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#not a fan of his but dear lord did he make the right decision
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Today, J. Cole woke up feeling completely refreshed. The water was the perfect temperature for his morning shower. His breakfast was all organic and delicious. He got in a great workout. He went to church and wholeheartedly thanked God for all his blessings. When he went down to the studios, the creative juices were flowing and he got a lot written. Then, he went outside, spent plenty of time in nature. The sunlight was hitting the trees just right, the flowers were blooming, and the birdsong was beautiful. It was a great day.
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wildflower-otome · 1 year
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[Translation] Olympia Soiree Short Story -  Budding of True Love ~Kuroba Chapter~
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Author: Yuma Katagiri
Source: Olympia Soiree Official Visual Fan Book Nuit Blanche
‘My dear Lord Brother, you’re in love with Olympia, aren’t you?'
Hearing such a question suddenly whispered to me, I nearly spat out the alcohol I had been drinking.
‘.....Of course not.’
‘Do you really think you can deceive these eyes of mine?’
Yosuga was smiling elegantly before me.
He called me brother, but of course we were not related by blood. It was just that it wasn’t unusual for there to be brats with no parents in Yomi, and all the adults were completely untrustworthy. That was why those of us who got along formed relationships as brothers and sisters and helped each other. Strictly speaking, Yosuga wasn’t born in Yomi, but was a Purple who had fallen down here from the surface because of “certain circumstances.” Even so, we strangely got along well and had been friends for a long time.
‘Olympia’s husband will be Akaza for sure, who else would it be?’
‘But you like her, don’t you?’
‘.....In that case, what about you? You do flower fortune telling for her, prepare her baths, give her rare snacks to eat…..you enjoy spending time with her too, don’t you? Lord Jigoku never accepts the invitations of any woman, and only laughs coldly, right?’
‘Olympia is Tsukuyomi’s beloved child, of course I'd be polite and hospitable to her.'
As he spoke, Yosuga directed his gaze towards the lavish carpet. No—more precisely, down towards the underground of Shikinjou.
Beneath Shikinjou was the place called Naraku, it seemed that the man called Tsukuyomi had been living there for quite some time. I don’t like to speak ill of others, but truth be told, he was such a strange guy I didn’t really know what to make of him.
‘Well, it does seem most people are betting on Akaza.’
‘There you go, talking about this again.’
‘Simply put, I’m just amusing myself. The one and only White has started looking for a husband, it’s only natural for everyone to be interested in who it will be.’
‘There’s no need for betting. Is there really anyone out there who can hold a candle to Akaza?’
‘He’s tall, handsome, of good lineage, and the head of the Kotowari. Akaza sure is the perfect marriage candidate.’
‘Exactly. They should hurry up, have intercourse and then give birth to healthy children. As a doctor of this island, I’ll feel relieved once they do.’
‘Big brother, I did say you couldn’t hide anything from me, remember?’
And he used to be so cute.
Sighing a little, this time I took a sip of my drink.
‘.....I don’t love her, it’s nothing like that. She’s simply a rare “White.” As a doctor, it’s a given I’d be curious. She’s so completely white, no matter where you look it draws your attention. Truth be told, I do think I’d like to sleep with her at least once.’
‘Ah, I see.’
He snatched my glass that was still half-full with rum, and drank it all down in one go.
‘Did you know that Nagusa of the Jade has his sights set on her as well?’
‘There’s no way a tomboy like her would give a guy like that the time of day.’
‘You seem upset, big brother.’
Yosuga refilled my glass to the brim with rum, and placed it in front of me.
‘Anyway, of course her husband will be Akaza! He’s the most certain, and safest choice!’
‘Well, to be sure, Akaza is acting a little different than usual. Even though he was always running away from getting married, ever since he became of suitable age.’
‘I’m looking forward to their wedding.’
I made a show of smiling, but Yosuga frowned exaggeratedly.
‘And here I was thinking of cheering you on.’
‘As if I’d need you to.’
‘I don’t care if you don’t believe me, but I’ve never given my body to any man, no matter who.’
Back then, she had said that decisively while glaring at me.
Olympia of the White, who lived with Douma of the Yellow, was certainly also his lover too— that was indeed a rumour well favoured by everyone. I could tell immediately that she knew nothing of men. No, not only that, but of love as well. Born and raised on a strange island of only women, after she had been taken from there, she had spent all her time cooped up in the mansion. Her body and heart were pure white.
Even though I— was so pure black.
‘I’ll be betting on you then, big brother. Do your best.’
My little brother who wasn’t related to me by blood smiled meaningfully and left.
* * *
That’s right—I was pure black. 
On this island those of the Black were shunned and hated. The colour of a darkness that sunlight did not penetrate, an unlucky colour. To the point that there were those who killed themselves in despair when their hair and skin had become black due to illness. And of course we were also of low rank. All those of the Black apart from me, lived in Yomi where the rays of the sun did not reach.
There was no way someone like me could be loved by her, who was so completely pure white and the closest existence to the sun.
But even so.
‘It’s a necessary colour for this island.’
She’d said such a foolish thing.
Even though she was so pure white, she’d said the kind of thing to make me get carried away.
The one most suitable for her was Akaza. He was the most trustworthy man on the island, and she would definitely become happy if she were to choose him. Not only that, she was under the authority of such important people as Tsukuyomi and Douma. They likely did not want someone as pure black as I to get close to her.
But even so.
‘Would you give me that Iroha flower? I’d like to try and research its composition a little.’
‘Eh? Ah! Of course.’
The moment she had put her hand to the flower in her hat—I had ended up touching her.
Her body froze as I gently kissed her forehead. Her eyes had widened and she had stood stock still, not even blinking.
‘You’ve got a pretty nice forehead, I just couldn’t help it.’
‘Eh….!?’
‘I’m glad, you didn’t cry, punch, or try to stop me.’
‘J-Just now- um…..!’
It was just a little joke. I just wanted to try teasing her, who was so bright and innocent.
The gardenias at Douma’s mansion were in full bloom. The fragrance was just too sweet, I had just wanted to touch her skin a little, which was even more pure white than its flower petals.
That’s right, even though I had wanted it to end as just a little joke.
Love me, Olympia.
But—don’t love my pure black self.
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Merlin’s previously hidden horrific past comes to light;
The gang learn that everything they know about Merlin is a well-constructed façade when the truth about his “Military” history comes out.
TW: Child soldiers, abuse + torture, lots of blood and death and nightmares, potential PTSD?
When King Arthur had received the official looking letter requesting an audience about troubles with the border, he’d thought nothing much of it; the tone of the letter didn’t lead him to think there would be any serious conflict.
He replied to the Essetirian Lord, figuring it would end up being a simple issue of river boundaries or overstepping patrols, they could discuss it and fix the problem amicably, and then part ways without issue.
