#i wanted to do this as a one shot and i still might but in case i cant...
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Wanted
Boothill x reader
Synopsis: Boothill has a wanted poster with your face on it
This is a snippet from what I was going to do. I might turn this into a series.
Warnings: boothill typical violence, cussing, boothill’s substitute cuss words, use of guns, mentions of splattered brains (but doesnt happen)
Masterlists: xxx
Out of bullets. Out of backup. Shit shit shit. You’re normally better than this. You are better than this. You wouldn’t have secured a job to personally work beside the Ten Stonehearts if you sucked at it. So why now? When it truly mattered, why start losing grip now?
The hallway on the space station was long and agonizing. It’s slim but somehow you still feel like prey in an open field. The grip you have on your gun is tight despite the blasphemous thing being out of ammo. How the metal is digging into the palm of your hand is the only thing keeping you grounded and focused. Focused on making it to the safe room. Focused on sending out that distress signal. Focused on the little hope you have left. Just focus.
The distant sound of gunshots urges you to run faster. Each round of shots fuels not only your need to escape but your overwhelming guilt as well. Normally you stay back and handle the threat. You stay back to help your agents and get them to safety. That's what you wanted to do. Yet the sight of seeing bodies upon bodies being thrown to the side by him, you started to, selfishly, second guess if you should.
What pushed you to get out was Jade's voice speaking through your earpiece. She specifically ordered you to run and to get to the safe room. She all but hinted that this was surely a fight you couldn’t win and you needed to get out now. She's normally calm and collected, tactical and calculating. Jade isn't one to order you to retreat for she has trust in your abilities. So when she told you to run, you ran like hell was after you.
For once, you prayed to the Amber Lord. Praying that your colleagues will make it out alive. Although, you doubted that.
The weight of your conscious is almost enough to weigh down your speed but once the familiar doors of the safe room enter your sight, all weight is washed away and it’s replaced with relief.
Finally, after minutes of running and dodging bullets, you’ve made it. You take deep breaths to calm your breathing as a shaky hand swipes your keycard over the mechanical padlock. With a loud beep that makes you internally cuss it out, you slip into the room. The moment the door shuts you collapse to your knees.
“Holy fuck.” You mumble, letting out a nervous laugh. Your gun clatters to the floor beside you as your hand loses the strength to continue the death grip. You run your hand over your uniform to try and soothe the ache that replaces the cold metal. What a shit show.
You have faced an astronomical amount of enemies throughout your line of work. Anywhere from the Anti-Matter Legion to Galaxy Rangers. All of them were a pain to deal with, sure, but this? This is something different. You have never seen someone so precise, so quick with a gun, and so cocky. Recalling everything just made your blood boil. It’s not even because he ambushed your crew. It was more of the fact that he was moonwalking while doing so. Honestly, who acts so casually in a fight?
Pass it off with humor all you want, but you know exactly why you’re left shaken. This was the work of one individual. The same individual that made eye contact with you in the lobby. His grin widened when you locked eyes, and his bullseye pupils seemed to have made you the target. It was chilling. The way your body tensed and the hairs on the back of your neck stood was foreign to you. You’re normally the hunter but in the moment you felt like prey. That feeling was followed up by Jade's command and it felt too much like an omen. Like all of this was for you. All of this was because of you.
You shake your head to get rid of those thoughts. No. There’s no reason why you should dwell on the situation. Only doing so will drag you down. With weakened legs you stand, stumbling over to the command terminal to send a distress signal out. You hesitate for a moment as you stare down at the screen. The blinking red of the button haunted your memory.
The bodies of your coworkers. The blood of the agents you were supposed to watch over on Jade's behalf. The screams of pain and terror as they tried to take down the threat that snuck onboard. No matter how hard you try, you can't push down that culpability. Your mind races at a million miles per hour, from one thought to the next, all about your irresponsibility. You tried to save who you could. You tried to take down the threat yourself. You shot so, so many bullets all for naught. Then he looked at you. Made a beeline for you. Was he here for you? Was this all your fault? Where did you go wrong? Why didn't you try harder to save the agents that were trusted to your care? Are you even worthy of saving?
Your breath hitches at the last question.
'Am I worth saving?'
Even so, that decision isn't up to you. It's up to the Ten Stonehearts. With reluctance, you press the button. There's a gentle ping that was supposed to reassure you that the distress signal was successfully sent. But all it did was make your gut twist with anguish. It shouldn't only be you in this room.
Your sorrowful eyes stare out the window with a glaze. In all of your times of need, it has always been the stars that brought you comfort. Always a shining, shimmering light in the dreadful place of your mind. For the first time since this morning, your mind goes quiet as you imagine yourself walking among the stars. You enjoy the tranquility of the safe room, taking the opportunity to worship the silence. No screaming, no commands, no gunshots.
Wait.
.
.
.
No gunshots.
Your moment of peace is ripped out of your hands and replaced with your heart dropping. Your breathing stops and slowly, ever so, you turn your head to look behind you.
Oh fuck.
There he is in all of his cowboy glory. The barrel of his gun is pointed right between your eyes and there isn’t a hint of hesitation on his face.
“Don’t tell me ya hidin’ from my welcome party.” His thick southern accent lays on thick at the realization of it all; you haven’t been fucked like this in a long time. Your gun is left on the floor. Even if it is out of ammo, you still could’ve potentially used it as an empty threat. You quite literally backed up against a wall. Alone. The only exit is being blocked by the blood-thirsty cyborg man in front of you. There’s no one left to provide backup.
That feeling creeps up your spine again as his eye pierces through you, just itching to pull the trigger on you.
"Is this what they consider southern hospitality?" You sarcastically ask, a glare settling into your eyes in hopes of masking that premonition deep within your bones.
There's a skip of a beat in your heart when there’s silence. A thick, heavy silence that only grows louder the longer you stare down the barrel of the pistol. It’s only broken by his boisterous laugh. A laugh that feels mocking. A laugh that makes you feel offended that you opened your mouth. You go from scared, to confused.
“Oh shucks! You got me gatherin’ tears in my eye! Holy fudgin shirt on a rag! It’s been a while since I had someone tell me a one-liner like that. You’re a hoot and a holler!”
He finds this humorous. He has a gun pointed between your eyes, eager to splatter your brains across the window behind you, and he finds this funny. You go from scared, to livid.
“Are you fucking serious?”
“Ha! At least one of us can say it-“
“Are you fucking serious? You murdered my coworkers, you’re threatening me, and you’re laughing?”
“Don’t go actin’ all high and mighty now, you IPC scum.” His mood switch gave you whiplash. What was once a lighthearted tone was turned into a low growl. He took one step forward, then another, and another until his chest was pressed up against yours. His breath fans over your face. Your back presses up against the command terminal. The soft red blinking of the distress button reflects off the shiny metal of the gun as he presses it against your forehead. Even so, the indignation coursing through your body is enough to fuel a stellaron.
“You shouldn’t be acting all righteous either. Wanted criminals don’t deserve to act so pompous.” You snap back, huffing out a breath.
“So ya know who I am?”
“Unfortunately.”
Boothill might as well be a cursed name among the IPC. A name that brings both fear and a migraine. You never had the courtesy to meet him until now. His wanted poster has been sitting on your desk for a while along with his list of crimes. The stack was so big that his crimes were used as a paperweight for a while. While he was annoying, the Ten Stonehearts put you on missions that were ‘more important.’ His information served more as a warning rather than a task.
Now you regret not going after him when you got the chance.
“It appears my ruckus has paid off.” He whispers, lowering the gun. You had a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, that that was a sign he was leaving. That the distress signal wasn’t needed after all. He only allowed you enough relief to let out a shaky sigh.
The tip of the gun is pressed under your chin, tilting your head back to fully look up at his smug smirk.
“It’s a shame your wanted poster says wanted alive.”
Your eyes widen in his swift movements. With harsh movements, he slams the grip against your temple. There’s a burning, aching pain that spreads throughout your head and down the back of your neck. Your body falls to the floor with a harsh thud. You couldn’t help but think this is what you deserved for failing them all.
‘Am I worth saving?’ It appears the universe made that decision before your higher-ups.
Boothill kneels beside you, placing his gun back into his holster.
“Don’t ya worry. Ima take good care of ya.”
#honkair star rail#star rail#honkai star rail men#honkai star rail men x reader#star rail men#star rail men x reader#honkai star rail x reader#star rail x reader#boothill x reader#boothill
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Bugsy and Spencer tea!!
the one with the card counting | Spencer Reid x Prentiss!Reader
description: Bugsy and Spence quarrel while playing Old Maid
length: 700 wds
set in the trouble almost all my life universe
“Spence, I love you, but if you try card counting in Old Maid one more time, I’m not speaking to you for the rest of the flight,” Bugsy snipped, staring down at the man over their deck of cards, his hazel eyes narrowed and concentrated as he flicked through his hand. The joker card glared down at him from the dead centre, where he’d strategically placed it so she’d be more likely to take it when her turn came, though he’d been unsuccessful so far.
She didn’t need to see his lips to know he was chewing them in frustration, eyes darting between the pile on the table of already used hands, the rest of the deck they were picking up from, and how many cards she had in her hand.
“I’m not, and even if I was, it’s just math,” He replied in a defensive tone, knowing she’d already caught him out as he looked up at her, the red back designs fanning over her mouth and nose, though her annoyed expression was still clear as day to him. For a guy who rarely understood what people meant until they spelled it out verbally for him, Bugsy had always just seemed to make sense in his head, “I’m not cheating,”
He said it like someone who was trying to convince himself it was true, his eyes as innocent and none threatening as they would go, though he got that little notch between his brows that said he knew exactly what he was doing and felt bad for lying to her.
Huffing, she drew her cards to her chest and setting her elbows on the table, Hotch to her left with an amused smile drawing at his lips as he tried to catch some sleep on the way home from a case, though the sound of the two agents bickering gave him some inflight entertainment at least.
“Oh, really?” She asked, daring him to repeat himself even though saying it the first time had been hard enough, and Spencer simply nodded with a small ‘Mhm’, “Alright, smart guy, if we’re playing it like that then I’m taking this card,” Bugsy said, pulling the ace of spades he had sitting beside the joker with a pointed look on her face, “And the reason I want this one and not the one next to it is because I know that's where you put the old maid,”
Spencer swallowed, the tip of his nose turning a blush, as he grit his teeth together in annoyance, “I guess the joke is on you, Miss Prentiss. I don’t even have the old maid,” He said, forcing his voice not to quake, and he sounded somewhat believable, at least that’s what he thought until he saw her brow raise, and he knew he was fucked.
“Yeah? Government names is it?” She asked again, giving him chance to fix his error, only he doubled down with a second nod, his lips pursed. Her finger shot out to point to the joker card, where she could only see the intricate pattern that matched every other in his hand, “So this isn’t the Old Maid?”
Spencer blinked once, the two of them exchanging a heated look like they were waiting for the smallest of breaks in character, and his breathing even despite the fact it was under duress, his expression abnormally calm as the jet went entirely silent, “Yes,”
“Bullshit,” He quickly collected his cards to his lap and scrambled to shuffle them well enough that she wouldn’t guess which one was the dead card, his scowl spreading over his face.
“You cheater, you must have seen my cards, there’s no way to count where I put the joker, that is entirely by chance-” Spencer snapped back, flipping them between his long, lithe fingers as Bugsy giggled into her hand.
“Play nicely, boys and girls,” Rossi chided where he had his nose buried in the newspaper, only glancing up to see Spencer glaring at the girl who sat opposite him with a victorious smirk.
“Face it, Spencer Reid. You might be good, but I’m better.” Derek bit his lip to stop himself from laughing where he was eavesdropping on their game on the seats behind them, and he thought he might have to take it to his deathbed that he and the younger girl had swapped Spencer's cards out the second he went to the bathroom. Or maybe save it for a rainy day, when he really needed leverage against the stubborn girl and let them squabble in peace.
Bugsy didn't tell him until a year later, the week before she left for London.
#spencer reid x reader#spencer reid imagine#criminal minds x reader#spencer reid fanfiction#bugspence#matthew gray gubler x reader
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Untamable Sirius doesn't listen when he's angry and usually shy , who commands him. "Sirius, sit down!"
Sirius had been pacing back and forth, ranting and raving about the 'injustice' of it all, his anger rolling off him in waves.
“I can’t believe that slimy git got away with it again!” Sirius yelled, his voice echoing off the stone walls. “He’s got it out for me, and Dumbledore just lets him do whatever he wants!”
Remus and James exchanged uneasy glances. They knew better than to try and calm Sirius down when he was like this. It was like trying to put out a forest fire with a watering can.
“Mate, you need to take it easy,” James finally said, his tone cautious. “You’re going to get yourself in even more trouble if you don’t cool off.”
“Cool off?” Sirius snapped, rounding on James. “I’m supposed to just let Snape walk all over me? You saw what he did!”
Remus stepped in, trying to be the voice of reason. “We all saw it, Sirius. But getting yourself worked up like this isn’t going to help. You know how Snape is; he wants to see you lose it.”
Sirius threw his hands up in frustration. “So what? I’m just supposed to sit here and take it?”
“You’re supposed to be smarter than him,” Remus said calmly. “Don’t give him the satisfaction. Plus one more detention and McGonagall's gonna get you off the team.”
“She can't do that!” Sirius turned to James for confirmation but the bespectacled boy looked away, “All because of that no-good son of a-”
It was at that moment that you decided to step in. You took a deep breath your voice cutting through the heated air, you just couldn’t stand to see Sirius so angry.
“Sirius,” you said firmly, your voice stronger than you felt. “Sit down.”
Sirius stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes locking onto yours. The room went silent, all eyes now on the two of you.
“What?” he asked, his voice softening, confusion replacing some of the anger in his expression.
“Sit. Down,” you repeated, not backing down. “You’re not helping anything by yelling and pacing. So, sit down and calm down.”
For a moment, Sirius looked like he might argue, but something in your eyes made him pause. Slowly, he walked over to a chair and sank into it, his anger deflating.
“Thank you,” you said quietly, your own nerves still on edge. “I know it’s hard, but you need to think before you act.”
Sirius ran a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. “You’re right,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just… I hate feeling like I can’t do anything.”
“You can,” you said gently. “But not like this. You’re smarter than Snape. Don’t let him get to you so easily, like Remus said, it's all he wants.”
He looked up at you, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I’ll try,” he said, sincerity in his voice. “For you.”
"Snape on the other hand can go to hell." He mutteringly added, James snorted at that and you shot him an unamused glare.
As you turned to go back to your seat hiding a grin, you could feel Sirius’s eyes on you, a new light of respect for you in his gaze. He was still Sirius Black of course: the wild, reckless, untamable Gryffindor that you dearly love, but in that moment, you had tamed the lion within.
#sirius black x reader#sirius black#harry potter x reader#marauders era#sirius x reader#sirius x you#sirius orion black#sirius black x fem!reader#harry potter#marauders x reader#sirius black blurb#sirius black drabble#sirius black fluff#sirius black imagine#sirius black x you#marauders#the marauders
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Phone number
Haruka Sakura x fem!reader
hello this is my windbreaker debut 😍😍😍
i've been thinking about babyboy sakura way too much lately, and come on how do you expect me to resist a tsundere who gets flustered easily
speaking of flustering sakura...😈
"Hey. You're a member of Bofurin, right?" you tapped Sakura on the shoulder while he was walking down the street.
Two weeks ago, you happened to see him patrolling the town and beating up some bad guys that were causing trouble. Ever since then you haven't been able to stop thinking about him. Maybe it's the strange yet intriguing appearance or maybe it's the serious, no nonsense expression on his face that you can't get out of your head.
You're still kind of processing it since it came out of nowhere, but you think you might have a crush on him. At the very least, you're interested to the point where you want to meet him again and shoot your shot.
This brings you to where you are right now. You happened to see him again while running errands around town and thought to yourself "now or never".
"Yeah, what do you want?" he sounded like he was slightly bothered by you approaching him, but you happened to notice the slight pink dusting his cheeks which let you know that might not be the case.
"I need help with something." you intertwined your fingers, putting on your best sweet smile and trying not to show that you're nervous as hell right now.
His expression became slightly more serious, somewhat like the cool expression he was wearing during the fight 2 weeks ago. It was a silent way of telling you to go on.
"Something's missing and I need help finding it. It's your number." you screamed internally because that line sounded way cooler in your head and hearing yourself say it now makes you feel like the biggest idiot on Earth.
He stared at you weirdly for a few excruciating seconds like you did in fact just say the stupidest thing ever which made you instantly lose all the confidence you built up.
"So, uh, you know, if you could give your number to me, that would be nice?" it's almost like you enjoy digging your own grave.
He furrowed his brows as if he's thinking hard before turning completely red all of a sudden. You giggled about how he looks like a tomato internally but on the outside you were too mortified to do anything other than wait for his response. He changed colors like those LED lights. It's almost impressive.
"My number? T-To you?" he seemed genuinely surprised to say the least. He looked shocked to a comical degree.
You nodded and he fumbled around his pockets to pull out his phone. He stared at it for a few seconds before awkwardly asking "How do I do that, again?"
He was firmly avoiding eye contact with you now, which is kind of strange compared to the way he was confidently exchanging eye contact with you a few moments before. You aren't sure if he's embarrased because you're asking him for his number or if it's because he has no idea how to exchange contact info. But if he's embarrased about it, that means he's atleast a little interested, right?
