then slowly turn your head over to her and give her a small smile “Hi” you whisper then try to sit up but Asami keeps you down “You’re hurt” her eyes watered. You look confused at first then realize the pain hitting again, wincing, “My abdomen..” you untuck your tunic and lift the drenched clothing up to reveal the stab wound. “I guess that chest plate didn’t really help, Chief” you let out a weak laugh then cough out in pain.
“Shit…” Lin looks and immediately applies direct pressure on the wound “When did this happen?” she looks at the brothers but you speak “10 minutes?…” you wince at the pressure “Mung-hua...she was coming at Mako. I intervened, wasn’t fast enough” you grimace as you cough.
“You’re losing a lot of blood” Lin’s voice full of worry as she looks at the wound and you look down to see it for the first time “Put it back in then” you quip as you try to breathe and go to laugh but the pain gets worse and you wince. Lin looks at you in disbelief at how you’re trying to crack a joke at a time like this. “This isn’t the time for your wisecracks” she snaps at you and you put your hand over the one she has over your wound, “It's good to find humor in dark moments sometimes.” you smirk as you look up at the sky  “How did you not feel this?” Asami asks you - when you don’t answer she looks up and notices you starting to close your eyes. Asami looks at Lin and tells her something but you don’t quite hear.
You were starting to feel a weird need to close your eyes and go to sleep. A temptation to just close your eyes and let go. But your mind and heart rushes to Lin - you’d never want to leave her, not when you just got her. You open your eyes up more as you fight hard to stay awake.
“y/n, stay with me” Lin calls out and you didn’t seem to hear, she thinks your hearing is starting to fade  “What?” you blink trying to focus. Asami repeats the question “Adrenaline.” you try to talk but you start to feel weak and tired and you wince, looking over at Asami who has tears in her eyes, “I’ll be okay, ‘Sami” you whisper as you tuck some hair behind her ear then look at Lin, “Lin… I’m sorry”
Lin shakes her head “You’re fine. You’re strong and you’ll pull through. You’re not quitting on me”.
Your eyes well up but you refuse to give in to the tears “I’m not quitting”
Turning your head over to Mako “Mako, how much for you to pry Chief’s hand off of me”
“I’m not doing that. You’re going to be okay, y/n. There’s no exit wound so it’s probably not that deep”
“Probably”
Kya regains consciousness and looks out at the scene beside her and musters enough energy to scoot over beside Lin assessing the situation “I can probably bend the water out of their clothes and use it to stop the bleeding” she speaks weakly as she looks at you then Lin. You shake your head “No, save your energy for Korra” you look at Kya and she gives you pleading eyes, “You’re the one who needs help right now, y/n”.
“Hey...I’m fine it’s just a scratch. All in a day’s work..” you smile weakly looking at the two older women as Kya rolls her eyes “You sound just as bad as Lin” she smirks back as she starts bending the water out of your clothes. Lin scoffs as she applies more pressure on the wound to prevent you bleeding out in the meantime. You bite your lip, fighting back a groan “I thought you were fine” Lin quips and you curl your lips up as Kya gives Lin a nod to move her hand. She brings your hand down with her and doesn’t let go. While Kya starts to heal you “I was until you did that, chief” you laugh but cough out in pain again then notice Korra coming to the surface. “Look - Zaheer!” you mutter as Lin looks over then looks at you conflicted. “Go, Kya’s got me. I’m feeling better. Take the bastard down, Chief” you urge her, and she looks at you with concern “I got her too, Lin” Asami looks at her and she nods heading to the scene. Korra slams Zaheer into the earth and she’s laid out on the ground as well. Lin and Su encase Zaheer in a rock pyramid pulling him upright.
Feeling concerned about your injury you exhale “I’m fine right?” you look over at Kya and she just nods not looking at you or Asami “Yeah, you’re fine. You’re going to be okay. I stopped the bleeding. It cut through a piece of your liver, but it’s fine. That’s the best I can do for right now.”
“You truly are quite the master healer” you smirk as you sigh in relief “Don’t spend all your energy. Korra might need you” you grab Asami’s hand and try to sit up as Kya nods “You can’t fight, one hit and that wound opens back up. You’re not completely healed.”
“Thanks for saving me yet again” you smile as you hold on the wound while Asami helps you back to your feet but you feel weak and Kya step in and help as well. “No need” she takes your hand and you both support each other with Asami’s help. Asami notices Korra, whose eyes are open in the Avatar state. Tonraq picks her up in his arms and your eyes soften at the weakened Korra. Asami looks worried for Korra and you nudge her to get close to Korra, “Go” you whisper to her and Asami “I can’t leave you”
“It’s okay, Kya and I got each other” you whisper back and Asami relents and slowly walks towards the scene.
“Korra, sweetheart” he looks down at his daughter, resting a hand on her face “It’s me, your Dad. Please hang on” Korra looks over at Tonraq and reaches out to touch him but her hand drops and she falls unconscious. Your throat tightens as you watch the scene in front of you, your eyes tearing up. Tonraq laces his fingers with hers and tears form in his eyes. A deep chuckle is heard and everyone looks over at Zaheer who has started laughing like a mad man. You glare at Zaheer and ball your fists bending a dagger out of your sleeve and try to walk towards him but Kya stops you shaking her head. “The bastard hurt Korra” you try to reason with Kya as she stumbles a bit. She looks at you as you fight back the angry tears forming in your eyes “Don’t stoop to his level. You are not a killer, y/n. He’ll be dealt with. ” she reasons back in a hushed tone as you support her. Kya’s eyes also show great concern with the young avatar she’s seen grow and helped raise.
“What are you laughing about?” Lin casts a dirty look at him as he turns his head to look at the Chief “You’re too late!” he smiles full of glee “The poison’s been in her system too long. The Red Lotus has won.”
Poison….Zaheer poisoned Korra.
Jinora walks up toward the Beifong sisters “You can save her. The poison is metallic” both sisters look at one another surprised by the revelation and Su quickly runs towards Korra. She drops to her knees at Korra’s side and her hands rest on her forehead and shoulder and she concentrates on the metallic poison in Korra’s body. Su starts to bend pulling movements from Korra’s legs and goes up her body. The sound of liquid can be heard and everyone around watches with a mix of worry and hope that Su can save Korra in time. She keeps pulling the poison up Korra’s body until she moves her hand above Korra’s head and the teenager opens her eyes. The metallic liquid is pulled out of her mouth and Korra coughs. Su bends the poison to the ground and it falls down in blobs. Korra opens her eyes and comes out of the Avatar State turning to look at her dad.