Arthur wasn’t a fan of the way Essetir worked; they were far too authoritarian for his liking, and they were known for their use of slave labour, terror tactics, and child soldiers, but peace had been harboured between the Kingdoms, so he could hardly complain.
The fact that Arthur didn’t see it as a big deal, means he didn’t mention it to Merlin until the day of the Lord’s arrival, and even then, he didn’t mention the Lord’s name, or where in Essetir he came from.
Merlin may have seemed a little tense at the mention of Essetirian Lords, but Arthur shrugged it off, figuring high taxes and village raids probably left him with a mistrust of authority from his home kingdom.
~
Arthur was sat in his throne, crown atop his head, when the Lord arrived. His roundtable knights and a few select members of his council sat in their own chairs at the side of the room, and Merlin stood dutifully beside him.
He preferred to have a small audience when first greeting foreign authority, hence only having nine people, including himself, in the room. 
Arthur trusted Leon, Lancelot, Percival, Elyan, Gwaine, Guinevere, Gaius, and Merlin, to subtly analyse and scrutinize the visitor for anything troubling, and report back to him truthfully later. Arthur trusted his wider council, of course he did, but experience with these particular people told him they were better equipped to handle any sort of conflict or worries.
Which means when Merlin quietly took in a sharp breath, tensed up, and stepped back to be behind him when The Lord walked in, he immediately noticed.
He makes no motion to question him though, assuming that perhaps this particular Lord had passed through Ealdor at some point, and made a mental note to question Merlin later.
The Lord bows deeply, and raises to meet Arthur’s gaze with a wide, friendly smile:
“I am Lord Severin of Essetir, I appreciate your quick response to my letter, and am grateful for the invitation to your beautiful kingdom, My Lord.”
At first, Arthur had been curious, and mildly concerned, but Gaius’s sharp intake of breath and stiffening back at the mention of the Lord’s name, tip him right over the line into being officially worried.
Did this particular Lord have some sort of reputation Arthur was unaware of? He, again, makes no moves to suggest that he had noticed Gaius’s reaction, and instead returns the Lord’s smile:
“Of course, you’re more than welcome. Guest chambers have been set up for you, if you would like to stay for a few days? I can imagine it was a long journey.”
The Lord nods, and keeping his smile, says:
“Thank you, I had planned on booking a room for a few nights, but if you’ll have me?”
Arthur nods in return, quickly speaking before the Lord can thank him again:
“Of course. Is the border discussion a lengthy issue, or something we can resolve quickly now? I have my most trusted advisors with us, should there be a political issue?”
Lord Severin shakes his head roughly, giving Arthur a sympathetic shrug:
“In all honestly, My Lord, as far as I’m concerned there isn’t an issue, but a few of my men were worried, and the only way I could see to resolve it was an official meeting to reassure them.-”
Arthur smiles, gesturing for him to continue:
“-Over the past several years, multiple Camelot Knights have been seen crossing the boundary, and spending a few days at a time in a small border-village on the Essetir side. I am under no impression that anything underhanded is happening, but a few of my inferiors were getting twitchy about it.”
Arthur once again hears Merlin take in a shaky breath, and furrows his eyebrow in curiosity:
“Which village?”
“It’s name is Ealdor, My Lord.”
Arthur smiles widely in understanding and nods his head, relaxing:
“Ah yes. A highly ranked member of the castle staff has family there, and depending on how dangerous the journey is predicted to be, I’ll often send him with a knight escort when he visits home.”
Lord Severin nods his head, before tilting it curiously and saying:
“Might I ask which member of staff? I spent some time in Ealdor a few years back, colour me... curious.”
The smile on his face is a little sharper now, but Arthur hardly sees the harm in telling him; he’ll only be here for a few days at most anyway. 
Arthur gestures a hand behind him:
“Merlin.”
He looks back and frowns, questioning his decision, when he sees Merlin staring blankly at the floor. He’s statue still, but Arthur can see the way his jaw tenses, and the paleness of his skin.
He turns back to see the Lord staring up at Merlin with an inquisitive expression. Just as Arthur resigns himself to say something, a look of wolfish realisation crosses the Lord’s face, and he speaks softly, as if to himself:
“Merlin from Ealdor, eh?-”
His grin turns even more wicked, and his volume rises:
“-I was under the impression that you had died, my dear boy.”
Arthur furrows his brows in confusion, and Merlin, without raising his gaze, quietly replies:
“No, My Lord.”
Severin chuckles, a hint of cruelty in the noise, but before he can say anything Arthur asks:
“You know each other?”
The Lord looks to him, as if only just remembering he was in the presence of a King, and smirks:
“Know each other? Why, Merlin was once one of my best. You’re astoundingly lucky to have a bodyguard with such incredible skill, My Lord. I was sad to lose him.”
Arthur glances at Merlin, who seems somehow even paler, before looking back to Severin in confusion, tilting his head:
“Merlin isn’t my bodyguard, he can barely carry a sword. He’s my personal manservant. Perhaps you have the wrong man?”
Severin shakes his head resolutely, before staring at Merlin:
“No, that’s him, I would recognise him anywhere. Like I said, I was sad to see him go.”
At Arthur’s continued confusion, Lord Severin gives him a patronising smile, quietly saying:
“Perhaps a demonstration is in order-”
He turns back to Merlin, speaking loudly this time, as Arthur and the others look on in bewilderment. Gaius however, looks increasingly worried, rather than confused.
“-Step forward, Merlin.”
Merlin, without hesitation, walks stiffly forward, standing to attention just in front of Arthur, hands straight by his side, and his gaze unwaveringly forward, focussed on the wall behind Severin. 
Arthur stands from his throne, moving to stand by the council chairs so he could see Merlin’s face. What he spies however, is a tense blankness that he’s only even seen in the brief moments when Merlin thinks no one is looking at him.
The Lord rolls his eyes condescendingly at Merlin:
“You know I hate it when you stand so stiffly Merlin, it’s bad form. Stand at ease.”
Again, without hesitation, Merlin kicks ones of his legs out slightly, and moves his hands to be tightly clutched behind his back, shaking almost imperceptibly. Still, he does not change his expression as the gang look on worriedly.
“Are you armed, Merlin?”
Merlin gives one firm nod, before saying in a monotonous voice:
“Always, My Lord.”
Severin gestures vaguely with his hand, muttering:
“Show me.”
With that, Merlin taps his right wrist to his hip before flicking his arm out to the side, and with the movement, a dagger slides from a hidden holster under his sleeve, and falls gracefully into Merlin’s hand.
Everyone in the gang, bar Gaius, was taken aback, They’d known Merlin for years, ten in the cases of Arthur, Leon, and Gwen. How had they never known that Merlin was always carrying a weapon?