"Give it here." you gently held out your hand and he gave you his phone without saying anything. You added him on LINE, probably wearing a stupidly giddy smile on your face while doing that without even noticing.
"There..." you handed his phone back to him. "So, um... see you around?" you smiled at him one last time, turning around to get the hell out of this awkward yet exciting situation and waving back at him. That was the most awkward you've felt in a while and you kind of ended the interaction suddenly because you couldn't take it anymore.
"S... see you." he choked out, barely audible to you.
When you were firmly out of view, he realised that he has a nosebleed. A girl... just gave him her number. A girl... just... He feels like he might just faint from all the blood rushing to his face. Not to mention he's going to have to clean up his nose before anyone notices.
He stared at your contact name with a little heart next to it for far too long when he was all alone that night.
#˗ˏˋ ★ ♡ 「Wolfie’s other works」 ♡ ★ ˎˊ˗#wind breaker#wind breaker (nii satoru)#wind breaker x reader#wind breaker x you#haruka sakura x reader#sakura haruka#sakura haruka x reader#sakura haruka x you#wind breaker (satoru nii)#haruka sakura
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He's My Man (Part 3)
Summary: Russell's returned and it appears that the reader's past employment problems are behind her. But when a shirtless Russell invites her into his home and their flirting rises to new levels, the reader will have to grapple with a new reality she doesn't know how to deal with. Russell Shaw might just be the first good guy after all...
Masterlist
Pairing: Russell Shaw x reader
Word Count: 3,500ish
Warnings: language, gun shot injury mention, smidge of angst, fluff
A/N: That ending though 👀
__________
The sun was shining high when you woke, streams of light filtering in through the large windows. You hummed as you sat up, Colter typing away at his laptop outside. There was no sign of Russell though, a frown forming on your face.
He hadn’t left already, had he? He’d promised to tell you what happened back home.
You quickly changed in Colter’s bedroom into your joggers and AC/DC shirt, deciding to try Russell’s gifts out. The bra felt amazing, especially after wearing the same dirty one for a few days in a row. Even the lilac underwear was softer than you expected.
Outside you shrugged on one of Russell’s flannel’s, pouting when you saw his car was gone and yours was in it’s place.
“Morning,” said Colter, nodding towards where a cup of coffee laid waiting for you next to your chair.
“Hey,” you said, taking it without sitting. “I didn’t mean to sleep so late.”
“Not a problem. You haven’t been getting much lately.” You glanced around and noticed he was packed up for the most part, probably itching to get on the road.
“You have a new case?”
“Yeah. Oregon, not too far,” he said. He reached into his pocket, holding out your car keys. You wearily took them, Colter glancing over the top of your head. “I told him to stick around but he wanted to make sure it was ready for you.”
You raised an eyebrow, Colter shrugging.
“Apparently Russell has a place 45 minutes from here. Some cabin on a lake? I didn’t know he had a house. But uh, he hasn’t been there in awhile and he went on ahead to clean and stock up or something. He wants you to head up there so you can talk.”
“Oh. That’s…sweet.” You chugged back half your coffee, Colter eyeing you suspiciously. “What?”
“Nothing. Go have your talk.” You hummed, taking another sip. “You don’t owe him anything you know.”
“I know. We’re just friends.” Colter smirked. “You want to go down that road, Shaw? I can’t help but notice you and Reenie got that whole enemies to lovers vibe-”
“And that’s enough of that conversation,” he said, standing with a stretch. He reached into his pocket again, tossing you your phone. “Russell said it’s safe to carry again. Call if you ever need anything, Y/N.”
“Have I grown on you, Colter?” you teased. He rolled hie eyes as you handed him your empty mug.
“Maybe. I’m working on the having friends thing.”
“Well, you Shaw boys aren’t conventional but you’ve grown on me,” you said, opening your arms. “Come on. Let’s hug it out.”
“This is why I don’t do friends,” he half grumbled when he stepped into it, rubbing your back once more. “Hey and if you do think you want to try rewardist work, call me. We’ll talk, figure out a safe way for you to do this stuff.”
“What makes you think I won’t just go back home and do what I was before?” you asked.
“Did you really want to do that crap again?” You frowned, shaking your head. He stepped back, pushing you towards the streamer. “That’s what I thought. Go pack. I’m sure Russell will be looking for you soon.”
One Hour Later
After leaving Colter with a promise to stay in touch, you arrived in a small town on the edges of a lake. It took a few minutes but your GPS eventually found the right road to head down. You had to question it when it told you that you’d arrived at your destination. The cabin Russell supposedly owned look more like a very expensive rustic mini-mansion some rich people would vacation to on the weekends.
Still, you pulled into the driveway and found Russell’s beat up car there. Cautiously you exited your car and went up the steps of the front porch, ringing the doorbell twice. A large wood door whipped open and you’d gotten your wish.
There was Russell before you. Damp hair slicked back, a few water droplets trailing down his broad chest and disappearing into the waist band of his navy sweatpants. You could see his tattoos scattered across his arm, a few on his wrist and thumbs and good god, how long had you been ogling his body?
Your head snapped up, Russell cockily leaning with one arm up against the doorframe wearing a satisfied smirk.
“Oh, please. Look all you want, babe.” You huffed and stormed past him, fighting the urge to turn around and see what his ass looked like in this skinny little joggers he had on. Nope. You had more self-control than that.
“You wish,” you said, surprised at the mixture of modern and rustic touches inside. “So you squatting here, Shaw?”
“I wish,” he chuckled, walking past you into the kitchen area, the smell of sandalwood and vanilla luring you to follow after. “I picked this place up after I got out of the military for cheap. Been renovating it room by room for the past decade.”
“Marble countertops?” you asked, rattling your knuckles against the white and silver veined surface. Russell leaned against the island, his biceps flexing with the movement. “I thought you said you aren’t made of money.”
“Maybe I want you to like me for me and not my wallet,” he said, looking at you through his eyelashes. “You know how much that visit to that little boutique set me back?”
“Oh, I think you can afford it,” you said, smiling as you slipped behind him, ruffling his damp strands. “Next time you want to buy me lingerie, just be a big boy and say so.”
“Here I was being thoughtful with no ulterior motives,” he said, standing and putting a hand to his chest. He frowned, closing his eyes in feigned pain. “I’m hurt, Y/N.”
“You can be thoughtful and at the same time admit you’d like to see what your choices look like.” He dropped his hand smiled.
“I really did buy them without expecting anything. I was there and thought a girl like you deserves something nice in her fucked up life.”
“I know, Russell,” you said quietly, offering him a smile. “I honestly do appreciate it.”
He nodded before going to his fridge and taking out a pair of waters, setting one on the counter near you. “You’re welcome. And if you were ever so inclined to want to show off my fashion choices, I suppose I could suffer through.”
“You’d really take that hit for the team wouldn’t you,” you teased. He hummed, crossing his arms.
“It’s a heavy burden but one I’m willing to bear.” You rolled your eyes and laughed quietly, slipping away before you got any closer to a half-naked Russell.
You pretended to meander around the house, enjoying the openness compared to Colter’s airstreamer. A large fireplace sat in the corner and you could see through the glass doors to the back covered porch that another sat out there as well.
“I made up the guest room.” You spun around, Russell pointing down a hallway. “Fresh sheets. Towels. I thought maybe you’d want to take a real shower and relax before you decide your next move.”
“Next move, huh.” You crossed your arms, looking out the back windows as dark clouds rolled in over the lake. “That your subtle way of saying I can’t go back home?”
Russell’s smile fell, quickly replaced with a neutral non-chalence you saw right through. He padded across the hardwoods over to your side, watching the clouds with you.
“I meant what I said last night. You’re safe. No one, and I mean no one, will ever come after you again. Go freshen up and we’ll talk after. I promise.”
“Fine. But only because Colter’s shower sucks.” You knew Russell was holding back something but you’d let it slide for the moment. A hot, long shower sounded amazing.
Forty minutes later you exited the guest suite with freshly washed hair, smooth legs and clean clothes. Alright, maybe they were Russell’s clothes he’d laid out on the bed for you but you weren’t complaining.
“How was it?” he asked when you found him on the covered back porch, a hard rain coming down.
“I hate to sound like a girl but that was so much nicer than your brother’s tiny ass shower stall,” you said, enjoying the cool air on your flush skin. Russell refrained from saying anything about the black Stones shirt you had put on or the way you were drowning in his sweatpants. You ran your fingers through your hair, Russell watching you try to tame the mess it’d become. “You didn’t happen to pick up any hair ties or scrunchies when you clearly went to the store and got me stuff, did you?”
He reached into his pocket with a smile and a dark green scrunchie appeared on his wrist, your eyes wide. “Wait, really?”
“I’m smarter than I look,” he said. You nearly asked for it when you decided to turn around, presenting your back to him.
“Can you handle a messy bun?” you asked. A spark rang down your spine as he gathered up your hair on top of your head, gently pulling it together and securing it. You patted it when he finished, Russell taking a bow to an imaginary crowd. You put a hand on your hip, shaking your head. “Okay, how the hell do you know how to do that?”
“I could tell you but I’d have to kill you.” You rolled your eyes. “I learned it at special ops school.”
“Russ.” He laughed, taking a seat on the outdoor couch, arm over the back of it.
“I have a kid sister. I used to do her hair and shit when she was little.” You grinned, Russell holding up a finger.
“Don’t. Say-”
“Aw. What a good big brother you are,” you teased, sitting down next to him. Russell’s eyes glinted with a retort but he settled for letting his fingertips dance over your bare neck. Your breath hitched, Russell, cocking his head. “I can’t concentrate on what we need to talk about if you’re going to keep doing that.”
“Does that mean you don’t like it?” he asked, his body inviting you to tuck itself in right under that open arm. He grazed his fingers oh so lightly over your neck again and fuck, you wished he’d just grab hold and smash your lips to his already.
“You think just cause you’re sweet and thoughtful and hot and save a girl, you’ll win her over with your horrible flirting, just like that?” He leaned in close, so close you felt the heat radiating off his breath.
“I already won and she knows it. She just likes making me chase her.” You shivered when he thumbed over the back of your neck, a cocky smile on his face. “And she is a woman worth chasing so I will as long as she wants me to.”
You leaned in just when he pulled away and stood up, taking a seat in the chair opposite you with a big, stupid, cocky as fuck, smile on his face.
“Fucker,” you growled. Russell only smiled harder. “You’re gonna pay for that.”
“Oh, I pray I do,” he said, putting his hands behind his head, licking his lips. Your eye twitched, Russell chuckling deeply. “That’s my little queen of darkness I adore.”
“We will continue this conversation later,” you said, cutting him off. Russell nodded, taking the zip up from nearby and unfortunately tugging it on over his bare chest.
“So,” he said, shoving his hands in the pockets, taking a deep breath. “You want to know what happened after you left.”
“That’d be nice, yes.” Russell pursed his lips, turning his head towards the downpour. “Russell. Come on.”
“I know you want details but I’m sorry, that’s not happening.” Your jaw dropped as he held up his hands. “You have had enough violence and death in your life. Now, I will answer your questions but I will use my discretion. You do not need…you don’t need that crap anymore. Please.”
Russell dropped his hand, leaning his elbows against his knees. When he looked up, his green eyes were somber and your heart did that flipping thing again.
“Are they all dead? The whole crew?” you asked quietly. He nodded. “That was like twenty five guys.”
“...Technically, they killed each other off. That’s why you didn’t hear about it in the news. Police are keeping it quiet.”
“How…you tricked them?” you asked. He nodded again. “You’re sure all of them-”
“Every last one. Sides were drawn. Elpine and some of his crew got involved too, killed in the crossfire. There’s no mafia left there. No one will ever look for you again if you decide to go back.”
“If?” you asked. Russell shrugged.
“You were forced to do a job you didn’t want. You don’t want to patch up scummy guys off the street. You get to live the life you want to now. You can do that back in Virginia…or you can do a clean slate. Start over somewhere new.”
“You mean here. Stay here with you,” you said. You stood up, going to the railing, a cold breeze hitting you.
“This is a safe place and you can take as long as you need to figure out what you want to do.” You felt him behind you, his hands settling on your arms. “I have enough. I don’t want to be a private contractor forever. I am more than happy to walk away and start fresh myself.”
“Russell, you are asking a lot.”
“No I’m not.” You frowned, closing your eyes. “Despite…I’m not asking you to pick me. I’m not that crazy. I know we’re still figuring each other out. I’m asking you to pick yourself. I’m asking you to trust now that I am not like those people you worked with. You never have to pick me if that’s what you want and there are no stings attached. Ever. Just don’t go back there. Start over somewhere where life will be kind to you.”
He rubbed your arms once before you felt him move away. You glanced back over your shoulder, Russell going to the fireplace and squatting down in front of it. A moment later, flames appeared and he was tossing a few logs from nearby inside.
“Russell.” He hummed, adjusting a large log with a sharp poker. He kept his back to you for a long beat, slowly rising and setting the poker aside. When he finally looked at you, his face was neutral, void of any signs of how he actually felt. You fidgeted, tugging down the hem of your shirt awkwardly. “Put aside the flirting. You and me…it’s not going to work out.”
“You’re sure about that, are you?” You scoffed, Russell holding up his hands.
You stormed over to him, stabbing a finger in his firm chest. “I am not whatever you think I am. I’m not a damsel looking for her white knight to come save her. I didn’t ask you to take care of my problem. You decided to do that, not me. I don’t owe you anything.”
He slowly blinked, staring down with the tiniest hint of a smirk.
“Why are you always fucking smiling?” you growled.
“Well if you’re going to be the grumpy then I got to be the sunshine.”
“We’re not a fucking trope! I-I don’t need you. I don’t need you to buy me things. Or do things for me. Or offer to let me stay in this beautiful house. I’ve spent my whole life alone. There is no such thing as a good guy. All you want is in my fucking pants so let’s just fuck and get this fucking thing over with so I can go the fuck home.”
Russell’s eyebrows raised. He nodded, crossing his arms. “I’m not fucking you.”
“What? That’s…you’ve been flirting the second we met!”
“Oh, we’re past the hookup stage. We do this, it’s cause we’re the real deal.”
“Insufferable,” you muttered, going inside, pacing back and forth in the family room. To your extreme annoyance, Russell didn’t follow you. He just sat out there next to his fireplace, watching the rain come down. He really wasn’t going to talk to you about this? He was going to ignore you?
You huffed, wandering throughout the house and finding it frustratingly gorgeous. While it certainly leaned masculine as did most rustic style homes single men lived it, it felt…cozy. There was a warmth to it, even in the large expanses, that you hadn’t felt since you were a child. It was built almost like a retreat, Russell’s safe place away from the world.
You sat down on the top set of the stairs, frowning with your head in your hands.
Was there such a thing as a good guy? No, Russell wanted you for sex. A quick fuck. Maybe a fuck buddy at most but that was it. Right? He was a single man in his forties. Ex-military and he still did contracted black ops work. He was a trained killer. A deadly weapon hidden under a boyish smile and pretty face. There was no way he was a good guy that actually wanted a normal life.
“Do you always talk to yourself?” Your head snapped up, Russell giving you an awkward little wave from the landing a few feet away. You groaned, wiping your face off when you felt the trickle of tears on your cheeks. Russell stepped up and stopped, sitting down a few steps below you, close enough to reach out and grab your hand.
“I should go,” you said. Russell simply held out his open palm, your own hands now held in your lap.
“Whether I’m good or bad, I’ll leave that up to somebody else to decide. I don’t live my life in the black and white. But I can tell you if I only wanted to screw you, I would never have invited you to my home.” You stared down at your lap, closing your eyes when his callused thumb wiped under your eye, pushing away a rogue tear. “You ain’t a damsel. You’re my queen of darkness, remember?”
Your lip twitched up briefly, Russell letting out some satisfied little sound.
“I meant what I said earlier. Stay. Rest. Figure out your next move on your own time. If me being here complicates that, I can duck out.”
“No.” You grasped his wrist, flicking open your eyes. His palm felt so hot to the touch, your heart skipping when he grazed your skin. “Stay here.”
“Okay then,” he said. He stood, leaning over and kissing your forehead. Then he was moving down the steps, whistling a peppy tune. “I’m going to make us some grilled cheese and tomato soup. Love me some grilled cheese.”
“Wait!” you called, following him down the stairs. Russell spun around at the bottom, smiling up at you. “Why…I…I-I don’t understand. You’re really just going to let me stay here? Without committing to anything?”
His face fell, brow furrowing. “You’re really starting to scare me, Y/N. When’s the last time there was someone decent in your life?”
“I’m not sure anymore,” you said quietly. “The idea of someone like you being so kind crosses a lot of wires in my head.”
“That’s why you keep freaking out when I’m not a dick and give you space.” You nodded, fidgeting with the bottom of your shirt again. He smiled, reaching up, offering his hand again. You let yours slip into it, Russell lacing your fingers together. “Well, I ain’t like other men, sweetheart. I promise you that.”
“Why me?” you asked, taking a step down, putting you at eye level with him. “I mean, why wouldn’t you want someone normal?”
“A normal girl sounds boring. Now queen of darkness? That sounds like a woman that’s badass enough to put up with me. Let’s stop freaking out, go make lunch, and let me try to help you what you want to do, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Perfect.” He pecked a kiss on your cheek, pulling you along after him. “So. Has a man ever cooked for you?”