“Dad? You’re... alive” she says weakly as she gives a small smile. Tonraq, relieved his daughter has woken up hugs her tightly “I’m here for you. I’m never going to let you go”. You smile fondly in the background until Zaheer starts yelling “No!” he starts to become unhinged “You don’t understand. The revolution has already begun. Chaos is the natural order of all--”
You watch as Bolin takes his shoe off and balls up his sock and shoves it into Zaheer’s mouth causing his voice to become muffled. You look at Bolin smiling in amusement and a bit of disgust that Zaheer now has a used sock in his mouth. Lin and Opal on the other hand look purely disgusted by the action.
Bolin looks proud and smirks pointing over at Zaheer “You see what I did there? I put a sock in it.”
You bring your hand up and pinch your nose “literally” kind of embarrassed by the boy.
“Classic Bolin” Opal looks at Zaheer as she dryly responds to her boyfriend.
“I do what I do” he smiles as he puts his shoe back on.
You cough covering your mouth as you wince as your stomach flexes, Lin looks at you then walks over to Tonraq putting a hand on his shoulder “We should move Korra somewhere safer.”
*
Lin and Su helped the injured climb up onto Oogi’s saddle, Tonraq holding onto Korra, Bumi and Kya supporting each other, Asami sitting between you and Korra as she watched the both of you. The Beifong sisters made room for you to lay down with your head on Opal’s lap, Su let Lin take a spot next to you Lin didn’t think about the gesture but took it. You were going in and out of consciousness “one of the officers is a healer, y/n will be okay” Su assured Opal but it was meant to be more for Lin, “You have to stay awake y/n” Opal cupped your cheek and your eyes fluttered open and you give her a soft smile “I’m trying honey”. Kai led the group back to Laghima’s peak to meet up with Kuvira and the rest of the Zaofu guards. Once the injured are set onto cots in the bunk rooms, the pilot set a course to Republic City. Bolin and Opal help you to one of the beds and Opal calls her mom for help to bend off the chest plate. “Hey y/n?” Bolin hesitantly speaks and you look over at him “yeah Bo?” you say weakly and look at the younger brother as he tries to formulate his words. “Thanks….for saving my brother”. You inhale deeply as you feel your throat tighten a bit but give him a nod “anything for you boys. Mako would’ve done fine without me. I was reckless.” you give him a small smirk
“I’m sure Mako will be equally appreciative as I am, just hang in there, okay?” Bolin spoke with such gentleness with a slight concern and you give him a nod “I’m not going anywhere. Who else is going to make sure you kids don’t end up in trouble” you smile as you grit your teeth as a sharp pain hits your side. Opal rushes out the room and calls for the healer, Koda, to evaluate your injuries. Closing your eyes once you feel the relief from the healing session, but wince a bit but once the new bandages are placed. Koda excuses herself and you thank her. Looking up to see Su is now with Opal giving them a soft smile, “Hi…” you notice Opal tearing up and you nod her over opening your arms. She walks up and hugs you and you rub her back. “I’m okay, Opal. barely a scratch” you whisper as Opal lets out a disbelief laugh “That’s more than a scratch. I saw the wound just now”.
“Eh looks worse then it is. The worst is over” you chuckle a bit as you groan a bit at the sudden discomfort causing Opal to pull back. You assure her it wasn’t her as she sits back as Su steps forward, “How are you feeling?” Su takes a seat beside you as she rests a hand on top of yours as Opal scoots back.
“The adrenaline definitely wore off so I’m starting to feel it all.” you smile then frown a bit “It happened so fast. I felt something, but didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t until we made it outside that the pain came rushing in.”
“You’ll be back on your feet soon” Su looks at you smiling softly as Opal holds your hand. You look around then at the two of them “Wait where is everyone? Kya and Bumi? How’s Korra?”. They exchange a glance before Su speaks “Koda is healing them as best as she can at least until we arrive in Republic city. Korra...she took a great toll. She’s completely worn out. Tonraq and Asami are with her.”
You nod as you sigh looking up at the ceiling “I’m surprised she lasted that long with that poison in her body” you look back down before you hesitantly ask “Where’s Chief? How’s Lin?”
Su raises her eyebrow but answers your question “She’s fine just minor scuffs and bruises from the fight with P’li. She, Mako and Bolin are guarding Zaheer. “
You nod in understanding “Good, that guy deserves to rot in prison for what he’s done” you sneered as you turned your head looking upset. Su takes a couple of moments to gather her thoughts before she speaks and your ears perk up “I...we want to thank you...it was reckless but for you to step in front of Lin like that...” you interrupt Su,
“--I told you I would protect your family.” you don’t look at her as you look away.
“You’re part of our family too, y/n” Opal cuts in and rests her hand on top of yours and Su’s. Su agrees with her daughter - “We might not be blood, but you have a family with us. We all love and care for you, y/n.” Su gently smiles and you tear up nodding “Thank you”. The three of you share a smile before Su taps your hand gently.
“We’ll let you rest” Su and Opal stand up and you nod as they head out the room.
*
Lin made sure everyone in the bunk was asleep or busy before she walked over, but noticed someone seated beside you. She was going to walk away, but her eyes narrowed, noticing the Zaofu guard armor and stepped in. Iris had taken a step closer to you, asleep, contemplating whether or not to take your hand taking a seat on a nearby chair. Lin stepped further in once she notice Iris placing her palm on your sleeping face. Lin balled her fists feeling tired of this pathetic woman, she slowly stomped her way over composing herself, "If my memory serves me correctly... y/n stated that you have no reason to touch them"
Iris let go of your hand and stood up at attention "Chief Beifong, I-"
"I don't need to hear your reasons. Get out." Lin sneered as her eyes narrowed at the graying firebender who's eyes had widened by the demand "I just wanted to check up on y/n..." Iris's voice slightly pleading with the Chief of Police.
"The last thing Captain y/n needs is stress and from the last interaction I witnessed. That's all you are, a stressor. I won't say it again." Lin's voice lowers as she stands over Iris and watches as Iris looks back at you before backing down "I'm not going to stop" Iris looks at Lin, testing the Chief looking her in the eyes ``What is that supposed to mean?" Iris keeps her eyes on the Chief but says nothing and walks out of the room. Lin looked back at you and took a seat beside your cot.