The Lord looks only mildly impressed as he holds a hand out, crooking his fingers towards himself slightly. Merlin throws the knife gently, his aim perfect as the handle lands in the centre of Severin’s palm.
He passes the blade from hand to hand, humming thoughtfully, before saying:
“It’s not very well weighted, incredibly poor quality, but-”
With that, he looks back up at Merlin, the wolfish grin having returned to his face, but the gang only have a second to be confused before the Lord pulls his hand back, and hurls the knife directly at Merlin’s head.
The velocity at which the blade moves through the air... well, a slower man would have died. But Merlin is apparently not a slow man.
With his focus still on the wall somewhere behind the Lord, he whips his hand up, quicker than lightening, and catches the handle of knife with the blade just an inch away from his eye. Only then, does his gaze move across to the dagger, and he brings his hand down, slipping it back into it’s holster as if he was entirely unbothered by what had just happened. The Lord finishes his sentence:
“-anything can be a weapon in the hands of a killer. Back to your post, Merlin.”
Merlin bows slightly, and moves back, expression still blank as the gang stare at him with various expressions of shock and confusion.
Arthur moves back to his throne, careful to keep his face blank, though struggling not to stare at Merlin worriedly, before he says:
“Well, that was quite a display. Any other uh... stories to tell, Lord Severin?”
The man shakes his head, laughing, and replies:
“No, Your Majesty, that is all. I will reassure my employees that the visits to Ealdor are purely personal, and order them to leave it be.”
Arthur gulps and frowns slightly at the sudden change it topic, wanting desperately to look back and check on Merlin, but not daring to, as he replies:
“Of course. I’m afraid I will not be able to join you for dinner tonight, or breakfast in the morning, though I extend my invitation for you to visit the training grounds before noon. I have my best scheduled for tomorrow.”
As he says this, he gestures to the five roundtable knights, who all wipe the confusion off their faces as the Lord glances at them. In actual fact, none of them were scheduled to train tomorrow morning, but it had become habit over the years for Arthur to use them as a subtle display of strength whenever a visitor unnerved or worried him.
Severin looks back to the King, giving him a nod as he accepts:
“I would love nothing more, My Lord.”
Arthur smiles tightly and nods before dismissing him, his harsh gaze not leaving the Lord’s back until the door shuts behind him.
The moment he’s left the room, Arthur stands up, dizzyingly quickly, and steps around the throne to question Merlin, only to find that the manservant gone, slipped away through the servant’s door.
He speedily goes to follow him, wanting to get to the bottom of whatever the hell that was, but Gwen’s desperate voice halts him:
“Stop! He clearly doesn’t want to talk about it right now, we should leave him be-”
Arthur turns around and goes to retort, but Gwen cuts him off:
“-and besides, no one knows this castle better than Merlin, he’s long gone. If he doesn’t want to be found, then he won’t be found. Leave him be for a while.”
The King desperately wants to argue, but he begrudgingly nods, knowing that Gwen is right. He frowns at the desperate and questioning looks that Lancelot sends to Gaius, unaware that Arthur is looking at them.
Gaius shakes his head slightly, and Lancelot visibly relaxes, only to tense again when Arthur asks:
“Lancelot, Gaius? Do you know what just happened?”
The knights averts his gaze after giving a brief shake of the head, the Physician looks to Arthur, clearly mentally debating on the best way to answer the question. He gulps before speaking slowly:
“Other than Merlin’s mother, I am the only one to know the truth. However it is a very... personal, and frankly traumatising, topic for Merlin, and I don’t feel it’s my place to tell you. Might I request that you allow Merlin to keep his distance from Lord Severin?”
Arthur looks like he wants to argue, but the warning looks he receives from Leon and Gwen stop him, and he once again begrudgingly nods:
“I... fine. But I’ll want to know eventually. If I’m to have dealings with this Lord, I need to know if he’s involved in anything troubling."
Gaius sighs and nods:
“It is... nothing that Essetirian Lords aren’t already known for, My Lord.”
Arthur tilts his head in confusion, that doesn’t sound like it bodes particularly well but... he’d already agreed not to pry. Gaius was clearly trying not to let too much on and trying to hide how freaked out he was. Which also didn’t bode well.
Arthur copies Gaius’s sigh, nodding to himself as he gestures vaguely at the group and tiredly says:
“Alright, you’re all dismissed. Keep an eye out for Merlin, and I want to know where that Lord is at all times. There was a servant in the corridor waiting to take him to his rooms, so I would appreciate it if one of you could go check he made it. I want to know if anything happens. Rest well tonight, I want you at your best for tomorrow.”
Everyone gives a decisive nod, Leon stalking off to follow the Lord, and the others separating out to complete their normal tasks. Half-heartedly mind you, as all of them were more focussed on trying to wrap their heads around what had just happened.
~
None of them saw Merlin for the rest of the day, or the next morning. They would have been more worried, but nothing was missing from his room, a few of the castle staff had reported seeing him briefly, here and there, and the Lord had yet to try anything untoward.
When Arthur had gotten to his room that night, dinner was ready and waiting, the room had been tidied, his sleep clothes had been folded and laid on his pillow, and the hearth had been lit.
The next morning was the same. Arthur woke to to see that his empty dinner tray had been replaced with a full breakfast tray, his clothes for the day had been laid out, and his desk had been organised with a list of today’s duties left in the centre.
Arthur huffed at Merlin’s absence. He hadn’t gotten that much sleep last night, the more he thought about what had happened, the more restless he became.
There was a lot of things to worry about.
Gaius being openly shaken and worried was especially concerning. The man was usually unflappable, so whatever it was... it was bad.
And what had Lancelot been so scared about? He seemed genuinely confused but he still knows something.
And what Merlin had done with that knife...
Arthur could understand Merlin hiding a part of his life, just not mentioning it, especially if it was as traumatising as Gaius let on, but to actively lie?? To put up a clumsy, useless front with no prompting?? That was most certainly worrying. “Incredible skill” Severin had said. “One of my best”, what does that even mean??
He had called Merlin a Killer.
Still, Arthur didn’t call for his manservant to be summoned. The man was clearly after some privacy, and despite Arthur’s powerful curiosity, Gaius’s fear and Merlin’s disappearing act held him back, at least for the time being.
After finishing some paperwork, Arthur headed down to the armoury, to be met by a squire who had clearly been waiting for him. At Arthur’s confused expression, the boy tells him that he had been instructed by Merlin to help The King with his armour, and that he would be round later.
Arthur nodded, hiding his confusion. Merlin was usually incredibly protective of Arthur’s armour, BUT he said he’d be coming by later, so it wasn’t as if he were fully disposed for the whole day. Hmm.