You shook your head, Russell frowning. You yelped when he picked you up and sat you on the kitchen counter, caging you in with his muscular arms on either side.
“Alright then Y/N Y/L/N. I’m about to make you the best goddamn lunch of your life.” Before he could move, you wrapped your legs tight around his waist, keeping him so, so close. Russell’s gaze turned heated, eyes darkening. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?” you breathed out, Russell leaning in close.
“Don’t take me unless you plan on keeping me. Based on our previous conversation, we are not there.” Slowly, you unhooked your legs, Russell straightening, looking you up and down, eyes no less dark.
“Russ?” He stared at you, licking his lips.
“Fuck it.”
And then he slammed his lips to yours, stealing your breath away in the goddamn best kiss of your life.
_________
A/N: Part 4 coming soon!
#Russell Shaw#Russell Shaw x reader#russell shaw fanfiction#tracker fanfiction#Tracker#russell shaw x you#Russell Shaw series
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ⅹ▬ ⁽ 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝑔𝑜𝓃 ⁾ ¹
part two
𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉 ♡︎ : ₁₀˖₆ₖ ˚₊·—̳͟͞͞♡
𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 ♡︎ : slightly edited, talk of death, suicidal thoughts (??) ₍⑅ᐢ..ᐢ₎
૮ ˙Ⱉ˙ ა ʳᵃʷʳ ⁿᵒᵗᵉˢ : i had to split this into two parts since the entire one-shot might be at least 20k words long. there is no smut in this but in order to understand the second part i'll be writing, you'll need to read this! also, if you've read my demon one-shot, there's a little hint at these worlds colliding, let me know if you find where that is 😌
𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎 ♡︎ : you, the princess of the jade empire, are on the run from your tyrannical uncle who is hell-bent on taking the throne for himself. following the death of your family members, you stand as the sole surviving royal descendant. as the unforgiving winter of the north looms closer and you find yourself without shelter, your desire for vengeance is set aside. stranded in a dark cavern, you struggle to stay alive and search for sustenance. but as you delve deeper into the cave, you unknowingly awaken a sinister creature lurking in the shadows, waiting to consume you whole.
꒰m!dragon ₊⊹ afab!reader꒱
“ℳ y lady, you must go now!”
What had your world come to? And why now?
You stand there, overwhelmed and devastated as Eunice, your personal maid, thrusts a satchel into your quivering, awaiting hands, her eyes of umber brown are widened and her lips quiver with dread— she was terrified, and rightfully so. She was soon to meet her end, and yet she was accepting it with ease, so much so that it made your heart thump painfully within your ribcage.
Eunice was an older woman with greying, thick brown hair that usually framed her heart-shaped face perfectly, but it was now strewn about aimlessly at the top of her head in the midst of utter chaos. Her eyes were the faultless color of brown which held just the tiniest specks of hazel. Within the depths of those chocolate pools, a previously unseen emotion emerges, leaving your hands sweaty and your face pale.
You shake your head softly at her command, clutching her wrist within your clammy hands, pulling her along with you. "Come, come with me, Eunice, let us flee together!" you beg frantically, tears streaming down your face in heavy rivulets, your mind throbbing with an impending migraine. Your watery, scared eyes make Eunice’s stomach twist torturously— she who had taken care of you since you were a child, could only force a wobbly smile.
Eunice's heart trembles with fear at the thought of her death. The mere concept of dying was a chilling specter that haunted her every waking moment. No one willingly wished to die. However, when it came to you, the child she had considered her own? Eunice would willingly embrace death a thousand times over if she had to.
She couldn't bear to watch you die, not like this, especially when there was still a chance for you to live, to experience the pleasures of life, and perhaps even create a family of your own one day.
With her resolve solidified, the woman firmly withdraws her arm from your grasp and gently pushes against your shoulders. “I cannot. I will stay, buy you time,” she whispers. The distant echoes of battle cries resonate in the distance, and Eunice swiftly guides you toward the concealed passage nestled within your chamber.
"This path shall guide you to Thaos Village within three sunsets. It is my hometown, seek out Geoffrey Jill. Remember My Lady, be smart, be alert. Do not trust anyone, the Kingdom is your enemy.” Her voice trembles, yet even amidst this harrowing ordeal, she maintains her composure, selflessly offering herself as a sacrifice.
You’d always been a stubborn child, Eunice used to playfully say that you got it from your Father. He was a formidable figure, unwavering in his decisions, and she saw that same strength in you as a child.
With glazed eyes, you looked on to Eunice with persistence. Your hands twitching at your sides to grasp at her frayed garments, wanting to tug on them with earnestness, a commemoration to the youth you once were.
However, she couldn't help but wonder if she had been too sharp with you during your moments of defiance. Perhaps if she had indulged your rebellious spirit, you would've dragged her along to escape rather than sit arguing with her about it. This notion evoked a sense of self-centeredness within Eunice, as she contemplated her yearning for survival. The longing for life above all else was an inherent trait in human beings after all.
Her throat constricts as you swallow thickly, your head nodding with a heavy reluctance. Drawing Eunice closer, you envelop her in your arms, feeling the weight of her absence already settling in your chest. “I will miss you dearly,” you whisper, your heart skipping a beat before throbbing painfully against your breast. Her delicate arms wrap around your waist, her tear-stained face seeking solace in the curve of your neck; and her tears searing into your flesh, eternally marking you. "And I, my lady, shall forever carry your memory."
With a heavy heart, she lets out a hiccuping sob, it’s heavy and distraught– painful. Before abruptly pushing you into the dark passage. With a haunting intensity, she leans against the door, sealing you in. "Now go, My Lady. We shall meet again." Eunice grins, it's etched with weathered smile lines and a small dimple that imprints on the bottom left corner of her mouth, and it's gut-wrenching to see it as her final farewell to you.
The weighty door crashes closed, its resounding echo reverberating through the air causing you to crumple onto the stony floor, tears muddying your sight and sobs wracking your body. The satchel she has given you feels leaden in your grip, its contents unknown but undoubtedly important for your survival outside the unfamiliar palace wall.
Before you can gather yourself from your hunched position, you startle at a dull sound of noise beyond the thick passage wall. While your lips tremble with trepidation, you gently lean your ear against the door, desperately yearning to catch even the faintest whisper. And there it is, piercing through the thick barrier of the passage door - the deep resonance of your Uncle's voice, reverberating in your mind like a haunting wail.
The tempest raging inside you teeters on the edge of an eruption, stoked by the ghostly memories of a man who once held a special place in your heart, a man you revered and faithfully trailed. But now, he’s the man who mercilessly slaughtered your entire family, driven by his insatiable thirst for power and a birthright that rightfully belonged to another.
However, his unappeasable greed eventually caused him to become careless, and amidst the bloodbath of your twentieth name-day, Eunice found an opportunity to aid in your escape. Yet, in just a few hours, your Uncle and his soldiers managed to infiltrate your section of the palace. Eunice, informed by the guards posted near your quarters, unveiled a hidden passage to you in a last-ditch effort. Your world had crumbled in a matter of moments.
“Do not feign ignorance in my presence, woman. My niece, where has she gone?”
You find yourself drawn back into the moment, where Eunice's unwavering silence lingers in the air. A sense of unease mixed with anticipation twists in your stomach. In an instant, a sharp sound echoes through the room, accompanied by Eunice's anguished wail. Overwhelmed, you reflexively muffle your gasp with a quivering hand, hot tears streaming down your flushed cheeks.
“I will ask you once more–” His words are abruptly halted and a hush descends upon the room as if time itself has frozen. In the stillness, the piercing sound of a blade being unsheathed pierces the air, followed by the steady voice of Eunice, filled with unwavering resolve. “Go to hell.” These are the last words that reach your ears before a sickening thud echoes— signifying her gruesome decapitation.
The acrid bitterness of bile scorches your throat, causing your eyebrows to furrow as you suppress the urge to retch. Tears well up in your eyes, stinging like venomous drops. With a burdened soul, you inhale shallow breaths, feeling your heart pound relentlessly within your chest. Rising unsteadily, you clutch the satchel tightly to your breast, all while his voice booms out furiously, demanding, "Find her! Now!"
Hobbling along the path, you descend into the darkness of the passage, your thoughts consumed by Eunice and the peril that awaited you beyond the safety of the palace walls. Outside the Palace, the Kingdom was a relatively foreign land to you; your parents had taken great pains to shelter you and your siblings from the outside world.
As the eldest child, you had always harbored suspicions, for as the future ruler, it was your duty to be well-versed in the inner workings of the Jade Kingdom. But you dared not challenge their authority; after all, they were your parents. All they wanted to do was protect you. Right?
But now, as you make your way through the dark and winding passage, you can't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over you. Eunice's cryptic message left you with more questions than answers, and you couldn't shake the feeling that something sinister was at play in the Kingdom. Your parent's secrets could now cost you your life, all because you didn't know what to expect from journeying outside.
Shaking your head, you realize it was not the time to cast blame upon the dead; you needed to clear your mind and concentrate.
The hidden passage leads you through a labyrinth of tunnels, its walls damp and cold. The atmosphere hung heavy with the pungent aroma of soil and mildew, suffocating your every breath. But you press on, driven by the urgency of the situation and the haunting image of Eunice's selfless act.
As you meander through the never-ending hallway, time dissolves into obscurity, lost in the depths of darkness. But then, a delicate fragrance of flowers wafts through the air, piercing the stagnant atmosphere. The scent dances around you, a fleeting moment of clarity amidst the chaos.
In this desolate and forsaken corridor, it becomes your lifeline, a glimmer of hope in the face of despair. It whispers sweet promises of safety and freedom, offering a respite from the relentless onslaught of confusion and fear. With each breath, the aroma seeps into your very being, until finally, you stumble upon a door.
Emerging from the underground maze, you find yourself in a desolate courtyard garden, surrounded by towering walls that seem to close in on you. The sounds of battle echo through the air, growing louder and more menacing with each passing moment.
The relentless ticking of time pushes you to move quickly, and with a sense of dread, you scuttle towards a weathered wooden door seamlessly melded into the formidable barrier, shrouding yourself beneath the protective embrace of your hood.
You steal a final look at your home, a shiver running down your spine as it’s consumed by flames. The echoes of joy and warmth that once filled the walls now fade into the crackling of fire and the scent of smoke. The devastation grips your heart, the realization sinking in that the haven you cherished is now a haunting relic of the past. The charred remains stand as a grim reminder of what once was, a place now lost to the merciless fire. A place that was no longer.
Time seems to slip through your fingers like sand as you wander along the road. Your footsteps have carried you through its endless expanse, and though it seems like an eternity since you’ve started, it might have merely been a few fleeting hours. You can still see the billowing smoke of your home lingering on the horizon, the ghostly remnants of your past life looming behind you, a chilling reminder of what once was and can never be again.
The cold breeze nips at your fingertips and cheeks, attempting to penetrate the layers of your clothing and suffocate you in its icy embrace. With rapid, heated breaths, you valiantly defy its persistent advances, feeling your bones shiver beneath your flesh as you fight to retain warmth.
As the sun starts its slow descent, your nerves start to unravel, the fleeting warmth it provides fading away within the hour. The thought of navigating these paths in the dark filled you with unease, unsure of what creatures may be hiding in the shadows of the woods.
The sun's radiant beams gradually retreat, stretching out elongated shadows over the terrain, and a feeling of unease starts to crawl up your spine. The once comforting warmth that the sun had bestowed upon you throughout the day now dissipates, leaving behind a chilling gust of northern winds.
As the sky transforms into a canvas of dusky hues, the once vibrant landscape takes on an eerie stillness. The chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves are replaced by an unsettling silence, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl or the haunting howl of a lone wolf. The encroaching darkness seems to awaken fears that lay dormant within the depths of your mind.
The road ahead appeared to stretch endlessly, its twists and turns becoming more disorienting with each passing moment. The gnarled branches of the trees reached out like skeletal fingers, casting eerie silhouettes against the sky. The once ‘familiar’ surroundings now come off as distorted and unfamiliar, as if the very essence of the oncoming night had transformed them into something otherworldly.
And though part of you wanted to keep moving, to get as far away as you could, this was not the time to be negligent and risk losing your way or, even worse, losing your life. Not when the fate of the Kingdom rested on your shoulders. Sighing shakily, you deviate off the trail and make your way into the woods, seeking refuge amidst a gathering of trees and vegetation.
The frigid ground greets you with a harsh embrace as you sit down, the cold seeping through your clothes and freezing your body further. Sorting through the hefty satchel, a rush of emotions overwhelms you when you uncover a soft wool covering, a beloved reminder of days when you were younger. As you unfurl the blanket, you lay down, finding yourself nestled on the forest ground, tucking the satchel beneath your head for a bit of comfort, and wrapping yourself up tightly to ward off the chill.
The hushed rustling of foliage and the indelible chirping of crickets lull you into a state of eerie wakefulness. The fast-fading light seeps through the dense leaves above, casting an unnerving ray over the forest. The fragrance of pine and soil permeates your nose, pacifying your thoughts if only for a moment.
However, the life of the woodland is shattered by the haunting echo of horses in the distance, the flora and fauna within the forest coming to a bone-chilling standstill. Every breath you take feels like a desperate struggle, as if the air itself is suffocating you. The trees seem to whisper warnings to each other, their leaves rustling in fear for you.
You can feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, a primal instinct urging you to flee from whatever unseen danger lurks in the darkness, but you’re rooted to the spot, unable to move as the ghostly hooves draw nearer. With a sense of anticipation, you sink further into the smothering embrace of the thick foliage, clutching your quivering legs tightly to your shivering body.
“She couldn't have gotten far while on foot! Spread out and find her!”
Shivers skitter down your back, it was Dominic, your Uncle’s son. The echo of his once comforting voice sends tremors down your spine, a startling reminder of the past. Who could have imagined he would also be involved in the massacre of your family? The very cousin who playfully showed you how to handle a sword, how to scale trees, and capture frogs. The very cousin who had once held a special place in your heart, akin to that of a beloved brother.
You couldn't help but wonder what had led him and his father down this path of destruction. What demons had possessed them to betray their own family, to turn against those who had loved and cared for them? The questions swirled in your mind, but the answers remained elusive.
The thundering hooves fade into the night, causing you to release a trembling sigh, yet you freeze at the eerie sound of a horse's whinny. “I know you're there, cousin. Your tracks have betrayed you." You stay quiet, wondering if he is testing to see if you will flee, to confirm your presence. The echo of his words fills the night air with a chilling sense of pain, it's sorrowful, and desolate as he utters again.
“Make sure that your tracks are well-hidden and keep off the main roads. It would be wise to depart the Kingdom immediately, go as far as you must, until nay even whispers of the King's death are uttered. My father, he will never stop, he will hunt you down relentlessly, until he claims your head, cousin."
Tears well up in your eyes, causing a sharp sting as you blink them back, your stomach knotting with anxiety– perhaps he did know you were here. “Be smart, trust no one, for even the most innocent faces may hide ulterior motives. Stay one step ahead. You must survive if you want revenge for Unc— the King, Queen, and Royal Highnesses.”
He falls into a chilling silence, and for a fleeting moment, you swear you hear a faint sniffle. "I never wished for any of this, trust me," he whispers. And then he’s galloping away, further and further until you hear him no more. As his presence dissipates, you finally let yourself weep with sobs that darken your vision, and tears that turn frigid upon meeting your cheeks.
The weight of his words lingers in the air, haunting you as you lay alone in the darkness. The truth of his revelation slices through you, sharp as a blade, leaving you adrift and lost. You try to make sense of it all, but the pieces of the puzzle refuse to fit together.
You try to shake off the feeling of despair that threatens to consume you, but it clings to you like a shadow.
Reflecting on the events that led you to this wretched state, a myriad of questions plague your mind. How did the path you once tread, filled with hope and promise, veer so drastically off course? What unseen forces conspired to orchestrate this cruel twist of fate, leaving you stranded in a world of darkness and unfamiliarity? You wonder how such a sinister fate befell you. Your mind whirls in a frenzy, grappling with these haunting questions until exhaustion finally claims you, dragging you into a restless slumber tormented by blood-curdling visions.
As the night drags on, sleep remains elusive, antagonizing you with its restless grip. It's not until the first light of dawn filters through the twisted branches above that your mind finally succumbs to sleep, allowing you a fleeting moment of respite.
As you embrace the peaceful caress of sleep, a faint sense of consciousness lingers. The real world has its challenges and griefs, however, they seem almost insignificant when compared to the terrors that haunt your dreams.
If asked to choose between facing the bitterness of reality or the torment of your nightmares; you'd rather brave the acrimony of the real world over the haunting dreams of days long gone.
It’s when the sun reaches high in the sky that you rouse from your unfulfilling nap. But as you pry your eyes open, which are almost sealed by the bone-chilling cold of the North, you are welcomed not by the sight of frost-laden greenery or the towering yellow Cyprus tree that stood tall yesterday.
Instead, a face is peering down at you. A countenance that has only existed within the pages of books and tales of caution.
It’s a Romog, a magical beast similar to dogs yet towering in size like battle wolves. From what you've read, Romog's are renowned for their savagery, and their prowess in combat. Their hide and sinew possess an almost outlandish thickness and strength, rendering them almost impossible to kill. Even the most seasoned of knights have stumbled in their endeavors to hunt these formidable creatures.