She watched you sleep, taking in the wounds on your body. She wondered why you didn’t take your metal sleeves off as she softly brushed her hand down your arms and bent the sleeves off you herself. She set them beside you and even though the healer on the team checked you she wanted to see herself. She was careful to check on you noticing the bruises on your arms, your left arm in a sling with bandages on your left shoulder, side, then found bruising around your neck, probably from Ming-Hua. Lin traced her fingers on your hand before intertwining your hand with hers. She watched as your chest rising and falling with every breath with your left arm laid on your middle. She didn’t want to wake you, but she had to check up on you. Lin looked around and saw everyone was still asleep then scooted closer towards you and sighed. She didn’t understand the emotions she was feeling. She has dealt with officers getting stabbed while on the job, herself included. But having to see you being walked out and then the wound bleeding and your face getting pale. She did get worried. Lin shook those thoughts away, you’re sitting right next to her. She’s safe and alive, you’re touching her, holding her hand. Lin leans over towards you and moves a couple of loose strands of hair out of your face. Lin is tough but when it comes to her emotions and putting those to words, she has no experience. Despite the lack of confidence, she tries to formulate her emotions, settling to tell you while you’re asleep, she whispers “I look at you and my heart is open to the future. For years, I didn’t think I’d be open to the possibility of a relationship like this again. You fill the cracks and crevices others have created and take away the years of loneliness I’ve felt”. Lin looks over you for a couple more minutes until sleep starts to overcome her and she dozes off on the chair, not letting go of your hand.
*
You must’ve dropped off to sleep after talking to Su and Opal from the pain relief medication, because suddenly  you’re waking up to something squeezing your hand. You open your eyes and turn your head and see a sleeping Lin sitting beside you. Her fingers slowly trace over yours so as to lull herself to sleep. Your eyes soften as you rub Lin’s hand and pull her hand softly to your lips kissing it gently “Lin?” you whisper to her. Lin doesn’t budge so you let go and put your hand on the cot to push yourself up and wince a bit. You moving about causes Lin to stir and wake up “y/n, what are you doing?” she sits up quickly and helps you but you dismiss her attempts and lay back down and blink, focusing in the dark room. “How long have I been out?” you look around as Lin rubs her eyes “A couple of hours”
“C’mere” you pull Lin to you and she looks around to make sure everyone is still asleep before she climbs into the cot beside you.
“First you jump in front of me and almost get blown up by that third eyed freak then you get yourself stabbed” Lin huffs but wraps her arms around you and holds you tight, her voice muffled by the nape of your neck. You put your arms around her "Take my heroics actions minimize them why don't you" you quip before you tuck some of her hair behind her ear “I couldn’t let her get to you or let Mako get hurt. I did the same thing you would’ve done.” you softly speak to her not to waken up anyone as you hold onto her just as tight. “It’s different when it’s you getting hurt...” she breathes out into your neck as you tighten your hold on her. Your eyes widen and you stiffen up a bit then run your free hand down her back “I’m sorry, but you understand better than anyone on the why.” you whisper back giving her neck a light peck.
She pulls back and reaches her hand up to cup your cheek. “Doesn’t help your case.”
“It’s just a scratch” you try to sound convincing as you kiss the palm of her hand, she rolls her eyes. “Just a scratch, my ass”,
You smirk letting out a soft chuckle as you run your hand down to grab her ass “I could do that” Lin grabs your hand and stops you, giving you a glare.
“I’m alive, Beifong” you offer her a smile and kiss her palm again.
“Not for long” she says gruffly as your mouth gapes open
“Lin Beifong, you wouldn’t...that’s murder” your eyes widen,
“I would and I can get away with it too” she quips back as she shuts your mouth, causing you to smile more. You kiss her forehead as she runs her hand across the small of your back as you do the same to her. “Ah yes I forgot you’re Chief of Police Beifong” you chuckle before softening a bit, and change the subject “How’s Korra?”
“She’s asleep. Tonraq is staying with her and so is Asami. Kya gave Korra a bit of a healing session but it wasn’t much success due to her condition.”
“Is Tenzin going to call Katara to come to Republic City? You should ask Asami to offer an airship to get her. She’ll get there faster” you suggest as she nods “Asami offered, but Katara wouldn’t be able to handle the trip…”
Your brows furrow “Then maybe you should take Korra to the south pole”
“Republic City is on the way, the injured will be healed there. Then considering how the recovery goes there we’ll call for Katara.” Lin explained as you sit up a bit to adjust yourself, the motion causing you to wince.
“Good” you adjust a bit as Lin pushes back but you pull her closer “What about Zaheer?”
“Mako, Bolin, and some of the Zaofu guards are guarding him. Uncle Zuko and Raiko are making preparations to make a prison impossible for him to escape.”
You let out a breath and nod. Lin looks around and starts to get up, you grab her wrist “Lin...”. Lin gives you a look, “I need to...”
“--I know...don’t let him out of your sights.” you kiss the back of her hand before she sits up leaning over you and give each other a slow kiss cupping her cheek  ending it with one, two, three kisses before she gets out of the cot and heads out the room. Not before giving you another glance as you settle back down on the cot closing your eyes.
You couldn’t help but feel guilty that because of your encouragement, Korra sacrificed herself - you feel somewhat responsible. You take a deep breath as you look up at the metal frame of the bunk above you and think of how lucky it is that everyone made it out somewhat alive.
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bgn846 · 4 years
Text
Regression FFXV Promptio Fic
Summary: Gladio gets hits with a status effect and becomes 17 again.  This would be somewhat bearable if it weren't for Prompto's terrible crush on the guy. 
--
Hands roughly shoved him, sending Prompto sailing off to the side.   Landing in the dirt he covered his head instinctively to avoid getting clocked by the monster they were fighting.  Gladio was already sprinting after it, yelling like a madman and swinging his great sword at the thing.  Of course, it had to be Gladio that had rescued him this time.   Getting up quickly he ran after his friend to try and help.
Stupid, big, loud, annoyingly handsome Gladio had saved him.  One of these days he was gonna repay the favor. Taking aim with his pistol, Prompto fired off a few shots.  The monster slowed somewhat allowing Ignis and Noct to attack next. This day needed to be over, he was tired and not looking forward to the teasing he’d get later for needing help. Maybe he had gotten distracted, Gladio’s fighting style was hard to ignore after all.  The guy was a wall of muscle and even sweaty he looked good.