Perhaps he was simply trying to avoid being in close quarters with Arthur, alone. Being stood at the side of a field whilst the Knights sparred was hardly the same as helping Arthur dress, one-on-one.
Still, Arthur didn’t call for his manservant to be summoned. If he weren’t so worried about Merlin, he’d be childishly proud of himself for being so selfless and caring.
He met the other five knights on the training field, satisfied to see them all in full armour, preparing for full-contact sparring. Apparently they all wanted to intimidate this Lord just as much as Arthur did. Now all they had to do was wait for the guy to show.
But Merlin appeared first. No one noticed him for a little while, but Gwaine getting distracted in the middle of a fight and allowing himself to be tripped by Elyan, certainly bought everyone’s attention to the raven-haired servant stood at the side of the field that had caught his eye.
Merlin’s expression was the same as it was yesterday. Meaning: expressionless, blank.
He doesn’t react at all as the knights stare at him, and only nods slightly when Arthur raises a hand in greeting, despite not looking directly at him. Leon’s quiet-
“Sire?”
-breaks Arthur out of his stupor, and he mutters back:
“Leave him be. He usually stands much closer than that, so he’s clearly still not in the mood to talk.”
Elyan furrows his brows as he finally helps Gwaine to his feet, before saying:
“He knows the Lord is meant to be here. If he wanted to avoid him, why come?”
Arthur shrugs but Lancelot looks surprised, and speaks as though the answer was the most obvious thing in the world:
“He’s protective of Arthur. No matter the history between Severin and himself, if he thinks the Lord is dangerous he wouldn’t allow Arthur to be in his presence without being there as well.”
Arthur frowns and huffs, but doesn’t say anything as the others nod their heads. He gestures for Leon to step into the ring with him, conscious of the fact that they had just been stood around talking.
Luckily, Severin showed up just as Arthur and Leon started to get into the swing of things, and the other knights could tell the exact moment the two of them noticed the Lord, stood about ten feet to Merlin’s left; the fight got much more... vicious.
A pro of having worked together practically their whole knighthoods (and before, for Arthur), was that Arthur and Leon could give their absolute all in matches against each other, and not have to worry about miss-stepping or accidentally hurting one another.
The sparring sessions between them often drew large crowds, but Arthur had ordered the training grounds cleared this morning, meaning that the four other knights, the Lord, and a much tenser-looking Merlin, is all their audience consisted of.
Finally, the fight came to an end, Arthur victorious as he knocks Leon to the floor. They shake hands, and Leon has to hide the swell of pride in him at the man he had trained for managing to beat him, before they make their way over to Lord Severin, closely followed by the others.
The Lord claps his hands, a wide smile on his face, and Arthur stops himself from looking at Merlin when he sees the man flinch slightly at the noise.
“Very impressive, My Lord. Your knights truly are something to behold!”
Arthur gives him a strained smile:
“Yes, I take a lot of pride in the strength of my best.”
Severin’s eyes widen, and his grin once again turns sharp. Arthur has a feeling he isn’t going to like what the man says next:
“Well, if we’re talking about the best, might I suggest that your... ah, manservant, shows off his skills? I imagine we would all find that mighty entertaining, especially considering you were previously unaware of his abilities?”
Arthur clenches his jaw, glancing at Merlin. The King was taken aback when Merlin held his gaze for the first time since before the Lord had arrived yesterday. 
Arthur answers, without looking away from Merlin, and regrets his words the moment they exit his mouth:
“I’m alright with it, but only if Merlin agrees.”
Merlin widens his eyes, only slightly, but it’s enough to show Arthur that that was the wrong thing to say. Whatever the history between Severin and Merlin was, the manservant was unable to say no to him. Arthur hadn’t given Merlin a choice, he’d allowed Severin to dictate Merlin’s answer.
The Lord claps his hands again, wolfish smile growing as he loudly proclaims:
“Brilliant! I will divert to your judgement, on who his opponent should be, My Lord.”
Merlin clenches his jaw, turning and walking towards the spare swords. He grabs one from the rack, and enters the ring, standing stiffly, waiting.
Arthur frowns at Merlin’s sudden, easy capability, before nodding at Lancelot. He was reluctant (NOT jealous) to admit it, but he and Merlin were very close, if anyone could pretend to fight Merlin convincingly without actually hurting him, it would be Lancelot.
Lancelot returns his nod, understanding his King’s thought process, before looking to Merlin with a concerned frown on his face:
“Do you not want any armour, Merlin?”
The Lord laughs as Merlin mutely shakes his head, answering for him:
“Oh, he won’t need it sir knight, like I keep saying, he’s quite skilled.”
Lancelot still looks reluctant, but at Arthur’s stiff nod and the questioning tilt of Merlin’s head, he walks into the ring and stands opposite his best friend.
He gives Merlin a nod, and hides his worry when Merlin just stares at him blankly, his stance turning loose, but sword held tightly in his hand.
Arthur signals for them to start, and Lancelot immediately has to take a rushed step back as Merlin moves quickly forward, swinging his sword up.
Lancelot just about manages to block the strike, but the strength of the hit has the bones in his arms vibrating, and his shock gives Merlin just enough time to twist his body, taking another swing before Lancelot even processes what’s happening.
The second wide arc of Merlin’s sword knocks the knight’s arm to the side violently, and he stumbles back, only just managing to keep hold of the blade. Merlin takes advantage of Lance’s newly exposed chest, and using the last of his momentum, brings a leg up and lands a harsh kick to the centre of his chest-plate.
The force throws him back and he lands sprawled on the floor several feet away.
The others knights gasp as the Lord jovially laughs and Lancelot stares at the sky in shock. All in all, that spar had lasted about five seconds, and consisted of Merlin swinging his sword only twice, and kicking him so hard he dented his armour.
Lancelot hadn’t even had time to think before it was over, and was still wide-eyed when Merlin wordlessly pulled him to his feet, frowning as he runs a hand over the damaged metal.
The other knights are still staring in shock as Lancelot lifts a hand to put it on Merlin’s shoulder. When the servant flinches backwards, he lowers his hand again, but still whispers:
“Gods, Merlin. Where the hell did you learn to fight like that?”
Merlin’s frown deepens and he clenches his jaw as he glances at the amused Lord, before stepping back, out of Lance’s reach.
Before anyone can say anything, Severin loudly exclaims:
“That’s my boy! I knew I could count on you to have not forgotten your training. How about you?”
He gestures to Elyan, and the knight looks to Arthur for confirmation. Merlin stays in the ring, waiting, back to being expressionless. He hadn’t even broken a sweat during his fight with Lancelot, didn’t even look out of breath, and Arthur’s morbid curiosity gets the better of him as he nods at Elyan.
The knight stepped into the ring, taking Lancelot’s place opposite Merlin.