And since Romog's are known for their exceptional tracking abilities, enforce wizards often form magical pacts with them to harness their talent. Their keen sense of smell and knack for locating elusive targets made them indispensable companions in the realm of magic. However, as it perched on your legs, its tongue lolling and panting deeply, you couldn't help but ponder why it had not yet chosen to devour you. ( You also guessed that your lack of chill throughout the early morning was thanks to the mutt. )
Why was it here?
Your breath hitches in your throat and you swallow thickly, a tremor dancing down your backbone. The Romog's cranium tilts to one side, its gaze overflowing with unsettling fascination before it inclines closer, its sleek tongue sinuously gliding forth to caress your cheek, the coarse texture catching at your skin.
“Ugh! Disgusting!”
You swiftly wipe away the wet warmth from your cheek, your upper lip curling with revulsion. The Romog, looking innocent, emits a low growl before clambering off of you, its tail wagging frantically. You observe its every movement cautiously, yet you find a morsel of comfort as it nudges you with its massive snout, darting away to perform a playful bow before dashing toward you for another gentle nudge.
Fear dissipates in an instant, causing you to release a soft chuckle. It's evident that this Romog hadn't yet reached adulthood. Rising to your feet, you retrieve your blanket, which now feels like a thick slab of ice, and proceed to fold it as neatly as possible before tucking it away in your satchel. Throughout this process, the Romog playfully nudges your back, emitting playful yips to further lighten the atmosphere.
Hefting the bag over your shoulder, your gaze falls to the Romog beside you. Its eyes are wide and almost pleading, and suddenly, a soft gurgle fills the air. It must be hungry – you couldn't remember if Eunice had packed you any food, but it wouldn't hurt to take a look.
Nonchalantly discarding the satchel, you allow it to descend with a weighty thump upon the earth. You gracefully lower yourself onto one knee, slowly loosening the drawstrings. The Romog creeps nearer, its snout descending to delve into the contents of your exposed bag. With lips slightly pursed, you delicately nudge it aside, engaging in a steadfast gaze with the creature. “You must wait, I'm trying to find you something.”
The creature emits a soft chuff. With an air of nonchalance, it raises a front leg and stretches its neck to noisily lick at its paw. You can't help but roll your eyes at the creature's audacious demeanor. Determined to find something worthwhile, you plunge your hand into the bag, rummaging aimlessly and extracting various objects, only to discard them back into the satchel as you realize their inedibility.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, you find yourself in possession of a sizable portion of compacted ivory bread, its texture cold and unyielding, as if it had been shaped by the frigid gusts of the northern winds. The Romog stirs with interest at the scent of the doughy morsel, edging nearer until it is practically nestled in your lap. Its gaze meets yours, a silent exchange passing between you, without hesitation, you rend the loaf apart and fling it away into the forest.
The beast swiftly gives chase, its insatiable appetite driving it forward. Its viscous drool, warm and thick, tenderizes the bread, rendering it more palatable. With a gentle smile, you deftly rearrange the items within your bag, securing them in their rightful places before sealing it shut. Rising to your feet, you hoist the satchel onto your shoulder once again, ready to continue your journey.
The time of day still lingered in the early hours, urging you to press forward and cover as much ground as possible. If Eunice's information proved accurate, you would reach Thaos Village within at least three days' time. Thaos Village, as the tales tell, revered the water Goddess Euna, it was a relatively peaceful place where mages often resided before embarking on their journeys or seeking wisdom at the renowned arcane institution. It was also the birthplace of Eunice and the man you’d be meeting in only a short while.
As you gaze upon the Romog, its sharp teeth tearing into the meager offering of bread, a shiver runs down your spine, that could've been you under different circumstances. With a forced smile, you hasten your steps out of the eerie forest, eager to escape the looming darkness that surrounded you even in the morning light. Making your way back onto the trail to continue your journey to what you were hoping was safety.
The frigid morning breeze froze your face, your nostrils growing numb and your mouth parched from the icy assault. Merely moments into your stroll, your ears seemed on the verge of detachment. To safeguard the remnants of your inner heat, you raise your hood and plunge your hands into the recesses of your cloak, huddling your form in an attempt to repel the gusts of the wind. The fabric provided a small barrier against the frigid wind, but it was not enough to fully protect you.
The frosty air clung to your skin, leaving a tingling sensation that bordered on pain. Each breath you took felt like shards of ice piercing your lungs, causing you to exhale in short, shallow bursts. The trees stood tall and bare, their branches coated in a layer of frost that glistened in the weak morning light.
With each step, you could feel the chill seeping deeper into your bones. Your muscles tensed, your movements becoming slower and more deliberate. The cold seemed to sap your energy, leaving you feeling sluggish and drained.
The sun's feeble attempt to break through the thick layer of clouds was met with resistance, as if the heavens themselves were conspiring to keep the landscape below in a perpetual state of desolation. Its golden beams, though they managed to pierce through the gloom, seemed almost mocking in their presence. They danced upon the barren earth, casting long, eerie shadows that stretched across the desolate terrain, and illuminated the cracked and parched ground.
As if the sun's futile efforts were not enough, a biting wind swept through the air once more. It howled through the skeletal remains of trees, their branches stripped of leaves and their insides hollowed out.
‘snap’
Your heart nearly leaps out of your throat when you jump, swiftly turning to locate the source of the noise. It was only the Romog from earlier, its mouth still coated in breadcrumbs. You purse your lips, fully turning to confront it, cocking your hip to the side, and crossing your arms over your chest.
“I cannot give you anything more. I also need to eat, beast.”
At your acknowledgment, the creature hastens forth to halt before you, perhaps taking your response as a cue to accompany you. Its frigid, damp snout presses against your abdomen, urging you onward to proceed. You delicately push it aside, your hands now finding solace upon your hips. “You mustn't follow me. Now go, I can do nothing more for you.”
This time it hearkens, descending into a seated posture and whimpering, its grand cranium inclining to the side. You affirm, content with your actions. "Well done, farewell beast.”
Twisting on your heels, you press forward along the trail, tucking your hands into your pockets once again to restore warmth. As you journey for a few more moments, the Romog's heavy, wheezing breaths fade away, which are loud even amidst the piercing gusts of wind.
You were alone now, it was something you would have to get used to.
Moreover, if what you read was true, untamed Romog's were labeled as ‘kill on sight’ in numerous regions. The creature would draw too much attention to you, and you couldn't bear to see it die.
You've witnessed an excess of death in a brief span and the thought of being responsible for yet another one weighed heavily on your conscience. You knew that if you were to survive in this harsh and unforgiving world, you would need to adapt quickly and make tough decisions.
You would brave this journey on your own.
Or so you thought. The Romog continued to follow you.
Concealing itself amidst the foliage each time you glanced over your shoulder, its mighty tail protruding from a tree and rhythmically thudding, inadvertently revealing its presence. Hiding itself within shrubs, but its snout, long and thick, would stick out, giving it away. Vanishing into the encompassing woodland, yet its profound, labored breaths would once more, accidentally expose its existence.
What did it want?
Halting abruptly, you inhale deeply, the frigid air chilling your lungs as you pivot swiftly, the Romog attempting to scuttle into the forest to evade your scrutiny. "Come out!" A brief silence ensues, save for the monotonous symphony of howling winds and rustling foliage atop the towering trees. The Romog emerges from its hiding spot, albeit reluctantly. Its head hangs low, ears plastered against its skull, and tail firmly ensconced between its hind legs.
Its eyes, once filled with mischief and childish curiosity, now reflect an uncertainty. You take a press forward, your presence commanding and unwavering. The Romog takes a hesitant step back, its paws sinking into the soft forest floor.
"I will tell you once more. You mustn't follow me! ‘Tis dangerous, for me and for you. Do you understand?" For a moment, you forget that you're talking to a beast and not a human, it probably didn't understand a word that you were saying. This realization causes a frown to crease your lips, your eyebrows knitting together sharply.
As you once more assert your desire for the creature to leave, it cowers slightly, its large, sorrowful eyes gazing up at you with confusion and longing. Its body, covered in sleek, dark fur, bristles in response to your rejection. Yet, despite your firm words, it remains steadfast.
With a heavy sigh, you realize that the creature has attached itself to you for reasons beyond your comprehension. Its unwavering resolution tugs at your heartstrings, even as you try to distance yourself from it. Perhaps it senses something in you, a connection that you are yet to understand. Is what you try to convince yourself, to somehow make this situation feel right.
As you contemplate your next move, the creature finds time to sneak towards you, nudging your leg gently, its touch both cold and comforting. It emits a low, woeful sound as if pleading for you. And despite it, you find yourself softening, your resolve weakening as you look into its eyes, they're filled with such a deep despondency that it almost seems as if you were gazing into a mirror.
Relenting with a soft huff, you crouch down to meet the creature at eye level. Its snout, still damp and frigid, brushes against your cheek, leaving a trail of icy moisture. You feel a surge of empathy, a sudden realization that this creature searches for companionship and purpose, just as you do. ( though you deny it. )
"I cannot promise you anything," you whisper. Your voice, scratchy from the icy breath of the northern frost, resonates with a delicate blend of tenderness and hesitation, because within you lies the awareness that this was a foolish idea. "If you so choose to accompany me, know that the path ahead is treacherous and filled with uncertainty. I cannot guarantee your safety nor mine."
The creature's eyes glinted with a newfound emotion, as if understanding you and the risks involved with being your travel companion, but that was just wishful thinking on your end. It emits a soft, almost grateful sound at your words. With a gentle touch, you stroke its furry head, rising to your feet.
"Then, let's keep moving."
“Perhaps I should give you a name. It would be improper to refer to you as ‘beast’ the entire time.” you state, your teeth clashing together in a frenzy. The creature walks alongside you faithfully, its massive form exuding warmth like a furnace, impervious to the icy chill of the north, a fact that you couldn't help but envy, even if just a tad. Your cloak had been breached long ago by the freezing air, and it genuinely felt as though you were treading on pins and needles, your body wracking with tremors from the cold.
As the two of you trudge the frost-covered road, you rack your brain for a suitable name for the animal. Alas, you're not particularly skilled in this endeavor, and it appears that the beast is aware of this as well. "What of Charles?" You propose, the words slipping hesitantly from your lips. The being reacts unfavorably to the name, meeting your gaze and snorting in response.
Your mouth gapes and you narrow your eyes. "Very well, perhaps I shall persist in calling you a beast! Now's not the time to be picky." The creature lets out a low rumble, its eyes narrowing in what seems to be yielding delight. It seems to understand the concept of a name, but is not easily swayed by your meager attempts at bestowing one upon it. Especially that of Charles.
“Fine, I’ll think of a better one later,” Your gaze shifts towards the sun as it begins its gradual descent, the darkness of night beginning to envelop the sky in its velvety cloak. The frigid air, already piercing, seemed to intensify, as if embracing an even colder essence.
Despite this, the two of you had made remarkable progress throughout the day, and it instilled confidence in you that the village would be within reach before nightfall the next day. Although the tracks upon the nearly frozen ground had begun to fade, you had found them nonetheless, a mosaic of footprints and wagon imprints. A sign of life.
“Let us stop for today, we mustn’t be out on the road during nightfall.” The latter part of your statement is uttered softly, a reminder to yourself, and the creature joins you as you stealthily veer away from the path and venture into the encroaching shadows of the woods, its tail wagging in delight. You continue walking for a brief period until you once again find yourself amidst a gathering of trees and shrubs, placing your bag on the ground before settling down beside it. You feel almost numb, as though your body has been submerged in icy waters.
The creature settles down beside you, its warm body, thick with fur, brushing against your side, providing a sense of ease in the eerie stillness of the forest. The darkness seems to press in around you, the only sound being the rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl in the distance. You take a deep breath, trying to shake off the chill that has settled in your bones, digging into your satchel to pull out your wool blanket.
You purse your lips and run your hand along its back, patting softly. “Lucky mutt.” With slow, creaky motions you envelop the blanket around your form and awkwardly collapse, distancing yourself from the creature, head landing harshly on your bag, yet you pay no mind, you were too cold to care.
The Romog stands abruptly and moves closer to follow down after you, massive frame wrapping around you. It smells of damp soil and dog and you scrunch your nose. “By the Gods, you need a bath.” you utter, burying your face within the comfort of your blanket to escape the scent.
The animal grunts, unamused at your insult, shifting away from you; and in an instant the cold envelops you, freezing the entirety of your body. Your teeth begin to chatter rhythmically, and you instinctively seek warmth by burrowing into the creature's body, no longer bothered by its scent. “P-perhaps just for tonight, yes?”
The beast snorts again and affectionately rests its large head on top of yours, tail curling around your body. You smile to yourself as the Romog nuzzles closer, its warm fur providing much-needed comfort in the chilly night. Despite the less-than-pleasant smell, you can't help but feel thankful to the creature for its unexpected aid.
“What about George?”
The gates of the Village loomed ahead, towering and sturdy, constructed from the timber of a Viloz tree. Though guards stood watch at the entrance, it appeared they paid no heed to verifying identities or trade permits. In most bustling regions, such protocols were customary to gain access within their walls.
Considering your Uncle's relentless pursuit, one would expect wanted posters or even a bounty on your head. Yet, the lax security raised suspicions— could it be a ruse, an artifice to entice you into the open?
You duck behind the bushes once more and look toward your companion. “Alright, Aslan—,” the Romog grumbles at the name, and you sigh, rummaging through your bag to retrieve the final piece of bread. The name was still a matter of debate, as it seemed that no matter what name you chose, the Romog disapproved.
For now, it was best to refer to it as 'beast'. You take out the stale bread and struggle to tear it in half. Placing one portion at the creature's feet, you reluctantly return the other half to your bag. "Remain here, you cannot enter the village. I will come for you later tonight if everything goes according to plan."
The Romog sniffs at the bread before tentatively taking a bite, its sharp teeth tearing into the tough crust. You watch as it devours the meager meal, its eyes never leaving you. The two of you had made good timing today and thankfully made it to the village before nightfall.
The sun was drifting lower as the minutes passed but you weren't too worried about it, not when safety was within reach. Gone were the worries and anxieties that had plagued your mind just a few short days ago. The weight of the world seemed to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of security. Safety, once elusive and distant, now stood within reach, beckoning you to embrace its solace.
Although the Romog remained oblivious to the intricate nuances of the Lomaliue language, there were instances when an inexplicable connection seemed to materialize. It was as if the creature possessed an innate comprehension of your commands and the very essence of your words. It was almost comforting in a way, akin to engaging in a heartfelt conversation with a fellow human being, albeit one who chose not to respond.
“Alright?”
The Romog emitted another discontented growl, causing a faint smile to grace your lips. With gentle strokes, you caressed its velvety fur, which bore traces of frost from the relentless northern gusts. Although the biting chill persisted, your body had grown accustomed to its icy touch, rendering you impervious to its sting.
At most, you suffered from a mild case of frostnip, far from the severe frostbite that could afflict you if you prolonged your stay in this frigid wilderness for a few more days, a constant reminder of the dangers that awaited those who dared to defy Mother Nature's limits.
The Romog, sensing your restlessness, nudged you gently with its snout, as if urging you to move on. With a heavy sigh, you reluctantly withdrew your hand from the beast’s fur, feeling a pang of sadness at the loss of its comforting presence.
You knew that you had to continue your journey into the Village to seek shelter and warmth before the unforgiving cold took its toll on you. You needed to find Geoffrey Jill.
Flicking your hood over your head, you venture farther from the village to a side road, so you don't look suspicious walking to the Village from the tree line. As you approached the gate, a sense of unease settles in the pit of your stomach.
The towering entrance, constructed from the timber of a Viloz tree, its bark known to be as sharp as a blade, was a formidable barrier, separating the outside world from the safety and sanctuary within.
Despite the imposing presence of the gates, the guards stationed at the entrance appeared strangely indifferent to their duties. They stood there, their eyes glazed over, seemingly oblivious to the comings and goings of the villagers and outsiders alike. It was as if they were mere statues, frozen in time, rather than vigilant sentinels protecting the Village.
If what your teacher taught you about the Kingdom was right, then in most bustling regions, gaining access to a village of such importance would require strict adherence to protocols. Identification checks, trade permits, and thorough questioning were customary measures to ensure the safety and security of the inhabitants. Yet, here, it seemed that such precautions were nonexistent. Which was odd.
This lax security raised a myriad of suspicions in your mind. Was it possible that this was all an elaborate ruse, a carefully crafted plan to lure you into the open? After all, your Uncle had been relentlessly pursuing you, his desire to capture and kill you evident in the wanted posters that seemed to adorn every tree you and the beast had passed.
But for now, this seemed to be your sole option at the moment. Where else could you possibly seek refuge? Escaping the bitter cold and finding this mystery man is your top priority. The urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation or contemplation; your next move would have to wait until later.
Every step felt heavier than the last, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on your weary shoulders. The biting wind whipped against your face, numbing your senses. With a gulp, you cautiously approached the two guards, trying your best to appear nonchalant.
Your trembling added to the act, making it seem like you were simply a weary traveler seeking refuge from the impending winter storm that loomed ever closer. The first stick of snow to the ground usually meant a winter blizzard would follow.