Six, he needed to clear his head; this wasn’t the way to think during the heat of battle.  Running closer Prompto took another shot and hollered in glee when the monster fell over.  They were finally getting the upper hand, or so he thought. Sure, the big ugly monster thing had tipped sideways; the only issue now was the plume of yellow-colored gas coming out of its mouth.  
Ignis’ voice rang through air ordering them all to take cover.  He clearly didn’t like the look of the stuff either.  Noct came out of nowhere and tackled him, sending them both behind a rock.  Holding his breath and watching the air around them, Prompto waited for the yellowish tint to disappear.
“Is everyone alright?” Ignis asked from somewhere nearby.
“Good here!” Noct replied as he stood and hauled Prompto up with him.
Emerging from their makeshift hiding spot Prompto realized they’d not heard from Gladio yet. “What about the big guy?” he asked trying not to seem too concerned.  Noct knew about his crush but he didn’t really want to have that rubbed in his face at the moment.
“Shit, you’re right,” Noct supplied nervously as he ran towards Ignis. “Any sign of Gladio?” he checked with worry.
“No, the last I saw him he was over here.” Ignis offered as they ran around the monster.
The weird yellow stuff had literally been his last dying breath.   Prompto never wanted to see another one of those things again; it was aggressive and hard to kill. Ignis’ gasp of surprise when they’d reached the other side of the battleground made Prompto panic slightly.   Running up beside him to get a better view he was left dumbstruck.
A dude was standing there looking around like he was lost.  Once he spotted Ignis he huffed out a breath and ran over.  Prompto felt as though his chest might explode as he watched the guy.  He looked like Gladio in a way, but there were some major differences.  Height wise he’d shrunk and his clothes were baggy, plus his hair was short!  What had happened?
“Iggy, thank the six, what the hell is going on?” This, Gladio look-alike, asked with an air of frustration in a voice that wasn’t the normal deep baritone Prompto was accustomed to. He was scanning the rest of their little group and when he landed on Noct his eyes lit up.   “Shit, Noct’s here too.  Who’s the scrawny kid?” Gladio asked with a nod directed at him.    
Prompto chose to sulk as they picked their way back to the car.  It appeared Gladio had been affected by some weird-ass status effect.  He had been de-aged, to the wonderful age of seventeen.
How charming, in the most terrible way possible.  
Dealing with his feelings for twenty-four-year-old Gladio was hard enough, now he had the pubescent teen version to contend with.  One that kept questioning his skills since they’d never fought together before. This stupid status effect needed to be over, like yesterday.
“So you don’t remember anything that’s happened so far?” Noct asked for the third time as they drove along to the next outpost.
“Seriously, I just remember training like usual along with all the other stuff, like school and then boom there was that gross monster dead in front of me.”
“Huh, that’s strange.”
“Yeah, tell me about it, how do you think I feel?  All of this is new and I’m so confused.  I’m supposed to be twenty-four, right?”
“Yep,” Noct offered without batting an eyelash.  The prince was clearly not bothered by Gladio version 2.0 or was it version 1.0, this was so messed up!
“Damn, never thought you’d be able to look me in the eye princess, it’s weird.”  
Noct laughed and leaned back in his seat. “You’ll need to be careful though, you’ve not had the real-world experience your older self has gained.  Stick close and don’t do anything brash kay?”
“Me?” Gladio scoffed, “Never!”
The day was definitely terrible, it had to be cursed or something because not ten minutes later the stupid empire attacked them.  Two dropships full of those irritating tin cans fell from the sky.  With no other choice than to engage them, they all piled out of the car and prepared for battle.
Teenage Gladio was freaked, it was obvious, but the second one of those things went for Noct, the shield in training sprang into action.   His moves weren’t as polished, but he held his own for the most part.   That is until he got overwhelmed.  Training one on one was good and all but when four MT’s came stomping towards you that was a special kind of hell.
This time Prompto was ready, he didn’t need rescuing he was going to be the one helping.  However, he had to figure out how not to hit Gladio.  The guy wasn’t exactly staying in the clear, that kind of fighting style had been fine-tuned since they’d all left Insomnia.
Running faster to get closer Prompto almost had a heart attack when one of the MT’s took a swing at Gladio.  Thankfully, he ducked and fell to the ground.  Without thinking, Prompto rushed over and fired a shot point-blank into the enemy.  It sputtered and sparked falling in a heap nearby.  Hovering over Gladio’s body Prompto fired his gun at the remaining MT’s.  Each shot rang out loudly as he hit his targets with deadly accuracy.  Maybe Gladio wouldn’t be so unsure of his skills now!
Jumping up in celebration when the last MT fell, Prompto turned his attentions back to Gladio.  The not so big guy was staring up at him in awe.  Oops, perhaps he’d overstepped his place when he’d helped out.   Noct and Ignis hadn’t been that far away, they could have easily stepped in to lend a hand.
Slipping into silence he backed away and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry didn’t mean to freak you out there, figured you could use some backup.”
Gladio was pushing himself up off the pavement, that odd look still plastered on his face. “Nice shot, where’d you learn to shoot so well?”
“Crownsguard training, same as you went through.”
“Nah, I don’t remember anyone being that accurate in the range. Seriously where’d you learn?” He asked walking closer with a raised eyebrow. “That was amazing!”
Taken aback by the compliment Prompto suddenly felt his face heat up.  Great, he was blushing in front of teenage Gladio.  Someone needed to shoot him to put him out of his misery.  Laughing nervously he waved him off, “its just practice I guess.”
“You’ve got skill that was impressive.  Thanks for saving my butt.” Gladio offered with a wink as he sauntered past and got back into the car.
“I’ll remind you Prompto that he is technically underage, don’t do something you’ll regret later,” Ignis added coolly as he walked past a moment later.
“You told him!” Prompto bellowed as he turned and ran after the person he thought was his friend.  Noct, the tricky bastard, warped away and got back to the car without having to answer for his crimes. Grumbling at the injustice of it all Prompto slumped in his seat and scowled at the scenery going by.  
Ignis had cited the concern of getting attacked again for the choice to stay in a hotel for the night.  He didn’t want to risk anything with Gladio, not at his peak performance level.  Praying that Ignis would book two rooms so he could hide in one, Prompto almost yelled when Ignis arrived with one room key once they’d checked in.  This day sucked so bad!