Arthur gives the signal to start, and Elyan is the first one to strike this time, but Merlin moves easily out of the way, with speed and grace that no one had ever seen him express before.
Honestly, Arthur thinks the first fight might have been a fluke, because this time, Merlin spends the first twenty-five seconds blocking and dodging, making no offensive moves, and staying well out of Elyan’s way.
But Merlin makes the swap quicker than anyone can see, going from defence to offense in the blink of an eye, and within seconds of the change, Elyan is on the floor, Merlin’s sword at his throat, and his own sword lost somewhere to the side.
Merlin had moved so quickly, Elyan hadn’t really any clue how he’d ended up on the floor as he blinks up at the previously thought-to-be clumsy manservant.
After a moment, the knights once again shocked and the Lord once again cheerfully laughing, Merlin leans down and pulls the knight to his feet.
Elyan nods his thanks dumbly before picking up his sword, and heading over to the side lines, still looking confused as his brain tried to catch up with the last thirty seconds.
Merlin had, once again, not even broken a sweat, and Arthur gulps as he looks at his manservant. On the surface, he seemed... absent. Like he wasn’t really aware of what was going on, and was just waiting for it to be over. But upon closer inspection, Arthur could tell that wasn’t true.
Merlin’s stance may have been loose, but the position of his feet and the grip on his sword showed that he was fully prepared to jump into a fight without hesitation. That, the clench of his jaw, and the focus in his eyes as he stared back at Arthur, told The King that Merlin was fully aware of his surroundings.
Severin’s laugh petered out, and he points a finger at Gwaine, looking at Arthur as he questioned:
“My Lord?”
Arthur nods, and Gwaine huffs angrily. He gives The King an incredulous look but, perhaps a little selfishly, Arthur was curious about the extent of Merlin’s... abilities, so he ignores it, and Gwaine reluctantly walks to stand in front of his friend.
Merlin’s gaze drifts from Arthur to Gwaine, and he tilts his head slightly, adjusting his stance, his expression remaining in the same blank position it had been through all of the matches.
Once again, Arthur finds himself signalling the start of a fight between his best-friend (slash love of his life but like... shhh) and one of his most trusted knights.
Neither of them make a move at first, they just circle each other slowly, Gwaine’s sword raised, but Merlin’s pointed to the floor as he makes a point of keeping his stance fluid.
The Lord claps his hands together, just once, but the loud noise triggers an immediate reaction in Merlin and he pounces forward.
Gwaine takes the defensive as Merlin throws hit after hit, each one precise and specific. Gwaine is stronger than Merlin, but Merlin knows this, striking quickly and needling holes in Gwaine’s defence, moving back before he has time to launch a counter attack.
This fight goes on a lot longer than the last two, but Gwaine quickly begins to tire. At the first stumble in the knight’s step, Merlin takes a pace back, and presents his opponent with a miniscule opening.
Apparently it had been deliberate; the moment Gwaine follows him to take a swing at the gap, Merlin feints to the side, and lands a single blow that knocks Gwaine to the floor.
He chuckles darkly as his chest makes contact with the grass, realising immediately what his mistake had been. He rolls to his feet, holding his sword-less hands up in surrender. The man is breathing deeply, and even Merlin looks slightly more tired than he had before, but only slightly.
Leon lets out a deep breath, and all the knights seem to realise simultaneously that... at no point had Merlin not been in full control of each fight, setting the pace exactly how he wanted it, and taking advantage of each of their weaknesses perfectly.
Lancelot was reluctant to fight Merlin, so Merlin threw a few quick hits and had him on the floor before the knight realised he didn’t have to hold back.
Elyan had seen Merlin’s speed against Lance, and had therefore rushed to try and surprise him. Merlin took the defensive, biding his time until Elyan eventually made a mistake, and struck so quickly and harshly, he only needed one move to take him out.
With Gwaine he’d done the opposite. The man was much stronger than Merlin, so he couldn’t let him get a hit in, only allowing the knight time to defend and not attack. He waited for Gwaine to get tired and distracted, waited until he was moving automatically before presenting a tiny weakness that another knight might have missed. Gwaine fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
Gwaine resists the urge to clap Merlin on the back, proud smile quickly dropping to a frown when he sees the still blank look on his face.
The Lord doesn’t even have to request another fight before Arthur nods at Percival.
Percival looks a little less reluctant, everyone now clearly knowing that Merlin could more than hold his own; if anything, he looks a little nervous for himself, despite being six inches taller and much heavier.
This fight is a lot more quick-paced. At Arthur’s gesture, they both immediately jump into it, fighting for dominance with speed and strength. Once again, Merlin’s opponent is much stronger than he is, and Merlin tires more this round.
Percival lands a heavy to kick to Merlin’s chest, and he goes sprawling backwards, but he keeps a hold of his sword and uses the momentum to gracefully roll back onto his feet.
Before Percival has time to raise his sword again, Merlin takes advantage of the new distance between them and sprints towards him. He drops quickly, sliding between Percival’s legs, sword held close to his body as he reaches an arm out, grabbing the giant’s ankle on the way through.
His sudden grip forces Percival to take a step forward to correct his balance, but before he can turn around, Merlin quickly stands and shoves his whole body weight against his back.
The force of the shove paired with the instinctual step forward tips Percival’s centre of gravity, and he topples to the floor, rolling over to see Merlin already stood above him, panting, his sword aimed at Percival’s throat.
The other knights gasp slightly as Merlin steps away at Percival’s raised hands. They had been certain that Percival, with his size, would be the one to beat Merlin.
Apparently not.
Lord Severin is once again laughing, and Arthur (and the others) are becoming more and more confused. Merlin had beaten four of Camelot’s best in a row in about ten minutes, and was only slightly out of breath.
This was not just a bit of combat training, this was... more. This was harsh, ingrained, years upon years of practice.
Arthur and Leon remember when Merlin first arrived in Camelot, only sixteen, and dread grows in their stomachs as they realise the implications.
They’re quickly broken out of their stupors as Percival walks slowly over, still catching his breath, and The Lord loudly bellows:
“Well, that’s four out of six. We might as well go for the whole collection, what do you think, My Lord?”
Arthur takes a deep breath, he has to remember that there is politics involved here as well; he can hardly accuse the Lord of anything. But the arsehole was also clearly aware that this had been a power move on Arthur’s part, and it had completely backfired. Backing out now would... not look good.
The King gives another strained smile, gesturing Leon forward after glancing at a still blank Merlin. The manservant had already caught his breath. Damn.
Leon moves into the ring and settles into position in front of Merlin.
The dark haired servant furrows his brow, tilting his head the same way he had at Gwaine, as if he were assessing his opponent. After just a moment, he schools his face, and adjusts his feet slightly, his stance seeming a little stiffer than it had been previously.