Your heart thudded rapidly in your chest, almost to the point of pain, as you breezed past the guards who seemed more interested in chatting with each other than actually checking credentials. And just like that, you found yourself standing within the walls of Thaos Village, your pulse still racing with the fear of your successful infiltration.
‘Mother, Father— I made it.’
It was only when the moon rose high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the village, that you had finally stumbled upon Geoffrey Jill.
When you wandered through the village, you were initially lost in admiration of its liveliness despite the cold weather and impending blizzard. The streets were bustling with people, their laughter and chatter filling the air, while the cozy glow of warm lights spilled out from the windows of quaint cottages. The villagers seemed undeterred by the freezing temperatures, going about their daily routines.
The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats wafted through the air, tempting your taste buds and igniting a hunger that had long been suppressed. The colorful array of fruits and vegetables displayed in the market stalls beckoned to you, their vibrant hues a stark contrast to the dullness of your daily routine.
As you meandered through the throngs of people, their laughter and chatter creating a symphony of life around you, you couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the simple joys that seemed so out of reach.
It resembled a passage extracted from the cherished storybooks of your childhood, it was enchanting in a way. especially for you who had rarely stepped foot out of the castle. Commoner life seemed almost… peaceful in a way. You were fine with just walking the streets, dodging running children, and gazing longingly at the food stalls— it had been forever since you had eaten an actual meal.
"Would you care for one?"
As you snap out of your reverie, the world around you slowly comes back into focus. Your eyes meet with those of a woman in her middle age, and you are immediately struck by her captivating appearance. She possesses a round figure, exuding an air of warmth and comfort. Her delightful rosy cheeks add a touch of vibrancy to her overall countenance, giving her a youthful glow.
Her features are refined and elegant. A flat nose sits perfectly in the center of her face, adding a sense of symmetry and grace. Her full lips, slightly curved upwards, seem to hold a perpetual smile, inviting and comforting to all who encounter her. They speak of kindness and understanding, ready to offer solace or share a laugh. Her skin boasts a rich, deep umber brown, like the earth itself.
Yet, it is her eyes that truly captivate you. They are the windows to her soul, and they hold a depth that is both mesmerizing and intimidating. A flawless, all-knowing amber hue fills her irises, shimmering with a wisdom that seems to transcend time.
When her gaze meets yours, it feels as if she can see into the very depths of you, peering into your thoughts and emotions. There is an intensity to her eyes, an unwavering focus that demands your attention.
You smile beneath your hood, you doubt she could see it but do so nonetheless. “Oh, that's alright; I have no money at the moment,” you utter, your voice hoarse from the winter chill, and your throat parched from the absence of water and the biting cold.
The woman grins, it's beautiful and motherly and it warms your belly better than any beverage ever could, it makes you miss your own mother a bit more; if even possible. She grabs one of the skewers and holds it out to you. “My treat, child. Now run along and get home, the winter blizzard is coming.”
Initially hesitant, you tentatively extend your hand towards the bottom of the skewer, feeling the cold seep through your frost-nipped fingers as they slip out from under the protection of your cloak. Though she doesn't acknowledge it, the sad smile that encases her full lips tells you that she's noticed. “Thank you, I’ll pay you back, swear it,” you assure her earnestly.
She lets out a gentle laugh and gestures for you to leave, “Alright, alright, head on home.”
With a now full belly, warmed from the delicious blend of salty meat and spicy vegetables, you now search for Geoffrey Jill with a new intensity. Despite the freezing temperatures of the northern region, which seem to penetrate your very bones, you navigate through narrow alleyways and bustling food stalls without giving the cold a second thought.
However, as night fell and the temperatures plummeted even further, your energy waned and your awe from earlier, quickly transformed into bewilderment. The once vibrant village now appeared eerie and desolate under the pale moonlight. The laughter and chatter had faded, replaced by an unsettling silence broken only by the howling wind. The cozy glow of lights had dimmed, leaving the streets shrouded in darkness.
Despite being disoriented and having already been turned around twice, you struggled to find someone who could point you in the right direction to locate Geoffrey Jill. The few villagers you encountered were bundled up in heavy outside blankets, their faces hidden beneath scarves and hats, making it difficult to discern their features.
Their hurried footsteps echoed through the empty streets as they scampered home, seeking refuge from the biting cold.
You felt helpless, standing in the middle of the street.
However, it appeared that the sight of you struggling to find your way through the village, weighed heavily on the shoulders of a man named Tomás Duall. He was an elderly figure, who was reliant on a cane for support, possessed a slight hunch, and a crown of wispy white hair– and he had offered to take you to Geoffrey.
His eyes held a deep sadness, as if burdened by the weight of his past. A peculiar scent lingered around him, a mixture of smoke and a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of candy. Tomás had led you to Geoffrey, and while doing so, spoke softly of his lost love and the children he never had, his words tinged with a sense of longing and regret.
“Child, don't follow my example. Pursue the one you desire.”
He left you with those words as he bid you farewell at the entrance of Geoffrey’s house. Unexpectedly, you discovered a fondness for this elderly man. Despite his cheeky demeanor and tendency to give hearty pats on the back while sharing a funny story, you found him rather endearing.
As you brought your attention back to the present, you extended your hand from beneath your cloak and rapped on the door. It's silent, causing a brief moment of panic as your heart tightens in your chest. Could it be possible that he wasn't home? Had the elderly man led you to the wrong house?
You stood there, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on you as you waited for a response. The seconds stretched into minutes, each one feeling like an eternity as you listened for any sign of life inside the house. The wind whispered through the trees, the only sound breaking the eerie silence that surrounded you.
Swallowing thickly you knock once more. “Is there a Geoffrey Jill that lives in this home? Eunice has sent me here.” A moment of tense silence follows, the air thick with anticipation. Suddenly, the door swings wide open, revealing a large, intimidating man filling the doorway. His towering presence sends a shiver down your spine, and you instinctively take a step back, feeling small and vulnerable in his presence.
But as the door opens wider, a surprising shift in the atmosphere occurs. The sound of children's laughter fills the air, accompanied by a woman's voice, likely his wife, softly joining in the joyous chorus. The contrast between the imposing figure before you and the sounds of happiness emanating from within the house is jarring, creating a paradoxical blend of intimidation and warmth.
“How do you know of that name, girl?”
You startle at the sound of his deep voice, it's thunderous even over the sound of howling wind. You gaze up and then further to lock eyes with him. “She was my nanny– she sent me here to look for you, my Unc–”
“I cannot help you, go on your way.”
Your mouth drops open in disbelief and you cautiously tug off your hood, showing him your face. “Do you know who I am? “ You watch as the blood drains from it, watch as his jaw clenches and his eyes flutter shut. He glances behind him before stepping outside to confront you, shutting the door behind him. “Why has she sent you here, where is she?”
Despite your best efforts, tears begin to fill your eyes. “She...she is gone,” you murmur gently, and briefly you fear he has not caught your words amidst the roaring wind due to his profound silence. Yet, as you meet his gaze, you involuntarily recoil at his steely stare and tightly clenched jaw. "She was a foolish woman..."
You cannot bear to hear him speak ill of her, not when she was your dearest friend, your confidante, your mother in all but blood. You feel a surge of anger rise within you, but you swallow it down, knowing that now is not the time for confrontation. As the wind howls around you, you stand together in silence, each lost in your own thoughts and memories of the woman who brought you together, even in death.
Nevertheless, he eventually breaks the silence.
"Forget whatever she may have told you. I cannot help you, you must leave," he declares harshly, turning his back on you. Your breath catches in your throat, and panic threatens to overwhelm you entirely. This couldn't be real.
You reach out to him quickly, your hand grasping his meaty wrist, but you recoil when he flings your hand away, glaring. "P-please, I have nowhere else to go. My Uncle will find me, I cannot die like this-- not when I've done nothing to avenge my Family!"
He scoffs at your words, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Your fate is not my concern. You made your choices, now you must face the consequences," he replies, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. You feel a surge of desperation rising within you, knowing that without his help, you are truly alone in this world. Choices? What choices? You had none. “I have a family now, and I cannot risk their lives to hide a fallen Royal.”
What has your world come to? And why now? Why was this happening to you?
Geoffrey goes to retreat once more and you whimper in the back of your throat, restlessly fidgeting on your feet. "Only for the night, to escape the cold," he explains, his gaze meeting yours, revealing a slight softening in his expression. At that moment, he recognizes you as just a child. With a gruff grunt, he gestures towards the side of the house. “There is a shed, stay there. I want you gone as soon as the sun rises.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
The resounding echo of a door's closure is the only response you receive. With a heavy gulp, you suppress the tears that threaten to cascade down your face. What were you to do now? You had no place to go, there was a bounty on your head and winter was coming— you would surely succumb to the icy grip of death before avenging your family.
Quivering beneath your cloak, you navigate around the corner of the dwelling and chance upon the shed that Geoffrey had mentioned. Though modest in size and riddled with gaps in its wooden structure, it was better than nothing.
Pushing open the door, which emitted a mournful creak, you slip inside and collapse onto the floor covered in fragrant hay. As your body temperature gradually rises, shielded from the frigid northern winds, a torrent of tears breaks free, streaming down your frozen cheeks. Why you?
Before the sun rose that morning, you were gone, you had slipped away unnoticed, escaping through the gates where the soldiers stood watch as stoic as ever. The bustling of the villagers as they started their day only served to highlight the emptiness in your own life. With no direction and no sense of belonging, the weight of displacement settled heavily on your shoulders.
The icy touch of the northern winds no longer fazes you, your eyes dry and unyielding to tears, and the sensation in your feet has long faded away. You wander without purpose beside the road, your hood tattered from snagging on skeletal branches. Your mind is a foggy haze, memories slipping through your fingers like grains of sand.
You trudge forward, your footsteps echoing in the silence of the winter wilderness. The road stretches out before you, endless and unforgiving, leading you further into the heart of the icy wasteland. But still, you press on, driven by a force you cannot name.
Perhaps it is a glimmer of hope, a flicker of light in the darkness that propels you forward. Or maybe it is simply the instinct to survive, to keep moving despite the odds stacked against you.
The 'beast' had vanished from the very spot where you had last seen it. Maybe it had decided to leave, and you couldn't fault it for that. In fact, if given the chance, you would have done the same thing in a heartbeat.
And although you had initially chased the creature away when your paths crossed, now you couldn't help but acknowledge the profound sense of solitude that engulfed you in its absence. It was astonishing how deeply you had connected with it, even in the mere span of two days.
Banishing those intrusive thoughts, you shift your attention to the world around you. After trekking for what seemed like an eternity, the snow crept up to your ankles, and you were hardly able to see in front of you. The frigid air enveloped you like a thick blanket, making each step feel like wading through a sea of molasses.
You could feel the weight of the snow pressing against your boots, making each movement a struggle. The once familiar path had become a treacherous maze, with the snow-covered trees and bushes blending in a monochromatic blur. The silence was deafening, broken only by the sound of your labored breaths and the occasional creaking of branches under the weight of the snow.
The bitter cold gnawed at your bones, seeping through every layer of clothing. Your fingers and toes were numb, and you could feel the sting of frostbite threatening to take hold. The frigid air seemed to penetrate every pore, leaving you shivering uncontrollably.
As the blizzard began to manifest its icy wrath, the wind surged with newfound vigor, and the temperature plummeted to depths unfamiliar to your senses. In this desolate road, the realization of your death gripped your heart, an undeniable truth that whispered through the frigid air. You were going to die.
You slowed to a stop, and your limbs, once enfolded tenderly around your midsection, descended languidly to your sides, resembling a lifeless puppet. You were going to die. The icy grip of death or the cruel clutches of starvation awaited you. You had no place to go. The dreams of revenge that once fueled your every action now seemed distant and unattainable.
Perhaps it was time to consider a different path, one of acceptance and surrender. Why not just meet your family halfway? You could be reunited with them if you just…stopped.
So you did. Your legs gave way, and you collapsed, your bag slipping from your weary shoulder. As you tumbled into the snow, it welcomed you with open arms, cushioning your fall. Then you were no longer cold, no in fact you felt warm.
Nestling deeper into the snow, you closed your eyes, allowing yourself to be transported to a different time and place. In your head, you saw yourself as a child, cradled in your mother's loving arms. You could almost hear her gentle humming, a lullaby- its name long since forgotten.
The world around you faded away, and you felt yourself drifting off to sleep, the weight of your burdens finally lifted. It was a slumber that beckoned for eternity. A few moments more, and death would claim you as its own, offering you an escape from the pain and suffering that had plagued you for far too long.
But just as you were about to surrender to sleep, a voice pierced through the darkness. It was faint at first, barely audible, but it grew louder with each passing second. "Wake up," it whispered urgently, pleading for your return. Confusion washed over you and you slowly opened your eyes, the vision of your mother fading away.
Instead, you were met with the comforting gaze of your beast. It stood tall and formidable, its snout tenderly nudging your cheek. But you couldn't, you didn't want to go on anymore- and so, with a heavy heart, you closed your eyes once more, yearning for the eternal embrace of sleep.
It was warm you realized, almost tenderly so, the thick heat permeated every fiber of your body and it carried with it the intoxicating scent of smoke and embers, enveloping your senses in a dizzying embrace. This was no mere illusion, no figment of your imagination like the deceptive warmth you sought while nestled in the icy embrace of snow. No, this was a tangible warmth, a palpable sensation that was real.
It was all-encompassing, like you were wrapped in blankets and surrounded by a huge, blazing fire. It was as though the very essence of existence had been breathed back into your body. It was as if every nerve in your body was on fire. You never wanted it to end, never wanted to return to the mundane reality of life on the run. If this were death, you’d eagerly welcome it.
But it was not. You could hear the eerie sound of the howling blizzard wind and if you focused hard enough, you could discern the faintest touch of icy coldness caressing your skin from time to time, only to be swiftly engulfed by a comforting warmth. You were alive. You were alive. It shouldn't have tasted bitter on your tongue, the thought of living– but it did. Reality had a cruel way of creeping back in, like a thief in the night.
Fluttering your eyes open, you’re immediately met with darkness accompanied by the faint sound of the rhythmic dripping of water. Groggily, you tilted your head towards the left, where the furious northern blizzard continued to roar with a vengeance, and you gave your weary eyes a chance to adapt to the profound darkness. After a few minutes, gradually, the feeble radiance of the moon emerged. Night had fallen.
You could hardly think, let alone remember what happened after you passed out. Where were you? Who brought you here? And where exactly was here? All these questions but no answers. Sitting up slowly, you turn your head, scanning the surroundings with a sense of unease, the warm air wrapping you in a soft embrace, as if it were alive. Yet there was no fire to be found. No flickering flames, no glow of light, no sound of crackling firewood. Where was it coming from?
The sound of crunching footfalls on the snow startles you and your body, overcome with a primal instinct, lurches backward, stumbling and trembling, seeking refuge against the warm cave wall. “Who is there? Have you brought me here?” Silence hangs heavy in the air, amplifying the thunderous beats of your heart, as their steps hasten and your breath becomes shallow and rapid, your chest tightening with each passing second.
There was a high pitched whine before your Romog companion sauntered into the wide expanse of the cave. Its fur was matted with snow which seemed to twinkle like jewels in the dull moonlight. You closed your eyes and let out a soft breath of relief, resting your head against the wall, heart slowing to a soft thump.
You could now vaguely remember seeing the Romog before you passed out, feeling the icy cold touch of its wet nose on your cheek. Perhaps the beast had pulled you into the cave before the weather could truly put you out of your misery.
A nudge on your neck makes you open your eyes, gaze slanting to the right to look at the animal. Its eyes are familiar and warm, it leaves your heart to somersault lazily in your ribcage. You smile small and reach out to run your hand along its jaw. “Where have you been?”
There’s obviously no reply but the beast cuddles its large head into your lap and rumbles contentedly, eyes falling shut. You breathe out a sigh and caress through its wet fur, once again resting your head on the warm cave wall. With a little bit of the security you had, now that the Romog was here, you took the time to scan the cave.
It's massive, and if the warm draft is anything to go by, it's quite deep as well. The constant but faint sound of dripping water also hints at some type of lake or stream within the cave— your mouth salivates at the thought of water sliding down your parched throat. It had been days since you'd last had anything to drink.
And despite how paranoid it might've sounded, this cave felt strangely, lived in— it didn't seem abandoned in the slightest, but you also felt safe. In the state that you were in, it wouldn't be wise to roam and explore the cave just yet. However, when you have the energy to go do so, you will.
But for now? You would sleep once more.
#monster x human#monster fucker#monster lover#fantasy#writerscommunity#writeblr#monster x you#monster x reader#monster boyfriend#monster bf#monster fluff#monsterfucker#dragon x human#dragon x reader#dragon#monster romance#x reader#x female reader#deunmiu dessie#writers on tumblr#dragon x female reader#but first! plot#pwithp#angst with a happy ending#tw monsterfucking#death tw#fantasy smut#fantasy romance#monster smut#fated mates
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Wanna hear some heartbreaking shit?? I GOTCHU
1. Gabriella (most likely) knew Peter.
We see from Miguel's simulation that Peter was there when she died. We can see him helping civilians.
And after Gabbie dies, he's behind Miguel as well.
So not only was he there to see her die, but Gabbie and Peter most likely knew each other through Miguel. If we can believe that, it makes me wonder if she'd met Jess too.