Taking a deep breath he followed his friends to the room.  He could do this; the status effect would only last a couple of days at most.  If they were lucky Gladio would wake up taller and less cocky tomorrow morning. Dinner went without incident; he supposed fighting all day had made them hungry.  You can’t talk much when you’re shoveling food in your mouth.
Once the dishes were cleaned and put in the drying rack of the small kitchen, Gladio began asking questions.  He wanted to know everything that had happened to them.  Why were the niffs around? What had happened to everyone?  That wasn’t a pleasant conversation to have at any time. Ignis took the reins on that one and carefully retold the events they’d all suffered through.
He only explained enough to give Gladio an understanding of why the enemy was out and attacking them.  They didn’t want Noct to marry Luna. Ignis left out the part about Insomnia falling and everyone’s fates.   Gladio didn’t ask for more specifics so Ignis didn’t technically lie, he merely omitted certain facts. There was no need to let Gladio relive that moment again that would have been cruel.
Teenage Gladio shook his head in disbelief at the enemy being brazen enough to attack in broad daylight but didn’t comment further.  Standing up he began pacing the room.  “So what’s next, where are we going?”
“We’ve been en route to meet up with Lady Lunafreya.” Ignis offered.
“Cool, so we’re just waiting here till this funky effect wears off?”
“We can’t risk you getting injured, that wouldn’t be fair as you’ve not trained with us all.”
Sighing Gladio nodded but didn’t look too happy about the idea. “I guess that makes sense, I just don’t like waitin’ around for stuff to happen.  We gotta get out there and show the niffs we mean business.”
“Yes, well, all in due time I’m afraid.  Enjoy the break while we have it, we’ll be on the move again soon.”
Humming in acknowledgment Gladio paused when he passed the mirror above the dresser. “So older me is pretty buff huh?”
Prompto quickly looked away when Gladio began flexing and had to bite his lips to stifle a moan when Gladio took off his jacket.  Dear six, his back was bare. No tattoo, no scars, nothing.  Just smooth skin and muscles.  Apparently even at seventeen Gladio still looked like a freaking supermodel.  Unable to look any longer Prompto bolted up from where he’d been sitting at the table and jogged to the door. “I’m gonna go grab a soda or something. Berightback!” he blurted before throwing himself out into the hallway.
Taking off like a flash Prompto ran all the way to the vending machines.  He had to clear his head, this wasn’t good.  Crushing on regular Gladio was bad enough, this was downright painful.  Ducking his head he sighed heavily and began digging for money in his pockets.
“Need some change sugar?” An unfamiliar voice announced, causing Prompto to whip his head up. Standing a few feet away was another hunter.  The guy looked drunk and had his hand extended holding up some gil. “Come on sweet thing you can take it, I won’t ask for much in return.”
Prompto backed away from the machine like it was on fire. This guy was super creepy and he wasn’t planning on sticking around much longer. “I’m good, thanks,” he managed.
“Don’t get all bent about it, I’m just offering you a good time.”
“I don’t think he wants any kinda time with you buddy.”
Turning around Prompto saw Gladio stalking over like he was on a mission.  Despite the situation, Prompto nearly had another heart attack.  Gladio was wearing a t-shirt now instead of his usual jacket.   The only thing was the shirt was one his.  There, dangerously stretched out over his still developing muscles was Prompto’s moogle t-shirt.
Prompto didn’t have time to react when Gladio stood in front of him and stared down the drunken hunter. He was prepared to fight this guy.
“I suggest you shove off buddy, he’s with me,” Gladio growled, not at all sounding as young as he was.
“What are you gonna do about it?  I saw him first.”
The thing Gladio ended up doing was breaking the guy’s nose.  One minute the dude was mouthing off, and the next he was stumbling backward holding his face. He’d gotten the message this time, and shuffled off swearing about how kids didn’t respect their elders these days.  There was nothing to respect, that guy was a douche.
“You okay?” Gladio asked once it was quiet again.
“Sure, just dandy!” he quipped shakily. “We should get back to the room.”
“Not without our soda!  We had to survive that asshole, we deserve a reward.”
“Fair enough,” Prompto mused as he took out his cash.
“So, uh, do you wanna do something later?” Gladio asked casually as he stepped closer.  
“We could play some kings knight if you want, that mi--.”
Gladio laughed and grinned, “No, I mean like hang out somewhere later, ya know when Iggy and Noct are asleep.”
“And do what?” Prompto squeaked as he was starting to grasp what Gladio really meant.
“I dunno, stuff, we can take it slow,” Gladio smirked with a devilish grin.  “I’m young but I still know how to have a good time.”
This wasn’t happening; Gladio wasn’t hitting on him and suggesting they go do ‘things’ to each other in the middle of the night.  That couldn’t be possible. However, everything seemed to indicate that was the younger man’s intentions.  Gladio was attempting to unleash his un-honed skills of seduction on him.  “I can’t!” Prompto yelped, “You’re only seventeen!”
“Aww come on, you know you want to, besides I’m really twenty-four.”
“I can’t, I just can’t. Ignis told me I couldn’t, earlier.  We can’t make Ignis angry. That would be very bad.” Prompto sputtered as he backed away and bumped into the vending machine.
Gladio pouted but there was a twinkle to his eyes.  He wasn’t upset about how this was going.  The jerk was having fun.  Thinking fast Prompto threw out the only idea he could think of that might save him. “Why don’t we wait until you’re older again, and then you can ask me out?  That way we won’t make Ignis angry and we’ll go have some fun, uh later.”
“So you’ll go out with me?” Gladio checked seriously.  “I just have to wait until I’m back to normal.”
Nodding so fast he gave himself a head rush Prompto agreed. “Yeah for sure, just ask me first and I’m all over that like cheese on pizza.”
Gladio barked out a laugh and reached out to punch Prompto in the arm.  “You got it sunshine, let’s buy these drinks and head back.  I’m gonna ask you out tomorrow and you better be ready.”
Smiling at the statement Prompto got the sodas and the rest of the evening was filled with gaming and talk.  Though he knew nothing would happen in the morning.  Gladio would go back to normal and forget any of this ever happened.  He would never ask him out and Prompto would go back to pining from a distance.
Ignis saved the night so to speak when he announced the sleeping arrangements.  Noct and Gladio would be sharing one bed and he and Ignis the other.  At least he didn’t have to worry about Gladio making a move in the middle of the night.