If the others thought the last four fights were brutal... well... this was a whole new level. Camelot’s First Knight held nothing back, now confident in Merlin’s abilities (and his own, to stop at a moment’s notice if it looked like Merlin was about to get hurt), despite the fact that the man still wasn’t wearing any armour.
This match lasts a while, both of them swapping between defence and offence, the tide changing with almost every step. 
Both of them are tiring, Leon was still recovering from his spar with Arthur, and Merlin hadn’t exactly had much time to refresh between his other fights, even though he won them fairly easily.
But eventually, the match ended with a loud clang ringing out as Merlin’s sword flies from his grip.
At least... they thought it had ended, for about a split second, before they realise that Merlin looks completely unfazed.
Arthur glances to the Lord briefly, to see the man grinning with a mix of possessive pride and cruel hunger, before looking back at the ring, and widening his eyes in shock.
Merlin had quickly shaken out his hands, forming fists before darting in closer to Leon. The fact that Leon still has a strong grip on his sword doesn’t seem to bother Merlin at all, and he dodges the blade as he lands three quick hits to various weaknesses in the armour.
Leon takes a stumbled step back, surprised at the quick change in direction that the fight had gone, and that step is just enough to give Merlin space to swing a harsh elbow out to the side. The connection between his elbow, and Leon’s wrist, is sharp enough that the knight drops his sword automatically, and Merlin quickly turns his back on him, moving in close as he grabs his arm and throws him forward, over his shoulder.
Leon lands harshly on his back, winded slightly, and Merlin rolls to the side, coming up with the knight’s sword in his grip. He quickly spins around, and Leon finally catches a breath just to open his eyes and see Merlin stood above him, sword at his throat.
Leon stares up, completely shocked, hearing Gwaine mumble-
“Merlin just won a sword fight... without a fucking sword.”
-and Lancelot mutter:
“He beat Leon?”
The Lord is once again laughing, and the sound is beginning to grate on everyone’s sanity (everyone bar Merlin, who still looks blank and absent) as Merlin pulls Leon to his feet, wincing apologetically as the knight rubs his own back.
Leon puts on a strained, but fond smile, as Merlin hands him his sword, and mutters:
“Well done, Merlin, very impressive.”
Which had apparently been the wrong thing to say; Merlin flinches back, drops his expression once again into blankness, and steps away to pick up his own sword.
Leon frowns, walking towards the other knights and the Lord as Merlin deposits his sword back in the rack. His movements have lost the cat-like fluidity he had when fighting, and he’s back to being stiff and tense, eyes averted to the floor, jaw tightly clenched.
The knights look on in worry, still confused, but having mostly gotten over the novelty of Merlin being able to fight, and focussing more on how the hell he’d kept it a secret for so long. On top of trying to figure out how he’d learnt in the first place.
Lord Severin frowns sarcastically, tilting his head at Merlin as if he were a child, and saying:
“Aren’t you going to spar with your King, Merlin? I thought we were going for six out of six?”
Arthur frowns at him, looking between the Lord, who looks like a vicious beast hunting his prey, and Merlin, who’s looking a lot like that prey.
Merlin takes a deep, shaking breath at his questions, raising his head to meet the Lord’s gaze for the very first time. Arthur can see the fear in his eyes, and takes a subtle step towards him, to stand between Merlin and his hunter. Merlin glances at him quickly, almost fearfully, and gulps as he looks back at Severin, stuttering out:
“I... I won’t fight Arthur. Not for you, I... I don’t fight people for you anymore.”
The Lord tilts his head and smirks:
“My, how you’ve grown up. You never would have spoken to me like that as a child-”
Arthur can hear the other knights gasp, and is grateful when Leon holds Gwaine back as the man takes an aggressive step towards the Lord.
“-though I doubt King Arthur is as strict of a master as I was.”
Arthur’s frown deepens, but before he can say anything, Merlin snarls out:
“Arthur is nothing like you.”
His sudden change in demeanour takes Severin by surprise, but only for a second; his look of shock falling back into a condescending smirk once more:
“Hmm. Probably why you’ve gone so soft. Honestly Merlin, you were once the best, now you refuse to make your opponents bleed. Oh, how far you’ve fallen.”
Arthur has heard enough, and he steps in front of the Lord, between him and Merlin, and without breaking gazes with the vile man in front of him, loudly says:
“You’re dismissed for the afternoon, Merlin. Go grab some lunch, we’ll see you later.”
Arthur still doesn’t look back as he hears Merlin walk quickly towards the castle. The Lord gives Arthur an assessing gaze, smirk remaining on his face, before saying:
“It would seem that you’re quite... protective, of your staff, Your Majesty?”
Arthur gives him an incredibly strained smile, not even aware of how tightly he was gripping the hilt of the sword at his hip as he replies in a low voice:
“Hmm. Something like that. Well, we’ve solved our border issue, and you’ve seen my knights in action, so unless there’s anything else?”
Severin tilts his head, and raises an amused eyebrow, clearly understanding Arthur’s meaning:
“No, that’s all. Your city is wonderful, however I’ll be leaving very shortly I’m afraid, within the next few hours. I have men to reassure.”
With that, the Lord bows deeply, and stalks back towards the castle, thankfully taking a different route than Merlin. Normally Arthur would call him out on the rudeness and impropriety of turning one’s back on a King, and leaving without being dismissed, but at this point, Arthur just wants him gone.
The moment he disappears round a corner, the group lets out a collective sigh, all of them looking troubled. Elyan is the first to speak:
“I’ve travelled through Essetir, I’ve heard the rumours. Do you think that Merlin...?”
His question trails off, but it’s obvious what he was asking. Leon answers once he realises that Arthur isn’t going to say anything:
“He was sixteen when he came to Camelot. To have that sort of extensive, ingrained training... he would have to have been.”
All of them let out harsh breaths and Gwaine curses viciously under his breath, before grinding out:
“Permission to follow Severin back to Essetir and slaughter him somewhere in the woods, sire?”
All of them look expectantly at Arthur, but he still stares in the direction Merlin had walked as he sighs, and replies quietly:
“No. His men know he came here about some sort of issue. If he never makes it back, it doesn’t matter how well you set the scene, it’ll start a war-.”
Gwaine grumbles something about stupid rules under his breath, but relents. He definitely perks up slightly at Arthur’s next words:
“-However. If we ever come across him during any sort of conflict, feel free to use more force than technically necessary. For now... we need to find Merlin.-”
The others nod vigorously, and gather closer as Arthur continues, finally looking at them:
“-Leon, Elyan, go and find Gwen and Gaius, at this time they should be running medications around to the knights’ barracks, then meet back in the courtyard. We can’t split up to find Merlin, because we’d have no way to tell each other if someone found him, and I don’t want to risk leaving him alone because he might disappear again. We’ll have to search together, hopefully Gaius will have some sort of idea, because Gods know he won’t have gone to have lunch like I told him.”