Imagine Miguel being so delighted to introduce his daughter to his friends 😭😭
We have no frame of reference when Gabbie died, or how recently. It's not a stretch to believe that Gabbie could have still been alive after Mayday's birth - Gabbie might have even held Mayday herself.
Jess is very far along in her pregnancy too. If Gabbie died less than 9 months ago, maybe she even rubbed Jess' belly 😥
2. Gabbie knew she was dying.
Before her death we're shown shots of people already depixelating even around Miguel.
We don't really know how long it takes a universe to collapse and it seems to happen fairly quickly.
Despite that, Gabbie isn't one is the first to go. Already seeing the destruction around her, Gabbie probably knew she was dying.
3. Gabbie died knowing her dad was Spider-Man.
In his last moments with her, Miguel is wearing is suit already. Whether or not he hid his identity from her was a mystery, but in her final moments she knew her dad was a hero who wanted to save people.
But in that moment he couldn't save her.
4. The ATSV team hired a voice actor for Gabbie
- even though her only lines are her calling out for Miguel
I ain't even got nothing to add about this one why the hell would they do that 😭😭
Because Gabbie'e universe is gone, and her death was so sudden -
5. Miguel likely has nothing at all to remember her by.
I just wanted to add that last one in cause I think about it ALL the time. All Miguel has of her is videos and clips - many of which aren't even of him, but his double.
Her soccer trophies, stuffed animals, clothes, etc - anything tangible that Miguel could've kept is gone. Like she was erased from history. The only proof she ever lived are the videos.
Ain't that fucked up. That's super fucked up.
Anyway BYE HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY
#Diane after triggering Miguel's trauma#by asking 'Why not code a daughter?? like Lyla 😳😳😊😊'#spiderman#atsv#spider man#marvel#across the spiderverse#miguel o'hara#miguel ohara#peter parker#gabbie O'hara#gabriella o’hara#peter b parker
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Hello :]
First time sending a request but can I please ask for a nurse! Male reader with aizawa please? This is a pretty cliche trope but I was thinking of reader being recovery girls grandson/son and was hoping one with aizawa? Or is it too big of an age gap since aizawa is already in his 30's I think? The reader will already be an adult but would still be quite young since he's still recovery girl's apprenticeship. Headcannons or even a little drabble, I'd you don't want to or can't please feel free to ignore this! I really like your writing and I hope the best for you on your writing journey ^^
Love .ᐟ
“𝜗𝜚 ﹐, ; ⟡”
note : aizawa has to be one of my favorites in mha tbh, had to do a few re-writes for this ngl
p.s: male reader, age gap, so like 10 years apart or so since reader is in his early 20’s (23/24), nurse reader, blood mentioned, pre-established relationship. pure fluff tbh, hcs + one shot
used: M/N (my/male name)
ıllı ᵎᵎ ₊ ⊹ # HCS
- spends money on you like crazy, idc idc he likes to spoil his s/o
- not into pda, but when you’re alone he’ll become clingy asl
- looks you in the eyes directly while he’s talking to you, paying attention to every single word no matter how “useless” it might be for him.
ıllı ᵎᵎ ₊ ⊹ # one shot
working as recovery girls apprentice and dating the “cruelest” teacher in UA was certainly a weird mix, you were kind while.. well your partner spoke for himself. how you two even got together was a complete mystery to the students and staff, you didn’t really mind though. even if the number of students who got sent to you and recovery girls way were all mainly from Aizawa’s class.. especially a certain green hair boy.
you were sitting in the nurses office waiting , the school day was about to end and you actually had a good day— sure , a few visits here and there from Izuku who which you now labeled “broken bones”, other than luckily it was pretty empty today.
“after school hours” started, something you only knew because Aizawa came into your office , recovery girl always left earlier than you so you and Aizawa got a little alone time before you headed back— he held you closely to him in a tight hug from behind startling you out of surprise.
“hey shota.” he kissed you on the top of the head, caressing your hair softly. “missed you, M/N.” you giggled softly, turned around and kissed the top of his head. he kissed you on the forehead in return. “lets go back to the dorm.. m’ tired.” he nuzzled into your neck giving you soft kisses. on your way out you two tried to not get seen by any students or staff, people in general. Aizawa was usually not one for public display of affection, but he was too caught up at the moment, lost in you.
you two arrived at your shared room, acting like a highschool couple, or like newly weds if you will.
cuddling up on the shared mattress and ending up falling asleep cuddled up to each other, the expensive sheets rustling under the two of you.
#aizawa#aizawa x male#aizawa x reader#aizawa shota#x male#x male reader#aizawa shota x reader#aizawa shota x male#aizawa x y/n#aizawa x yn#mha#mha x reader#my hero academia#mha x male#my hero academia x male
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The Six Levels of Validation:
Listening/Paying Attention: Focus on listening to the other person. Stay in the present moment, and hear them out. Even if you don't agree with what they're saying. Let them have the floor.
Perhaps they're upset with you because you cancelled plans because you were sick.
Restating: Focus on what the person has said, and then re-state and ask something like "is that right?" Make sure to be non-judgmental. You might think their feelings aren't rational, but that doesn't change the fact the other person is feeling them.
In our example, this might mean "I understand that you were very excited to see me and then disappointed when that didn't happen. Is that right?"
Observing: This is where you observe, including the things that are unspoken. Make an educated guess on what is not being said, based on body language. (I'm personally not a big fan of this one because it can be tricky if you interpret something wrong and mention "you seem really angry because you feel betrayed" and that may upset someone. It also isn't easy to read body language. My point of this is that you are valid if you can't do this step, or don't want to. You can still validate someone.)
You might notice your friend's eyes are watering and they keep swallowing. "You seem really hurt and are maybe thinking I don't care about you because I cancelled on you."
Assessing:
Focus on what history tells us and maybe use this to point out how your friend's current response is not effective. Communicate whether the person's behaviour is understandable or not. You can use past experiences to communicate this.
Using another example, maybe your friend skipped a test because they were anxious about it. You might say "It's very normal to be anxious about tests, but you won't have a shot at passing the test if you don't take it."
Compassion
Show compassion for the other person. Even if you think they're completely wrong, treat them as an equal person with their own feelings and experiences. They are a person with their own strengths and weaknesses. Try and believe in them and that they are capable of change.
Say you have a friend that is anxious to go somewhere because her ex might be there, you might say "It is very understandable you are anxious. A lot of people would be in your situation."
Validation is so important in relationships. Even if you don't "get" someone's feelings, it doesn't make them less real to that person. The feelings that person is feeling are very real, regardless of whether they make sense.
Often, people aren't looking for advice or problem solving unless they say it. Validation is a fairly good response if they don't specify what they're looking for.
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A night at Delux
Modern Tommy Shelby
Master list
Author’s notes: This story is for you, in no particular order @zablife @runnning-outof-time @red-riding-wood @teenwolf-theoriginals @justrainandcoffee @brummiereader I’ve had the main idea in my mind for weeks after driving past a luxury restaurant daily, I think it’d still haunt me if I didn’t write this one down lol… anyways I decided to a few names of lovely mutuals. This is a small nod to you all for the amazing work you do and in an attempt to cheer you up or anyone who might need it at the moment. If for whatever reason you feel down, without inspiration, worried, or anything else, know that it will pass. This particular moment that feels like too much won’t last forever ✨I just hope/wish you get what you are looking for. And to anyone else going through anything hard right now, this is for you too!
Ps. Don’t panic the fandom isn’t falling down, I just felt the need to dedicate this story to lovely mutuals to spoil and cheer them up a bit 🤗
Last but not least, extra 🌟 to @blondie-22 for creating this gorgeous moodboard!! 💖
Word count: 3,245
Friday night had been quiet compared to today, it seems like everyone decided to go out on Saturday and go to that club, as if there wasn’t enough options in the city.
Y/N swallowed hard feeling worried, this was her second weekend working at the club and she wanted to give a good first impression and save as much money as possible.
Her other job as secretary paid for the rent and services, but she needed to have this second one on the weekends to support her grandmother and her medicines.
As the hostess, she was requested to wear a total black outfit, so she thought her little black dress was the right choice, it was fitting for her shape, it wasn’t too revealing or short and one of the girls, Red had suggested spraying some lidocaine on her feet to be able to stand all night in those heels. She quickly adapted well to the group of girls that worked there, they were all so nice to her and welcoming.
“Ready? I’ve an amazing list prepared.” Lee, one of the girls walked past her, ready to take her place at the DJ booth.
“Last week was hectic, I’ve a feeling this will be crazier.” Y/N expressed fiddling with the guest list for the night.
“Here, drink this.” Brummie, another of the girls came closer placing a glass next to Y/N. After a week, Y/N learned the reason for that nickname was her strong Brummie accent even after all the years she left the place.
“Go easy on the drinks, she makes them strong.” K chuckled. She was the first one to welcome Y/N into their little girls-gang as they called themselves. The only ladies working in a place owned by men.
“Doors opening in ten.” The manager advised, taking one more look at the place, waiters were ready. “Make tonight a good night everybody.”
Lee started playing the music then, experimenting with some new beats, she mixed a couple of the new hits. Lights down, Y/N took a deep breath, approaching the door.
“They better leave good tips tonight.” Red raised her eyebrows. She was in charge of promos, she was great at convincing people to order another round of shots, or if it was ladies night and they got 2x1 on special drinks.
“We’re in your hands Red.”
“I’ll do my best ladies.” She replied through the device they shared to communicate.
“Alright, it’s about time.” Y/N rolled her neck. “Lee, we’ve a party of six tonight, celebrating a bachelorette, could you include some anthems?”
“Absolutely darl.” Lee then turned up the volume of the music.
“If someone sees that baker, let me know?” Rose appeared then at the bar, she had been hiding in the office, she was in charge of detecting any potential trouble from the monitors.
“Sweetheart, everyone knows he’s not a baker.” Lee informed her, talking about Alfie.
“I haven’t seen him, so I wouldn’t know.” Y/N called from her place.
“Oh he’s just the most handsome man ever.” Rose swooned.
Y/N chuckled, the club would be the last place where she’d find love, she just knew that. Walking towards the door, the guard opened it for her.
She started searching for the name she was given in the guest list. A group of girls wearing exaggerated make up and deep cleavage plus the shortest skirts or dresses where the firsts ones to make it in. She was totally against it, but it was an unwritten rule to let people in, the more skin, the better.
But she wasn’t there to judge anyone, let the girls dress as they preferred, in the end she wasn’t the one getting wasted and dragged in the end of the night to throw up outside. She was there just for the money. Another table was filled by three men, they were older and dressed in button shirts with ripped jeans, as if it was an uniform for them.
Y/N thought how it was funny to try to guess their backgrounds, where they came from and with whom they might leave the club. She was just trying to make the time pass faster.
In no time, the club was packed, but outside there was still a bunch of people trying to make it.
People tried to give Y/N money to get in, some were even rude to her but the guards took charge into the matter and invited them to leave.
“I made a reservation, could you check again?” The young guy requested politely.
Y/N started reading the names again, but by the corner of her eye, she caught someone skipping the line. “Ah, excuse me? Sir?”
The man who was already by the door, turned around slowly, opening the zipper of his jacket. His death stare made Y/N feel a shiver running down her back.
“There’s a line you’ve to make and wait.” Three more men arrived and stared at her with amused expressions. “Name?”
The man blinked and rolled his tongue over his lower lip. “Shelby. But you won’t find my name there, love.” Y/N saw him stopping the three other men with his hand.
“Then you’ll have to wait in the queue.”
For an instant, his expression was so transparent and Y/N knew he was offended.
“I’m sorry, but I’m just following orders.” She apologized and shuddered under his intense blue irises.
“Oi!” One of them, the one with a mustache tried to step closer.
“Arthur, leave it, we’re going to follow this lovely lady’s order and wait.” He then turned to face her again. “Accept a sincere apology for trying to get in.” He then winked.
The well dressed men followed his instructions and stepped back. Then she focused on the next people on the guest list, guiding them inside.
Barely a minute went by when Lucas, the manager grabbed her by the arm, dragging her inside in a blunt movement that made her go alert.
“What’s wrong with you?!” Lucas snapped, spit flying from his mouth. “You left the Shelby brothers outside! The fucking owners of this place.”
Just as Lucas was explaining Y/N her mistake , Tommy walked behind her, with his brothers following his steps.
“That was a first Tommy.” John grinned. “The first woman who doesn’t let you walk in as the owner of the place, and you did nothing.”
John was definitely having fun at Tommy’s expense. Arthur couldn’t help the smirk on his lips, but he tried to hide it behind his hand.
“Yeah, yeah she was only doing her job.” Tommy tried to excuse the hostess.
There was something that took him by surprise and startled him.
“And you walked back to the queue like a dog with the tail between the legs.” John went off again.
Tommy dragged his eyes across the club, he needed to know more about her. So he walked towards the bar.
“The usual Mr. Shelby?” Brummie asked her boss from behind the bar, he always waited to be served at his table.
Slowly, he posed his eyes on her, considering his options. “Please.” He replied then, clearing his throat.
“Here you go, I’ll take the other drinks up in a second.”
“Thank you.” With a nod, he turned his back at her and slowly strolled across the club. Although he had security, he always checked his surroundings.
After a while, he found the manager. “Lucas, come here.” Patting him on the back, Tommy asked him about the hostess, she was just passing by in that very moment, but Tommy noticed the quick glance she threw at him.
“Again, I’m sorry it happened Mr. Shelby, she’s new but it won’t repeat.”
“No problem.” He added calmly. “What do you know about her?”
Lucas shook his head, he didn’t care about the staff personal life. “Not much, but I’ll investigate her.”
In that moment, Tommy’s eyes found her, arms linked with the girl in charge of the checking the credit cards records.
“Damn it, I made a huge mistake, I’m so so done.” Y/N cried in a low voice. Worry written all over her face.
“What did you do?” Rose squeezed her shoulder.
“I didn’t know it was him.” She babbled. “I asked Mr. Shelby and his brothers to wait in line for their turn to get a fucking table.” Y/N explained over the music.
Rose stared at her for a split second and then bursted into an incontrolable laugh. “No you didn’t!”
“I did Rose! I did… and now he’s going to fire me.”
But she kept laughing. Trying to take a deep breath she sent their chat group a message urging the other girls to meet in the back.
You’re not gonna believe what Y/N did, she’s a hero! - she announced proudly.
“I can’t imagine the face he put on, must’ve gone like a stone.” Rose pinched her arm playfully.
Lee programmed a couple of songs to play automatically, Brummie left the bartender in charge while she claimed a quick bathroom trip. Red rushed the guys on the table to pay her for their drinks and tip.
As the group gathered in the back, they we waiting eager to hear what had happened.
“Our newest friend here, made the boss wait in line to get a table.” Rose announced ceremonially, pointing at Y/N.
She wasn’t trying to make fun of her, just trying to have a moment to relax.
Y/N groaned mortified, she kept shaking her head. Overthinking of what would happen.
“Nice way to get the Shelby’s attention.” Red pointed at Y/N with a smile, enjoying the teasing.
“Can we ask for the CCTV footage?” K asked. “I want to see him in the line.”
“I was looking for you,” Isiah one of the blinders appeared suddenly, “ladies how are you doing? Y/N… Mr. Shelby wants to see you.”
A chorus of ohhh’s from the girls filled the space.
Then, the girls started cheering on her.
“There she goes.” K sighed.
“Do you think she’s in trouble?” Lee looked around the group.
“Well it depends…” Red crossed her arms. “Hopefully he’s in a good mood.”
“I doubt it to be honest.” Rose raised an eyebrow skeptically. “But maybe she knows how to tame the beast.”
“Oh oh, if there’s group meeting it means something happened?” Mia joined the girls, she asked permission to arrive later that day. She had some personal affair to attend.
K placed her hands on Mia’s shoulders. “You just missed the fun, but I’ll make a short version while we prepare some drinks.” They were both in charge of the bar.
“Last time we had an urgent meeting, Michael got arrested.” Mia remembered with a chuckle.
“Oh, this is better than that.” Red assured before going back to the crowded tables.
As Y/N followed Isiah, her heart was pounding, grabbing her phone she texted her friend, Heidi.
I think I messed up, BIG.
A quick answer appeared on her screen, in the background a themed photo illuminated the phone, beautiful shades of green reminded her of nature and hope, it was made by a really talented friend.
What happened?! Are you OK?
Yeah. No… I confused the owner of the club and asked him to wait outside and make the line!
Her phone buzzed again.
No way! Tell me how it goes.
If I don’t reply back he probably let me blind. Carries a peaky cap with a razor blade.
Y/N took a deep breath and checked her phone again.
Don’t worry, I’m sure it will be fine. Her friend encouraged back.
She just prayed to not mess it up again and start babbling, arriving at the private area where the Shelby’s were she quickly tried to fix her short hair and bangs.
“Good evening,” her voice was shaking, her legs and her heart, everything! “I’d like to apologize for what happened earlier, I’m new and didn’t know any of you.”
Her eyes landed one more time on who seemed to be the leader, those icy eyes boring into the deepest part of her. His lips were pursed in a tight line.
“It’s okay, love. Don’t worry.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
“Yeah, now me brother wants to find a way to speed the line up.” One of them explained, blowing his smoke towards the ceiling.