Sleep didn’t come easily once they’d all turned in.  Prompto kept thinking about what Gladio had said.  Maybe if they’d met under different circumstances things could have worked out.  Gladio was Noct’s shield and he had a duty to uphold.  He wasn’t about to go chasing after him.  That shit didn’t happen in real life.  Finally pushing the thought from his head Prompto fell into a fitful slumber.
Morning came eventually and Prompto had all but forgotten the previous night’s escapades until he opened his eyes.  Flinching in shock he almost fell off the bed.  There lying next to him was older Gladio, watching his every move.
“Easy there sunshine,” he hummed slowly.
“What –what are you doing? Where are the others?”
“They are out getting breakfast.  Ignis said you didn’t sleep well last night so I figured you could use a little extra shut-eye.”
“I can sleep fine without you watching me!”
“Sure, but maybe I wanted to be alone with you, didja ever think of that?”
Prompto couldn’t get a handle on what Gladio was thinking.  Was the man teasing him or being serious?  “Okay we’re alone, so now what?” he spit out helplessly.
“I was thinking we could do something later if you’re up for it.”
Letting out a breath, Prompto groaned. He didn’t want to train with Gladio later that was the worst idea ever.  Figures the big guy turns back to normal and his first thought is training. “I don’t wanna train with you later okay. I’m not re—ompffff.” Prompto’s brain short-circuited. Gladio was kissing him, morning breath and all. Gladio had his hand securely in place at the base of Prompto’s head, keeping him from moving away. When the need to breathe became greater than the desire to continue kissing, Prompto tapped out and Gladio released his hold.
“I never said anything about training,” he offered with a salacious grin. “I thought I was told to ask you out once the status effect had worn off?  Did I misunderstand that request?” Gladio’s teasing tone of voice and smirk wasn’t helping Prompto make sense of what was happening.    
“You remembered?!” he whispered, hardly daring to believe it.
“Sure I remember, sunshine,” he chuckled. “I think the next step is for you to say yes.”
“Om em gee, yes!” Laughing like an idiot Prompto leaned forward again and kissed Gladio a second time.  So maybe de-aged Gladio hadn’t been such a terrible thing to endure; now he just had to figure out what they could do later!
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sarcastic-space-gal · 4 years
Text
The Dancer with Golden Earrings (Part 3)
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Summary: The three of you arrive at the Spring Festival in Brugge and there’s immediately someone who’s looking for a bard and a dancer service. So that’s it, you will part from each other and go separate ways. Right?
Pairing: Jaskier x Reader;
Word Count: 3k… ops;
Warning: Slow burn, Angst, brief mention of an assault;
A/N: I got carried away with this one, hope you’ll enjoy it! As always, feedback is really appreciated! Love you all, xoxo.
Part 1, Part 2
The strong scent of flowers welcomed you at the city’s gates along with the bustle of people striding across the streets. The last decorations were being put up as the stalls were timing with merchants displaying food, spices, dresses, expensive fabrics coming from all around the Continent, weapons, and jewelry as far as the eye could see. However the stalls were not the main protagonist: Brugge and its Spring Festival were known for their bright, delicate, sweet-smelling flowers spread out in every corner, on every window and wore by every girl for the occasion.
Entering through the gates you and Jaskier instantly felt excited, the hustle and bustle of a Festival was your bread and butter and you loved it.
“This scent is heavenly after days of nothing but horse shit and turnip soup” Jaskier cheerfully commented.
“I doubt I’ll found someone looking for a witcher in all this gaiety” Geralt kept his hand wrapped around the reins as he slowly followed behind you and the bard “and by the way, you love turnip soup”
“Just not for almost a week in a row”
“You would eat it for a month in a row if possible” you chuckled. In that moment you felt a light tugging on your dress. You turned and saw a little girl with a flower crown and a wicker basket filled with colorful petals glaring up at you.
“Hi” she said with a playful smile on her face.
Bending over, you placed your hands on your knees to make better eye contact with her “Hey little one”
“This fo’ you” she took a flower crown from her basket and stood on her tip toes to place it on you head. You melted.
“That’s beautiful, thank you so much! Did you make it?” She proudly nodded “I love it”
The little girl laughed and then walked pass you and approached Jaskier, who had watched the all scene in awe. She looked up at him and then took out a flower necklace ready to gave it to Jaskier. The bard bent as he instantly felt the flowery scent enveloping him.
“Oh thank you so much Little Lady” he bowed exaggeratedly making the girl giggled playfully.
The witcher saw the little girl slowly turning her head toward him. Oh no, he thought.
Oh yes, she thought.
In an instant she ran toward him, regardless his frightening appearance.
“This fo’ you” she said standing in front of Geralt, handing him his flower necklace made with hyacinths.
Geralt hesitated but after seeing the little girl pouting with those big puppy eyes he grumbled and bent over as she happily put on her creations on the witcher.
Jaskier and you shared a look, trying hard not to laugh at the scene in front of you, covering your mouths with your hands.
“Mary? Mary?! Where did you go?”
The man shouting was scanning the area, obviously searching for someone. He jogged as best as he could given his tonnage, as his red face made clear to everyone he was struggling to shout and run at the same time.
The little girl was fixing the necklace when she heard the shouts and ran toward them.
“Ah, here you are!” he exclaimed picking her up “I hope she didn’t bother you”
Now that the man was right in front of you, you noticed he was dressed with quite expensive clothing and had a huge ring on his pinky finger, undoubtedly someone important in the city.
“Just the opposite, she provided quite a memorable scene” Jaskier answered feeling Geralt’s dirty look behind him.
You chuckled at those two. “No absolutely not sir. She was so kind to gift us with these” you said pointing at your flowery accessories.
“Oh very good then” the man said poking playfully the little girl “but never go away like this again, dad was scared”
“Okaaaay”
The man laughed and then looked back at you two. Jaskier noticed how he scanned you both with a questioning look on his face.
“Oh Melitele, is this a miracle?” he suddenly exclaimed. His eyes wide in surprise as he placed his free hand on his forehead.
“Sir, are you ok?” Jaskier asked with a confused look.
“You are Jaskier, the famous bard, isn’t it?”
“Oh yes, indeed” he smiled and bowed a little.
“And if I’m not mistaken, you must be the dancer with golden earrings. Lady Y/n, right?”
“It’s me” you smiled “And, you are?”
“Oh I beg you pardon, Hoxegind Vonnodd, I’m the Festival coordinator. Yesterday night the bard who was hired for the Festival got in a brawl after drinking all the ale he had handy, that bast-” the man stopped, remembering he had his daughter near him “That bad bad guy”
Geralt took the opportunity to subtly remove his necklace and putting on Roach, who snorted and shook her head, making it fall.