Everyone murmurs their agreement, and without another word, they all head back up to the castle.
~
Leon and Elyan had found Gaius and Gwen exactly where Arthur said they would, and all eight of them are soon gathered in the courtyard.
The knights quickly explained what had happened. Gaius looked unsurprised, though increasingly worried with every word, and it was only the Physician’s genuine panic, and the dent in Lancelot’s armour that convinced Gwen this wasn’t some big prank.
Arthur looked at Gaius expectantly, and the older man thought for a moment. He sighed, before saying:
“When he first arrived in Camelot, Merlin had... a great many nightmares. The first time, I found him under his bed. The second and third times I found him curled up, hidden away in a cupboard that he had emptied out. After that, I reorganised so the cupboard was permanently empty. He hasn’t used it in years, but I never got round to refilling it. If... if I had to take a guess at where he is, I’d say there.”
Everyone nods and the group begins to make their way to the Physician’s chambers.
On the way, Gwaine expressed confusion at Merlin’s apparent love of tight spaces, but Leon quickly piped up:
“It’s a fairly common response to trauma, I’ve seen it in the occasional knight after particularly bloody battles. Some people become terrified of tight spaces-”
Gaius interrupted, informing the group that it was called “claustrophobia”.
“-but some people find it comforting. I guess Merlin likes feeling protected on all sides?”
The physician nodded grimly, and quietly informs the group that it might be best for only one or two people to approach Merlin, and for everyone else to stay back, so as to not overwhelm him. The knights reluctantly agreed, Percival announcing that Gaius and Lancelot were the obvious choices.
Lancelot protested:
“No, you should’ve seen his face when he saw the dent in my armour, it’ll just freak him out even more. Arthur should go, he’s the only one Merlin didn’t beat to a pulp.”
Gaius agreed, and Arthur nodded as well, though reluctantly.
They quickly found themselves outside the Physician’s chambers, the door left open slightly. With one last worried look to each other, Arthur pushes the door wider, and steps through, quietly calling Merlin’s name.
Gaius goes to point the cupboard out, but two quiet knocks from inside alert everyone to it first.
The knights and Gwen gather dutifully to one side of the room, still in sight of the cupboard should Merlin open the door, but far enough away so as to not crowd him.
Arthur sits himself down in front of the cupboard, and Gaius perches on a bench a few feet behind him.
The King whispers Merlin’s name again, and knocks gently on the wood. After a few seconds, the door opens, and Merlin slips out, sitting cross-legged on the floor, his knees just about brushing against Arthur’s.
He is once again blank-faced, and everyone’s eyes are drawn to his dagger being twirled and twisted skilfully between his fingers.
His eyes are focussed on the blade, and Arthur resists the urge to reach out and touch him, knowing that he was already on thin ice, being this close to him. He talks gently, his voice quiet, though still loud enough for the others to hear him:
“He’ll be gone by evening, and he won’t ever be coming back.”
Merlin nods, only slightly, but it’s enough to let Arthur know that he’s at least aware of his surroundings. The servant gulps before whispering:
“Don’t let him take me, please.”
Arthur bites his lip to stop himself from gasping, and slowly, ever so slowly, moves a hand to rest on Merlin’s knee. When Merlin doesn’t flinch away, Arthur squeezes his leg slightly before moving his hand away:
“Never. None of us would ever let him take you away, Merlin. You never have to see him again; you’re safe here, we’ll make sure of it.”
Merlin nods again, and Gaius hands him a goblet of water. He takes only a small sip before setting it aside, but it’s a good start; the Physician figured that Merlin almost certainly hadn’t eaten, slept, or drank enough in the last twenty-four hours.
After a minute or so of silence, Merlin replaces the dagger in its holster, and clasps his hands tightly in his lap, staring at his intertwined fingers.
He clears his throat slightly, and the gang wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or more worried, that he looked sad as opposed to blank, as he quietly speaks, still staring into his lap:
“Essetir has always been a fan of... of child soldiers. We thought we were safe in Ealdor because we were so far from the capital, but they came when I was seven. If I fought back or tried to escape, they threatened to burn the village down, so I just... did what I was told. The lessons were... we were trained against each other, except every match was to the death. Hundreds of children... killing other children, until only the best remained. Gods there was always so much blood.-”
Everyone bar Gaius had to make a concerted effort to hold in their tears and gasps of rage. Arthur took a deep breath and put his hand on the floor next to Merlin, not touching him, but an obvious offer of comfort if Merlin wanted to take it. Gwen grips her brother’s hand tightly, and Leon has to stop Gwaine from drawing blood from his palms with his own nails.
Merlin takes a deep, shaking breath, and puts his hand on the floor next to Arthur’s; not taking it, but just about brushing thumbs:
“-Children were... we were tactically useful. We were dressed in civilian clothing so we could slip in and out of places, killing people and stealing things and setting traps and fires, without being noticed. And if we were noticed, people would hesitate. They would hesitate just long enough for us to... to kill them.-”
Tears were falling freely from at least half the room’s occupants now, everyone else not far off.
Merlin moves his hand further towards Arthur’s, and he takes it without hesitation, running his thumb over Merlin’s knuckles softly.
The servant lifts his gaze falteringly, and Arthur gives him a weak smile, and nods as he prepares to continue:
“-I was good. I mean I was really good. I was given all the most difficult jobs; I had a higher body-count before I hit twelve summers than you do now. All the army generals, and the particularly rich Lords, and even... even Cenred when I got older, took an interest in me. They thought I was the best thing since the start of civilisation, because I was small and weak-looking, and I had a sad face and big blue eyes. My... targets, never wanted to defend themselves against me. They... they all died for their hesitation.-”
Tears overflow from Merlin and Arthur’s eyes at the same time, and The King can hear Gwen’s quiet crying behind him. He knew without a doubt that the knights would be crying too, he didn’t even need to look. All of them normally had such strong stomachs for violence but this... this was so much worse, and it was Merlin.
Merlin gulps, and his grip on Arthur’s hand tightens:
“-I escaped when I was fourteen. I don’t know why it took me that long, I guess I was just... lost. Lost in the orders and the missions and all the... all the death and blood. I was sent to burn a few buildings down and I just... set the flame and ran. There was nothing but ash left at the end and no one could find me so it was assumed I had gotten trapped inside and died. I wondered around in the wilderness for a while. I was pretty self sufficient by then but I didn’t want to go home, in case they went looking for me there. To be honest... I barely remembered where my home was,-”
His voice drops to almost a whisper, and the others have to strain to hear him:
“-I... I couldn’t even remember what my mum looked like.-”
His voice rose again as he glanced quickly at Gaius, and at the older man’s reassuring, though mournful, smile, he looked back at Arthur:
“-But I found my way home after about ten months. I figured out pretty quickly who my mum was, she barely let me go for weeks.-”
At this, Merlin thankfully lets out a weak chuckle, but the tears still fall, and he squeezes Arthur’s hand once more.