“John.” The man with the blue eyes warned. “Nevertheless, I’ve to thank you for keeping the line in check.”
His deep accent and the way he dragged each word gave her chills.
“Thank you, well that’s my job.”
“Here drink this.” Another of them, the one with a mustache offered her a glass. “To a very good job!”
The two youngest were whispering something and staring back at the leader.
“It’s alright, really.” Tommy assured her after seeing the fear in her eyes.
“Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.” The one he called John a moment ago suggested.
“Again I’m really sorry.”
“Y/N is it?” He rolled his tongue over his lips after saying her name. “It’s alright.”
“Just so you know, I’m John, so you don’t mistake me again.” He had a huge grin on his face. “This is Finn, Michael and Arthur.” He started pointing out at everybody. “And that’s Tommy.”
“I won’t forget your names.” She repeated them mentally. “Enjoy your night, I’ll bring you another round.”
Y/N excused herself and went back to work. He was wearing a simple white shirt with a jacket and black jeans, but somehow he made it look effortlessly good. She was trying to focus on the people in the guest list instead of those eyes that reminded her of the most beautiful sky.
She smiled at a couple that walked past her dancing to the beat of the music.
A table next to her exploded in shouts and claps as K and Mia arrived with their shots and sparklers.
From the second floor, Tommy was watching her every move, eyes following her everywhere, studying her moves and the way she approached clients.
Arthur waved his hand in front of Tommy’s eyes after he didn’t listened to what he said.
“Tom? What do you think?”
Finn nudged John’s arm, tilting his head towards Tommy.
Tommy took a long puff of his cigarette, pretending to be part of their conversation.
“Hmm?”
“Earth calling Tommy.” John teased. “He’s still waiting outside in the queue.”
Shooting John a death stare, he asked Arthur to repeat himself.
“Shall we call some women up?”
“Whatever.” He cleared his throat and stood up making his way through the club.
Talking to security, they informed him they kicked out a customer that got noisy and aggressive, but other than that, it was a quiet night. Everything seemed to be under control, the place was packed, everyone wanted to get in, live the experience and have the status only Delux could offer. He knew it was the best club in town, many club owners tried to copy his place, but they all failed, they tried to copy the details that made his club unique, it screamed luxury and good taste.
Eyeing Y/N across the club, Tommy decided to walk towards her, she was focused on the list before her eyes, swaying her hips to the beat of the music, pouting her lips murmuring the words… he could only imagine how would them feel against his, while his fingers tangled in her short hair.
Before he could reach her, she then turned her back at him to walk in the opposite direction, but abruptly, she changed her mind and turned around again, bumping into Tommy’s chest in the process.
“Mr. Shelby! I’m really sorry.” He could tell she was mortified, embarrassed.
“It’s alright, sweetheart.” Tommy reluctantly took a step back.
Y/N hoped her voice wouldn’t crack. “Do you need something?” Battling her lashes slowly at him. “Can I take you your drinks upstairs?”
He was startled by her overwhelming beauty, under some kind of spell by her voice and smile. It had been so long since he felt so captivated by someone… Shaking his head slowly to clear his mind, but she thought he was saying no to her.
Taking that as her cue to leave, Y/N started walking away. “Well if you need anything, let me know.”
“Actually I do.” Tommy managed to say, making Y/N turn to face him once more.
Everything happened in a blink, he grabbed her by her face and kissed Y/N, not able to resist the desire any longer. But when she answered the kiss with the same eagerness and placed her hand on the back of his neck to pull Tommy closer he lost it.
Guiding Y/N towards the wall, he trapped her between it and his body.
Kissing her hard, he tilted his head to the opposite side, relieved to feel her matching his desire. Feeling one of his hands, brushing down from her waist to her hip and then down her leg, she added some pressure on his shoulders.
“Someone can come.” Y/N warned him breathlessly, his lips barely away from hers, just what was really necessary for her to speak.
“I don’t fucking care, I own this place.” Tommy told her right before kissing her again with passion.
Squeezing the flesh of her thigh and he felt as if he had whiskey injected in his veins.
Y/N moved her head back slightly, that left Tommy with his mouth hanging open in an almost sensual kiss that had just slipped away from him. Opening his eyes after the failed mission, he found her bitting her lower lip playfully.
His blue irises darkened under the dim light.
“I really need get back to work or my boss might fire me.” Y/N explained before stealing one more quick peck on his lips and bending down to free herself from him, left Tommy leaning against the wall with his heart pumping so fast that it felt like he was having a heart attack.
He chuckled quietly at her statement.
Going back up, he stood looking down at the people at the club, his eyes scanning the place until he found that pretty little thing that with just one kiss, made him feel more than anyone else.
Feeling som eking of pressure on 5e back of her head, Y/N turned around and lifting her eyes, she found Tommy staring at her from the second floor. Raising his glass at her, he added a wink.
Y/N felt her cheeks blushing and smile quickly spread on her lips. Checking the clock, she walked towards the door it was about time to not let anyone else in.
“Your lipstick is smeared dear.” Mia pointed out.
“Damn it, really?” Worryingly she went back to the bar, to check her reflection on the mirror behind all the booze bottles.
As the girls started to ask her what had happened, she got another message on her phone.
Think you can send me back to the line twice and get away with it twice? Meet me in my office once you’re done. -Your boss.
She gasped. He oozed trouble from every angle, the one that won’t let you get up from bed after several rounds.
He was practically the bad boy your grandmother warned you about.
✨ thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed a little spiced story 🔥
Tag list: @lyarr24 @runnning-outof-time @cillmequick @datewithgianni @cloudofdisney
@onlydeadcells @gretelshelby @garrison-girl-08 @lespendy @fastfan
@stevie75 @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @esposadomd @forbidden-forest-witch @ange-thoughts
@moral-terpitude @elenavampire21 @thenattitude @winchestergirl22 @zablife
@elk96 @blondie-22 @imichelle-l-rigby @allie131313 @already-broken144
@peakyscillian @babaohhhriley @shaddixlife @sloanexx @sydneyyyya
@adaydreamaway08 @pono-pura-vida @kmc1989 @thomashelbyswife @darleneslane
@lauren-raines-x @everythingelseisextra @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @lau219 @red-riding-wood
@ironpen @holacia3 @narlytude
#that’s what Cill said#modern tommy shelby imagine#modern!tommy shelby#tommy shelby imagine#tommy shelby x reader#tommy shelby fan fic#thomas shelby fanfiction#thomas shelby x reader#tommy shelby x y/n#tommy shelby x you#peaky blinders fan fiction#modern peaky blinders#arthur shelby imagine#john shelby imagine
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outfits in dead boy detectives ep.2
As always, little disclaimer: I have absolutely no idea about fashion, i just love the outfits and share what i find.
Okay, honestly, episode two is a little tricky. In the beginning, all Crystal, Charles and Edwin wear the same outfits as before but I got some more detail. (Less for Charles and more for Crystal and Edwin.) So, I decided to start there.
(Probably should have split the post but that occur to me a little to late, so it got a a bit long.)
The outfits (and little changes) Crystal, Charles and Edwin brought from episode one to episode two:
Firstly, here are the links to the posts from ep.1 where I originally talked about the outfits. Crystal , Charles , Edwin
Starting with Crystal. In ep.2 we can finally see properly what she is wearing underneath the coat. (I love the turtleneck btw and will definitely hunt down something similar the next time i go thrifting.)
Also I got two shots were you can see the whole outfit including the boots and green socks (thighs?).
And one more for the hand with rings but its very small and hard to see but I think it's pretty much the same we saw in episode one.
That's it for Crystal, let's move on to Charles. Although I honestly don't have much for him. He is wearing exactly the same he wore in ep.1 and I could cover the layers there a lot better then in ep. 2. But one thing I haven't covered in ep. 1 are the gloves so here are some shots about them.
but yeah that's it, I'm sorry. Hope I can talk more about him again in ep. 3. (Charles is my favorite after all.)
So lets check on Edwin than. Surprisingly, I actually do have a little more for him. But first for him too the gloves.
Then, I want to show you a couple of more shots about his shoes. I know that I've covered them already but I think these shots are a lot better and you can see more details so I still wanted to include them.
Also Edwin got something new, this beautiful thoughtful gift ;)
And last but not least, little nerd goggles - lexicograhical lenses.
(yes, i did go back to the episode checking what they called this thing.)
Yeah that's it for now. Crystal will get another post with her second outfit in the episode but for the boys there is nothing more that I haven't covered already. The other characters I will do for the episode are of course Niko and the Cat King and also Jenny and Ester but they might be one post again because I don't have that much for them once more.
I'm still sick at home (it's ten days now) so I think I will be able to do all the post today and queue them for the next couple of days.
#dead boy detectives#dead boy detectives outfits#dead boy detective agency#crystal palace#crystal palace surname von hoverkraft#charles rowland#edwin payne
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hide and seek
summary - you and your friends play a game of hide and seek, but since you and matt can’t find a hiding spot, you end up hiding together.
contains - sub!matt x poc!reader, drug use (on that good kush and alc) oral (m receiving) pet names, semi - public, swearing , no p in v, praise kink, lowercase, no use of y/n.
somewhat proofread
ཐི ♱ ཋྀ
we were all in the living room, it was around 2am . me , the triplets, madi , and nate. we were all passing the blunt around under the dim lights, the only things that were noticeable were their low bloodshot eyes and the low music playing in the back.
“guys…” nick slurred out “ we should totally play hide and seek in the dark, plus were high. you know how much fun this might be.” he exclaimed “nick are you serious” chris scoffed “what are we? in fucking kindergarten?” “no motherfucker, im just saying we should because were sitting here like mannequins passing a fucking joint and high out of our minds.” nick yapped while chris paid no attention to him.
“i mean im down” nate said . madi and i agreed with nate, while matt just sat there quietly watching the others bicker. after 20 minutes of arguing we all agreed to the game, we all chose nick to be the counter we all ran to our hiding spots as nick went to go turn the lights off.
chris hid upstairs , madi hid in one of the bathrooms , and nate hid in matts room . meanwhile me and matt were trying to find a space to hide, nick was already at 30 since we told him to count to 50. i hid in the nearest closet, matt must of saw me since i somewhat ran to it.
“matt what the fuck are you in here!? this is my-“ i was shut up by him covering my mouth. the closet we were hiding in was somewhat spacious, enough room for the both of us to fit. i was honestly surprised he would be in here with me, but i wasn’t mad, i was just glad it wasn’t chris.
“can you be quiet, do you seriously want to be the first ones found?” he sighed out, not making any eye contact with me. that was the first time he ever spoke to me. i was friends with nick and chris, and yea i talk to them but, i didn’t really talk to matt as much as he never talked to me. i would always catch him staring at me whenever i was talking to chris or nick but i always ignored it, i would also try and start conversations with him but i was always answered with a head nod or nothing.
chris was found first since he doesnt know how to shut up nor sit still. few more minutes past by no one else was found yet, i was genuinely surprised, so i tried to start a another conversation with matt. “on a scale of 1-10, how afraid of ketchup are you?” i blurted out with a giggle as he stared at me with a ‘is she really serious..’ face.
the boy said nothing, just another sigh in response. “y’know matt…” i spoke up a little as my fingers traveled up his tattooed arm, moving closer to him. his breath hitched since my movements were so unsudden, “it’d be better if you started a conversation with me. i think you’re a really handsome boy and i think we’d get along great..” i whispered in his ear as i straddled on top of him, wrapping my hands behind his neck, his hands shot to my waist.
our lips ghosted each other as i got closer to his face. i started to kiss his neck down to his collar bone, he let out a low whine as his hips bucked up a little. i felt his buldge against my clothed core, but i ignored it. i kissed my way back up to his neck, cupping his jaw and pecking a kiss on his soft pink lips.
he pulled me back into the kiss, it was a slow passionate kiss. i slightly rocked my hips causing him to groan. “please..” he pulled away from the kiss looking down. “please what matthew?” i asked him softly, slowly grinding hips on him. “i need you..” he said quietly.
my fingers traveled down his shirt to his sweatpants, fidgeting with the strings above his buldge. he bucked his hips up, practically begging for my touch. my fingers crept up to the waistband of his sweats, slightly tugging at them. he nodded his head slowly in approval, i pulled sweats and boxers down briefly to his thighs. he winced at the cool air that brushed against his tip, letting out a small whine.
“you’re such a pretty boy matthew.. it’s such a shame you don’t really talk to me, i’d like to get to know you better..” i huffed out as i placed one hand on his shaft, moving it up and down. the brunette let out a audible moan, throwing his head back onto the wall behind him. “fuck baby please..” he grumbled bucking his hips into my hand. “need your mouth.. s’bad, please..” he began to whine.
i began to duck my head down to level with his dick. his hands traveled to my hair, tangling his fingers between each curl. i gave his tip a few kitten licks, his grip on my head began to slightly tighten. he let out a breathy moan before looking down at me. “if you make any noise i’ll stop and you’ll half to finish on your own. got it?” i made myself clear, i honestly didn’t want this moment to be over. the boy shook his head rapidly in response.
i gave his tip another kitten lick before swallowing it whole. pumping the rest i couldn’t fit into my mouth. his grip on my hair tightened as he threw his head down with his mouth hanging open and his eyes closed, “you’re doing so good for me matt. it would be such a shame if someone caught us, wouldn’t t it?” i teased, small whines and whimpers came from his mouth. i shot him a quick warning look and he perched his mouth shut.
“shitt..oh f-fuck..you’re s’good baby..” he was just blabbering words at this point, nothing but swear words and whimpers left the boy’s mouth. he repeatedly covered his mouth to contain the whines and whimpers that were spilling out. “‘m close..please..” he warned, as his chest began to rise and fall rapidly. his cock begin to twitch, signaling he was close. i swirled my tongue around his tip, giving it light, sloppy kisses. white ribbon like ropes shot out into my mouth. “you’re so good f’me baby..” he mumbled under his breath.
he pulled me in for another kiss but it was sloppier than before. kissing me like there was no tomorrow. he pulled me onto his lap, my clothed cunt grinding against his somewhat still hard on. i was honestly soaked at this point. his whines spilled into my mouth, causing me to smile a little in the kiss. i pulled away when i heard multiple footsteps passed by the closet and mumbling voices indicating everyone was near by. we were both hot and sweaty, out of breath, and everything was out of place.
i cleaned myself up before cleaning him up since he was clearly tired. i laid a kiss on his temple before getting up to open the door. “can you stay here for a bit..” matt asked with a slight crack in his voice, almost sounding embarrassed. “matt why would you wanna-“ i was cut off by nick opening the closet door. “now how the fuck did i not find you, and why is matt in here?” “and why is your hair fucked up” chris added as he stood behind nick.
shit.
@sturnsslut @vampsturns @chr7svv @luvforchris @luvmatt @sturnsgirl @lovesturns
#Spotify#christopher sturniolo#sturniolo triplets#nick sturniolo#lia talks#matt sturniolo#chris sturniolo#sturniolo smut#smut#i need this man so bad#matts slutty gf
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only you, only us!
── ☆ remus lupin x fem! reader
── ☆ Request: yes / no
── ☆ Synopsis: Remus is in love you with you, but how could you ever feel the same when Sirius exist? He's so perfect and Remus can't help but feel jealous.
── ☆ Warning/content: mention of parties, drinking, kinda making out, my English
── ☆ a.n.: 1.8k words-
masterlist/ marauders masterlist / navigation / taglist
── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.──
Remus watched as you laughed, he would be smiling if you weren’t laughing with Sirius. Sirius, his best friend on whom he had placed all his trust and told all his insecurities. He had to admit he felt quite betrayed.
He took a long sip of his drink, passing his tongue on his top teeth “Everything’s alright mate?” James said as he came by his side, his eyes following Remus’ stare “Ohh, Y/n, huh?”
Remus groaned “Of course Y/n. But of course, Sirius has to flirt with her” To forget the idea he took another drink. James let out a chuckle, not daring answer to his friend. When Remus was like this talking to him was like talking to a wall. The werewolf settled further on the couch, pouty lips against his glass. “Fuck him,” he groaned.
“Hey… You don’t think you’re going a little hard on him?” James had to defend the person he considered his brother. “He doesn’t seem to flirt with her. Knowing him, he’d probably be snogging her right now if he liked her.”
Remus knew he was right but he was still angry. “Look at her. She likes him.” James knew it wasn’t true, you told him your crush on Remus but you'd asked him to keep it to himself, he was a good friend and couldn’t betray your trust.
“How do you know?”
“She is looking up at him, biting her lip and laughing at something probably stupid” The full moon wasn’t far which made Remus… mean.
James rolled his eyes “C’mon, that’s maybe the time to make a move, don’t you think?” Remus didn’t answer anything, too stubborn to admit his friend was right. “Moony! You can’t be mad at her for ignoring something you never told her”
Remus rolled his eyes. James was so right and Remus hated it. He was never confident enough to make a move on you, you were too perfect, too pretty, too kind for him. But keeping his love for you silent meant he had to border on the idea of seeing you with someone. And somehow, the possibility that it could be his best friend hurt even more.
Sirius always had everything Remus fancied. Girls, a pretty face, a charmful smile and people who wished they were him. No one wished they were Remus. Then again, why would they? Who would want to be a werewolf with scars and eyebags who’d rather read than going out to party like this one?