“I was desperate” Hoxegind continued “but then destiny brought you here! The best dancer in the whole Continent and the most well-known bard in all four kingdoms!” You and Jaskier smiled while sharing a look with each other.
The man went on, offering free lodging and meals to you and you couldn’t believe your ears.
“Please, could you perform for our people tonight?”
“Sir Vonnodd, we would be honored” you placed your hand on Jaskier’s arm.
“So it’s a deal! Come with me, I’ll show you the inn were you’ll stay”
“Geralt come here! We found a place to stay!” Jaskier called turning toward the witcher.
The inn was the best in town. A soft bed, clean sheets: after days of walking and sleeping on the ground, just the idea of wrapping yourself in warm blankets excited you all. Hoxegind was showing you your rooms and where you could place your bags when he turned toward Geralt.
“Geralt of Rivia, am I right? The witcher.” he asked, an inscrutable expression on his face.
“Indeed” he was ready to receive the usual dirty look as always, instead Hoxegind proposed to follow him in the tavern in order to discuss a possible case of a Kikimora in the forests near the city.
When the two of them left, you and Jaskier took a look at your rooms one more time, in silence. Your room’s door was exactly in front of Jaskier’s one. Both of you turned and glanced at each other, slowly approaching one another. When you both met, in the center of the corridor you maintained eye contact before exploding in excitement.
“Jaskier, what I told you! I had a good feeling about this!” you squealed.
“Some well-deserved rest and free meals, I feel like we have been blessed!” he responded, as much excited as you were.
A sudden bitter sensation washed over you two.
Is this the moment where we part?
Do we go our separate ways?
You asked yourselves the same questions, but you were too scared to find out the answers.
“I… I think I’ll take a bath” you said, the keen tone of your voice was now completely gone.
Jaskier nodded, his expression gloomy “I’ll go to the tavern for a bit”
“Ok, see you later Jaskier”
“See you later Y/n” he answered as you closed your door.
The ale tasted awful but he didn’t care much, he just wanted to get those doubt and thoughts out of his head as soon as possible.
Taking another sip and regretting it afterwards for the tenth time, he placed his mug on the table, sighing.
“I thought they already had kicked a bard out of this place for drinking too much” commented Geralt, sitting next to the bard.
Jaskier scoffed “I hope they kick me in the face and knock me out”
The witcher stayed silent for a bit, occasionally sipping from his mug.
“Tell her” he eventually said with his baritone voice.
Jaskier’s head quickly turned toward the witcher “Tell her?”
“Y/n”
Trying to act like he didn’t know what he was talking about, he asked “Tell her what?”
“That you don’t want to leave for the next city without her”
It was the bard turn to stay silent as he looked the other way. He knew Geralt was right, but he had so many doubts, what if you said no? It would break his heart.
“I quite enjoy her company while traveling. She’s quieter than you”
Jaskier chuckled bitterly.
“Think about it” Geralt placed a comforting hand on the bard’s shoulder, before standing up.
“Where are you going?”
Adjusting the swords behind his back, Geralt looked outside the window “There’s a job for a witcher apparently. Many citizens claim they saw a horrible creature lurking in the lakes near the forests: big fangs, bloody jaws, the usual. Enjoy the Festival Jaskier”
The witcher headed out of the tavern, leaving the bard serious and brooding. It was already time for lunch, but he wasn’t hungry, he kept sipping occasionally at the now almost empty mug in front of him, his expression lost in thought for hours. Never in his life he felt such an intense range of emotions, so many thoughts and incertitude.
The afternoon brought a warmer breeze from the window, Jaskier was sitting there for almost all day, the chair probably had the imprint of his backside on it.
His gloomy expression suddenly faded as realization took its place, he instantly stood up and ran up the stairs where your rooms were.
Checking the water temperature in the tub you sighed for the umpteenth time and let the towel fall on the floor before entering. The warm sensation enveloped your skin as you relaxed immediately, feeling the muscles around your body loosen.
Time went by as you glanced absentmindedly at a random crack in the wall, occasionally creating small waves with your hands on the water’s surface. Shouldn’t you be happy? You had found free lodging and meals, you had found an audience and you would receive a payment. However, you couldn’t feel as pleased as you should have. The worst part of it was that you knew why, but couldn’t do anything about it.
Sighing loudly you stood up and took the towel, wrapping yourself in it and sitting on the bed. You rubbed the towel up and down your body, got dressed and started fixing your hair in front of the mirror.
Deep down you hoped Jaskier would ask you to travel with him and don’t part from each other, but you knew it was just a mere dream, and even if you got along pretty well, Geralt included, they had their life.
However, the same feeling that guided you to think you’d have found a new opportunity in Brugge, made you think this wasn’t the end, that destiny still had something in store for you and your travel companions.
Thinking about the night and the performance, your eyes shined in realization as you sprinted toward the door, almost making the chair fall off. Opening the door, your heart skipped a beat when you found Jaskier’s hand curled in a fist, ready to knock on your door.
“Y/n” he said a little out of breath but smiling.
“Jaskier”
“I have something to ask you” you said at unison. You laughed nervously.
“You first” at unison again.
“I was just thinking maybe, you know…”
“You know I was in the tavern and I thought about some things…”
“...it’s just an idea, you can say no if…”
“...I mean it’s totally fine you disagree…”
“...but it would be a pleasure for me…”
After a good minute of you overlapping each other with confused sentences you finally said it.
“We should work together!” you both exclaimed at the same time.
After few seconds of complete surprise and excitement Jaskier smiled brightly.
“Well, that’s a good idea”
You laughed and playfully poked him in the chest.
The usual darkness that surrounded the city during the night was now completely gone as big fires and candles were lit all around the streets.
Fixing your hair for the last time you stepped outside and knocked at Jaskier’s door. You heard rapid footsteps approaching and eventually the door opened, your heart skipped a beat. Jaskier’s light blue doublet matched perfectly with his eyes, eyes that were fixed on your own, distracting you.
“Umm...Ready?” you stuttered.
The bard kept looking at you with his mouth slightly open, unable to say anything or move. It wasn’t the first time that he saw you wearing a dress before a performance but oh boy. You wore a dress he had never seen before, it was probably a spare one for occasions like these, your hair was nicely up to form a gorgeous updo while your usual golden earrings swung following every movement you made.
“Oh, umm yes, ready” he quickly grabbed his lute.
“I really like this color on you” Did I really said it? Oh Melitele, I did, you thought.
His lips curled into a genuine smile “Thank you Y/n”
Before he had the chance to open his mouth again, Hoxegind appeared in the corridor, panting because of the stairs he had climbed.
“Here you are!” he exhaled sharply “Everyone is waiting for you!”
Both of you shared a look and nodded.
“Let’s do this”
Hoxegind escorted you out the inn and through the city’s streets when you finally arrived. The town square, as every other corner as far as the eye could see, was filled with every kind of flowers, from the tiniest to the largest, wild and exotic, bright or pastel, as their scent spread all around you. Little girls and boys, their parents, old and young couples, adolescents, all gathered around a big fire as they waited for the performance to begin. The crowd was huge, the adrenaline started pumping in your veins.
“I will gladly introduce you, if you’ll let me” Sir Vonnodd asked with a bright smile, clasping his hands in front of him.
“Of course” you said.
“Two minutes and we will start. Good luck”
Bowing a little, Hoxegind left you two as he approached the center of the audience.
“So this is our debut together” Jaskier commented, excitement evident in his voice.
“We didn’t even have the time to try a little before the big premiere” you said glancing up at him.
“The music is perfect, the singer is perfect” you chuckled and rolled your eyes “the dancer is even better. We have nothing to worry about” he affirmed.
“Welcome everybody, ladies and gentlemen. We are honored tonight to introduce you two famous artists” Hoxegind voice resonated through the square as the voices lowered.
“Ok this is it” you checked your dress and your hair one last time and then turned toward Jaskier who was staring at you.
“Wait, something is missing” he placed the lute on the ground and turned on his back. He walked toward something but you couldn’t see it.
“What are you doing?” you asked.
When he turned again and approached you, he had a beautiful flower in his hand, its petals the same color as your dress. Barely managing to not blush, you saw him getting closer to you.
“Can I?” he asked. You simply nodded as he put the flower in your hair. When he finished he looked at you as he lowered his hands.
You didn’t had to chance to say anything because Hoxegind’s voice caught your ears.
“Y/n and Jaskier!”
The crowd exploded in excitement as they applauded cheerfully. Shaking away the emotion you just felt, you shared a look and nodded. Jaskier grabbed the lute from the ground as both of you arrived in the center of the square.
Bowing a little you parted so that you were few feet away from each other. Jaskier’s fingers started moving on the strings as you smiled at him, your arms slowly moved, following the rhythm.
“Oh fishmonger, oh fishmonger
Come quell your daughter's hunger”
The performance had just started when the people blithely began clapping their hands and tamping their feet along to the beat. The audience went in raptures. Flutes and drums played along with Jaskier’s lute as you danced gracefully, elegantly, expressively.
At the beginning they were two ballads, then they became three, then the audience asked for an encore. Twice. At the end you were both exhausted, Jaskier’s fingers were sore as much as your feet, but the reaction of the crowd was worth every aching muscle in your body.
As soon as you finished, all the people gathered around you complimenting or thanking you for the performance, even Hoxegind joined as he took your hand in his and gave it a steady shake.
You were so caught responding to all the kind words, you didn’t notice you slowly lost Jaskier in the crowd as you were pushed away by the audience.
Suddenly you felt a hand wrapping around your own and pulling you out the mass of people, you couldn’t see who it was, guessing it was Jaskier. He wasn’t.
As soon as you were out, you knew something was wrong, the hand holding painfully around your wrist wasn’t Jaskier’s one. Your eyes darted up to meet two small, vicious eyes of a man looking at you with a sinister smirk that made you want to gag.
“Who are you? Let me go!”
“Why going away so early? We’ll have some fun”
With all your force, you tried to break free from his grasp as he pulled toward a dark street as panic quickly clouded your mind but you didn’t let it control you.
“I’ve seen you dancing sensually over there, why don’t you do it for me?”
“Let me go! Help! Help me!” you shouted, digging your nails in his hand, pulling in the opposite direction, but your actions were vain. You were pushed against a wall, your arms pushed back so that the man could look at you with ease, but he was wrong. Using it to your advantage, you kicked him hard in the shins, but before he could react, his head made contact with a fist. A mighty, furious fist.
“Jaskier!” you gasped.
The man fell to the ground but the bard didn’t stop his assault on him, before he could even try to recover after the punch, he already had seized him by the collar and lifted him up against the wall.
“You miserable bastard! Touch her again and I’ll make you regret you were born” he seethed in his face, his tone uncharacteristically low and dangerous.
The man’s nose started bleeding from the impact with Jaskier’s fist. Clouded by anger he struck another blow to his face, this time even more brutal than the first, if possible.
“Go away” Jaskier growled pushing him hard on the ground. The man quickly tried to stand up and ran away, wrapping his hands around his swollen and bloody face.
Unable to move, you watched the scene in front of you with your face journeying from panic to confusion: seeing Jaskier angry was something new for you but he was beyond angry, he was furious. His veins were still bulging when he hurriedly approached you.
“Y/n, are you ok?” he took your hand in his before inspecting them, trying to find a wound or even a small cut, providing a good motive to end that man’s life once and for all.
“No I’m ok, I think” yes you were ok, before noticing your hands were held tightly by Jaskier.
When your eyes met, the anger was completely gone and his eyes were the usual soft and caring but filled with concern.
“This is my fault, I shouldn't have left you, but the crowd-”
He froze in his place when you hugged him tightly, encircling his neck with your arms.
“Thank you” you whispered as you felt his strong arms wrapping around you. Never he had the chance to stand so close to you, relishing in your scent
In that moment you understood.
He knew.
You knew.
He was madly in love with you.
You were madly in love with him.
As the adrenaline wore off you both glanced at one another as you parted, blushing a little. Your faces just few inches away. He could feel your breath on his face.
“Here you were!”
Quickly stepping away from each other you saw Hoxegind smiling brightly “The audience is asking for you, one last time?”
You both sighed.
“My fingers will fell off” Jaskier commented in a low voice.
Chuckling you stuttered a little “O-of course Sir Vonnodd”
Happy with the response, Hoxegind turned on his heels and headed toward the square again.
“May I accompany you, milady?” he asked offering his arm with the most handsome smile you had ever seen.
“It would be a pleasure”
Part 4 
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