He couldn’t help it but be jealous of Sirius, even as his best friend it was hard not to feel this way. Remus let out a long breath, the party was shitty enough he didn’t need his own mind to make it worse.
When he looked around him, James was gone and after taking a quick look at the crowd he found him talking to you. His eyebrows furrowed, he didn’t want James to get involved. Maybe it was the best way to get you and him together but he felt even more weak, a selfish part of him didn’t want help. He knew damn well it was stupid since he wasn’t brave enough to do anything. He got up, he couldn’t handle the sight of you anymore.
:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
“Y/n,” James called. You turned your head and a smile found your lips.
“James!” You opened your arms to pull him into a quick hug. “What’s up?”
The boy cleared his throat “I have a friend-”
“Woah, who would have thought?”
He shot you a glare “- who need helps”
“Who?” you said, taking a sip of your drink.
“Er… Remus” Your body froze at the name “He’s a little mad and it maybe has to do with you talking to Sirius”
You were a little confused. James knew you fancied the lycanthrope but he never told you the love was mutual. “Do you mean he’s jealous?” You didn’t like the idea of Remus being upset but you couldn’t help the part of you that felt pleased he might fancy you too.
James only grinned as an answer and you understood. Without even thinking, you turned to the sofa but found it empty. Your legs started to run the castle on their own, you finally found him, sat against a tree in one of the courtyards.
“Remus?”
The boy lifted his head, he looked angry and you didn’t like it. You wished you could just kiss his frown away. “Y/n.”
His tone wasn’t welcoming but you decided to settle by his side “What’s going on in this head of yours?” you were smiling but internally you just wanted him to stop being irritated, you wanted him to smile.
“Nothing.” The silence that followed was long “You were having fun with your boyfriend?” you heard the disapproval in his voice.
Your eyes widened “My boyfriend?” you echoed.
“Yeah. Sirius.” Remus was avoiding your eyes, his knees were pressed against his chest.
James made you understand Remus was jealous but to witness it was like an electroshock, the boy hid his feelings well, you were so surprised.
“I don’t like Sirius” you wanted your words to comfort him.
Remus rolled his eyes “Yeah, sure” he mocked. He didn’t believe you. Sirius was everything a girl could want, right?
You frowned, habitually Remus always believed you and it hurt to have lost his trust. “Why do you think I’m lying?” you sounded a little saddened.
“I saw you with him. You’re talking with him more and more, hanging out with him more and more. Just say it to me,” he said through gritted teeth.
“I- I’m not with him…,” his anger that once amused you was making you a tad sad now. “We’re just friends! I- I just talk with him because we understand each other-”
“Understand each other?” he quoted, a scoff leaving his lips out of disbelief.
Now you were truly hurt. He was so blunt, he normally never was like this with you. “Yes!” you started to get angry too “We both have shitty families! We understand each other! Next to each other, we can finally find the comfort we both craved as children!”
Remus looked down, ashamed. He felt guilty for letting his anger win him and hurt you in the process. He hated this part of him that still wasn’t sure. He kept his mouth shut, he had done enough stupid things for tonight.
“You still don’t believe me?” Remus heard how offended you sounded. “You want me to show you I don’t like him?” your tone had changed to a more… soft one?
Remus heard you move next to him but he didn’t dare look at you, staring in front of him. Unfortunately, even like this, somehow, your face ended up in front of his. He wanted to back up but the bark behind him was already digging in his back. Your lips tugged into a large grin “Why are so grumpy? Why don’t you believe me?” you asked softly, almost pleading.
“Because it’s obvious you like him.”
You sighed “I don’t.”
“Why wouldn’t you like him? He’s handsome and charming and popular and-”
“And what if I like you?” you smirked.
Remus lifted an eyebrow and let out a tsk. He shook his head, it wasn’t possible, he couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t even understand why you’d like him. “No you don’t. I’m not the type of boy you want to date. I’m not handsome and I’m not nice and-” you cut him off by crashing your lips on his. Remus’ eyes widened in surprise, his heart beating in his ears. He didn’t move, his mind processing what you just did.
You pulled away and grinned “Still don’t believe me?”
“I…” he started, “I…”
You waited patiently “You…?”
“Fuck,” Remus mumbled before he pressed his lips to yours. You chuckled, your hand cradling his cheek, your thumb softly stroking his freckled skin. You leaned into him, your chest flushed against him while he pressed himself closer to you until you were laying on the cold midnight grass. His hands wrapped around your wrists, pinning them to the ground. You let out a small whimper at the roughness due to the close full moon and the built up jealousy.
Remus pulled away, his breath heavy “Merlin..” he cursed, releasing your arms “I… You’re gorgeous, you know that?” he smiled, his cheeks a light shade of pink.
You let out a short chuckle “Yeah”
Remus laughed at your sass “Cheeky,” he said before he pressed his lips to your cheek, he let his mouth linger on your skin, “I like it.”
You looked up at him with shiny eyes from the excitement and the two or three drinks you got this night “Do you believe me now?”
“Mmmh,” he had an amused smile playing on his lips. “I need one more kiss to be sure,” he said as his lips trailed down until they found yours. You offered him a short kiss. “Hey now, that wasn’t enough”
You laughed and offered him a longer kiss, letting your lips parted so he could slip his tongue into your mouth. Remus let out a soft groan, pressing his body against yours.
When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours “I think I believe you now.”
“Good,” you whispered, breathless. Your fingers got tangled in his hair, your voice a little more serious now “Why do you doubt yourself so much?”
Remus looked away and shifted, he rested his head on his chest “It’s hard to believe you’d like someone like me. You’re so perfect and I’m so me.”
“You’re so incredible,” you whispered, your lips locked against his temple “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re caring and sweet and kind and handsome. Very handsome.”
“Am I?” Remus smiled.
“Oh yeah. I like everything about you. Even when you are grumpy,” you said. Your nails scratched his scalp “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I have no interest in Sirius, only you, Remus. Only you.”
Remus’ smile widened “Only me,” he repeated, tasting the words on his tongue. He pressed his lips to your neck briefly “I’m sorry I got mad,” he said after a moment of silence.
You sighed “It’s alright. You have nothing to be sorry for,” you whispered in his ear.
Remus closed his eyes and breathed in your skin “Can I say I love you or it’s too soon?”
“You can say it,” you muttered, your heart beating faster and heat creeping to your neck.
“I love you,” he whispered against your neck, his lips tickling your soft skin. You stayed silent for a while, a huge smile on your face.
“Merlin, I love you too.”
He shifted, rolling to his side to look at you “So… it’s only us right now, isn’t it?”
“Only us,” you assured, kissing his lips softly.
── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.──
⋆ ★ remus lupin taglist: @ell0ra-br3kk3r @cauliflowertree @madison-rebel @moonlitmeeks @rhydianissuperior @loveeharrington @mad-elia @jackys-stuff-blog @elenatries2write @princess-paramour @juneberrie @f4iry-blush @gilmore-angel @heartfucks @sparklenarniawizard @songs4themoon @moondemon123 @mystic-writings @siriusblackstwin @natashxromanovf @violetteshoneybee @unadulterated-syd @goodoldfashionedluvergirl @garfieldsladybird @kidcuisinesvcks @percy-the-hufflepuff @fairydxll @spookydarkwitch @innerloverpainter @vancitycharlie @nyxxxxxxxx @venussflytraps @diorgirl444 @oncasette @locke-writes @dori-and-gray @itsarajr @maddipoof @starconfettii @widowbf @starlit-epiphany @rosalyn-s @etanordiesbullshit @sageskisses444 @luvmarsbars @jsjcue @mellozhi @lovings4turn
#remus fluff#fluff#harry potter#marauders#remus lupin#sirius black#the marauders era#james potter#lily evans#marauders era#remus x you#remus x reader#remus lupin fic#x reader#remus angst#remus lupin fluff#remus lupin oneshot#peter pettigrew#solaris is writing! ੈ✩‧₊˚
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I feel like there isn't enough platonic julian and muriel headcanons but I thought of a new one:
• Julian and Muriel can contend with one another for the best wildest/goriest injury story. Maybe even bond over it (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)
• This is for post upright Muriel route (beware of spoilers below)
• MC and Julian bond over a shared work history under the plague and having lost memories
• Muriel goes to therapy! With Nazali. He decided he wants to give connecting with people another shot.
• Her challenge is to connect with Julian - since he's his best friend's boyfriend and MC's other good friend next to Asra
• For a long time until the present day, he refuses to do that. But on the rare occasion he does, it's always an accident.
• After some time Muriel becomes comfortable talking to close friends about the weirdest/goriest stories from his gladiator days.
• Julian would walk in sometimes and it absolutely captures his attention. Out of everyone, only Julian actually relates.
• Sometimes he even hypes Muriel up, earning a shy smile from Muriel when done right.
• Other times, they become competitive. But even then, Muriel will find himself smiling, before quickly covering it with a cough and a nonchalant stare. It still makes the doctor secretly happy - like he's finally unlocked a small key to understanding their most difficult friend
Until Muriel finishes his stories, and he puts back his walls up again.
• So, sometimes, Julian might start his own story. Muriel doesn't really notice the doctor's intention and goes along with it
• When either person is telling a story, the other person chimes in and validate each other's grievances in dealing with the gory side of fighting by expounding the other person's experience, making the other person feel heard.
• Sometimes either of them might throw a joke in or two. And they would be the only two "laughing" (the most Julian got out of Muriel is a chuckle).
• MC and Asra are usually the other two people in the room. They'll fall back and give them the floor, giving each other a knowing smile as they watch their significant others slowly become unlikely friends.
• (Or look at each other with concern when Julian and Muriel laugh about someone's really gory injury a little too much)
#the arcana#muriel headcanons#julian devorak#muriel kokhuri#the arcana headcanons#i want julian and muriel to be friends#the arcana julian#the arcana julian devorak#the arcana game#the arcana muriel#the arcana muriel kohkuri#headcanons
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Would high school au Gale ever consider or pick up self harm as a way to deal with everything? Especially if/when the love and care of the Egan household gets to be too much on his worst days?
Another great question, but really sensitive subject, so TW: self-harm and suicidality mentions below. I'm glad that we're exploring Gale's mental health, but please don’t read if these subjects trigger you.
I know that self-harm is often associated with suicidality, but I don't think HS Gale would do it. He probably tried it years before, in the beginning of Year 9 maybe, but it didn’t help. He couldn’t get enough relief out of it to make the physical pain worth it and he was scared of doing permanent damage. He doesn’t have an urge to punish himself. He just wants the pain and the pressure to stop. He gets relief from fantasizing about silence and a lack of sensation. That’s why he loves being underwater too, it's the closest he gets to it. (On a more positive note, he also likes sleeping with his head on Bucky’s chest, it makes him feel lighter.)
He's the kind of person who bottles things up. He keeps himself in tight control and lets all the negative thoughts build up until they spill out. You wouldn’t think there's anything wrong with him, but there may be a dark cloud within him that grows in secret until it explodes.
So, in the example you mentioned, he might take an overwhelming amount of love and care with such ease that everyone’s surprised, then he'd go on a date with Bucky and tell him completely out of the blue that he imagined his own funeral (I have a one-shot idea about this, set a few weeks after Broken Things, so he's still in a bad mindstate). So, Gale’s primary thing is ideation, not action.
His mental health never gets this bad again. He and Bucky do have a rough patch during their first semester in college and then at 30, but Gale’s despair never reaches the level it was before his 18th birthday.
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Heyooo friend! Are you well? I hope so! So, my request might be slightly unusual, so please feel free to decline😅. Can I please request a fic with Lee! Douma x Ler! Reader (gender up to you, but preferably male) who loves flustering Douma by tickling him but who is not ticklish in the slightest?❄🌈. I'm usually not one for reader-inserts, but after your fantastic Koku x reader for tickletober, I gor hooked🤣
Hey friend! As of writing this, I'm doing pretty good! I hope you're doing alright :3 Oh my, this is so CUTE! I love some good ol' Lee!Douma to start the return from my hiatus, so I've gotcha covered!
As is all my Reader inserts- the reader is gender neutral for inclusivity!
Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps):
@thatbigbisexual29 @duckymcdoorknob @wolfyeatstacos @gladdygirl18 @baby-tickles2022 @cupcake-spice13 @backy-san @t-wordiiish @sarahmaystock5578 @rachi-roo @chibisstuff @imjusthere07 @giggly-toybox
“Why hello there, (Y/N).” Douma looked over his shoulder at you, smiling as you draped yourself across his back. “Missed me already?”
“Hmm.” You hummed against his shoulder, closing your eyes. You’ve been going non-stop for what seemed like years, tearing up every corner of Japan in search of the Blue Spider Lily. The results have been…lacking.
The fact you were able to walk away from Lord Muzan with your head still on your shoulders was a miracle. All you wanted to do was melt into your boyfriend and drown in the sound of his laughter.
One wasn’t physically possible, but the other…
“Hm? Did you fall asleep back there?” Douma asked when you didn’t make a sound, leaning more into him. “Funny (Y/N), you know we don’t need sle-ehehe!”
“Shhh, I’m resting my eyes.” You mumbled, unable to fight off a smile as you began to curl your fingers against his sides. “Don’t move so much.”
“Aheahha-aheahhahaha! (Y-(Y/N)! Gehahahhaa, wahhahait, wahhahit hohohohld ohoohohn! Gehahahhahaahaha!” Douma twitched as he leaned forward, already giggling. “Noohohoho fahahir- yoohohohu can’t juuuhhust go and dohohoho thhahahaht!”
“Hush- didn’t I already tell you I’m resting?” You wrapped your arms further around him, tapping your fingers against hard muscles as Douma folded in half, laughing the entire way. “You’re so noisy, Dou. Really, really noisy!”
“Yohoohohou’re the ohoohohne tihihiihckling me- ehehehahahahahhaha!” Squeaking, Douma completely collapsed against the tatami mats lining his space, unable to fight off the peals of mirth building up in his chest. “(Y/N), nohohohohoht thehehehehhehere!”
“Not where?” You mumbled with a giggle of your own, nuzzling the spot between his shoulder blades. It was terribly ticklish- the spot that never failed to get your boyfriend on the edge. “You’re gonna have to be more specific. I don’t know what “where” is.” Your hands moved to the lowest parts of his waist, squeezing rapidly and making him thrash. “Stay still- I’m getting comfortable.”
“Yohohohou and I bohohohoth knohohow thahahaht’s impohohohossible! Agheahhahhahaha!” In a moment of revenge, Douma shot his hand back and grabbed your knee, squeezing. The result…
“Nohohohoho fahhhahahahair!” He cried when you didn’t react- choosing to intensify your tickling instead. “Yhoohohoohu’re nohohohoht tihihiihihcklish at ahahahhahall!”
“What? Of course I am. I’m very ticklish!” You leaned up so your chin rested on his shoulder, speaking into his neck. “I’m super ticklish right here…especially when you do this~”
“(Y/N)!” Douma all but howled when you began nibbling on his neck and ears, making him scrunch up the best he could. It meant nothing- you had him right where you wanted him. “AHEHAHAHHA COOHOHOHME OHOHOHOHON! THIHIHIHS IS UUHUHUHUHNJUUHUHUST! UHUUHUHNFAHHAHAIR! UUHUHUHNCAHHAHALLED FOHOHOHOR!”
“Yes yes, how terrible it must be for Lord Douma- tickled to near death by a lower ranked demon.” You cooed at him, shooting your hands up and digging into his pits- making him fall silent in mirth. “You know- maybe I’ll challenge you for the spot; all I need to do is tickle you to win- I could be Upper Rank 2!” Then you cringed, suddenly disgruntled. “Ew- nevermind; that’s way too much work.”
“YOHOHOHU’D BEEHEHEH GOOHOHOHOD AT IHIHIHI!” Douma cried when he got his voice back, reaching out and catching your hands. “Oohohokay, hoohohkay, that’s enohohohugh.” His voice slowly grew more soft as the remaining giggles passed, leaving him curled up on his side. It was times like this you imagined what he’d look like human- cheeks flushed and chest heaving as he struggled to take in air.
You reached out, pushing his bangs free from his face and running a thumb beneath the misty tears forming on his cheeks. “Did I go too far?” You asked.
Douma only laughed, pulling you into his arms and twisting so he was on top. Adjusting his weight so not to crush you, he cushioned his head against your shoulder with a soft hum. “Never. I’d gladly let you tickle me to the end of time if it means I get to see you so happy.”
Demons didn’t blush, but you felt the phantom feeling of heat on your cheeks at his remark. Smiling, you ran a hand through his long hair, playing with the ends as he got comfy. “You’re right about earlier. I did miss you while I was gone. I missed you alot.”
“Aww, you’re so sweet.” Douma giggled- squeezing you close to him. “I missed you too. I’ll try to ask Lord Muzan for more time with you.”
“That’s gonna go well.”
“I’m his favorite- he’ll listen to me.” Douma stuck his tongue out, grinning when you mock bit at it. “But you’re my favorite snow angel. You always will be.”
“Promise?” You asked, holding out your pinky. Douma didn’t hesitate, wrapping his icy one around yours.
“Promise.”
Thanks for reading!
#demon slayer#tickle#tickle fic#douma x reader#douma#reader#demon!reader#squiggily writes the things#12 kizuki#upper moons#fluff#this was so nice to get back into kajrjkakrkear
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