His faces falls back into despair as he continues, and everyone knows that there’s still bad to come:
“-It was... difficult. I didn’t trust anyone, I didn’t know how village life worked, how normal human interaction worked. I knew how to speak and read and write but... I had barely said a word in eight years so I stayed pretty much silent. It was... odd, to be allowed to speak freely, move freely. It was... terrifying. More so than what I had before, in some ways, because... I had nothing. There was nothing to me. Could you imagine how hard it was? To be fifteen and to have no personality? No likes or dislikes... no understanding of how the world outside of war works? Understanding nothing but how to be a good soldier?-”
Arthur shakes his head, lifting his other hand to rest gently on Merlin’s knee, and only dropping it there when the tearful man nodded slightly.
The crying from behind The King had slowed, but not stopped, and Merlin continued:
“-I suddenly had to find out who I was as a person, minus all the blood and death and missions. I had to figure out what was... socially acceptable. What to smile at and what to frown at. I was... a completely blank slate. I was barely even a person. Just killer’s hands with a body attached.-”
At that, Arthur gently took Merlin’s other hand as well, and made a point of stroking them softly.
“-Just after I turned sixteen, I was sent to Camelot. I’d just about figured out the basics of interacting with people, I could fake it pretty well at least, but being in Ealdor... I couldn’t relax. I just expected them to come for me again, that any day an Essetirian patrol would show up and drag me back and burn the village down. Officially, I was sent here to learn to be a Physician, to learn to heal instead of kill. Unofficially... no one said it, but everyone knew, I was sent away because I wasn’t coping. I needed a change of scenery, being in Ealdor was making things worse, and with Gaius here, I would at least have a little support.”
Arthur gives him a smile, but before he can say anything, Percival takes just a small step forward. He speaks in such a soft tone; strangers would think a man of his stature incapable of expressing:
“And now you have all of us, Merlin. No matter what.”
The others nod, and even Gwen wipes away her tears to give him the widest smile she’s currently capable of. Merlin looks at her and frowns slightly, tilting his head as if confused.
After a moment’s hesitation, Merlin gives her a weak smile in return. When he looks over to Gaius, the Physician nods approvingly, and his smile widens, just slightly.
With that, the whole group seems to come to the same conclusion, at the same time: that Merlin had essentially just asked if smiling was the right thing to do.
Gwen was crying, and clearly upset, and Merlin understood that. But then she smiled. He’s been away from his... military roots for long enough now that he knew the right response, genuinely felt the right response, but with everything being uprooted and old wounds being exposed, he needed the reassurance that his reaction had been socially correct.
Arthur clenches his jaw tightly, thinking back on the ten years worth of interactions he’d had with Merlin. How he’d always kept his cards close to his chest; was rarely outwardly angry, and got happy over the simplest things: flowers and books and fluffy animals. 
He thinks about how terrifying it must have been. To have to learn to be... well... human. To have to learn how to perfectly imitate human behaviour until he developed his behaviour.
Merlin takes another sip of his water before taking a deep breath. He looks to Gaius, determination in his face, and at the Physician’s hesitant smile, but firm nod, Merlin takes a deep breath and looks back to Arthur:
“There’s more.”
Arthur frowns, and tilts his head. What else could there possibly be? He hears one of the others take in a sharp breath, and out of the corner of his eye he sees Gaius look to the offending knight, and give another firm nod.
Arthur gulps, and nods at Merlin, encouraging the man to continue:
“I had to do all of that whilst... whilst hiding the magic I was born with,-”
A chorus of gasps go up around the room, and Arthur tenses slightly, sitting up straight, but not letting go of Merlin’s hand. The King sees the fear in Merlin’s eyes, and the way the goblet shakes in his hand, and gives him an uncertain smile. Arthur isn’t as surprised as he thinks he should be.
“-because if they found out, things would get worse. Cenred had enslaved sorcerers as well as children in his army. If he’d found out how... how powerful I was, even as a child, I never would’ve escaped.”
Arthur nods his head absent-mindedly, once again thinking on his ten years of friendship with Merlin. It... made sense. 
Gods how terrifying.... 
To have all of that happen as a child, to finally find your way home just to find that you aren’t safe there either. And THEN to be sent to Camelot of all places. How terrifying, to have the safest place for you to be, be the city where the violent persecution of your people originated.
Arthur clenched his jaw before looking back at Merlin. He still looks scared, and Arthur squeezes his hand, firmly saying:
“I swear to you Merlin, in the name of Camelot, that you will never have to be afraid again.”
Merlin’s eyes widen, and tears begin to fall again as he tilts his head. Arthur gives him a smile:
“Come on, Merls. How could I possibly believe magic to be evil when you were born with it? There’s not an evil bone in your body.”
Merlin’s face falls, and he looks as though he’s going to argue, but Arthur beats him to it, speaking before he can even open his mouth:
“And we all know it.”
Merlin looks up again, speechless and teary, as Leon steps forward:
“The laws will change, Merlin, and you’ll be safe and free. And if the council have a problem with that... well...-”
Leon looks back at the other knights, all looking as determined as he is. He grins, and wipes the remaining tears from his eyes as he looks back to the bewildered servant, grinning Physician, and fondly smiling King:
“-I’m sure we can persuade them.”
Merlin returns his grin, and Arthur is more than relieved to see that Merlin doesn’t have to double-check his reaction this time.
~
THE END!!
Wowie that was a ride. I honestly wasn’t even planning on writing a magic reveal in this but it just sorta... happened... oops
Same as always lads, you wanna write it all proper? Go for it, credit and tag me :)
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sparkbeast20 · 3 years
Text
You’re my Treasure (Mammon X MC) Pt8
The Blue Lotus petals (series)
As a fan of Beauty X Beast pairing, Showing your “true self” to Lover or (Monster Love) Tropes. I figure to make a (More Demonic Forms AU/head canon) story for each brothers. Heads up each brother’s Story is long as fuck. So, I’ll be posting them as parts and finishing one brother before moving on to the rest of them.
(spoiler for lesson 1-60)
Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 Pt4 Pt5 Pt6 Pt7
Warning: Swearing, Demonic nature, mention of Pain, Blood, Violence, Attempted Murder, Torture, Using Someone as Baited
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Previously
Terrified you took a step; he sees that you’re moving he face his entire body towards you, he shrieks as his feathers stand upright and he pounces forward, see it made you trip and fall on your back, before you can get Mammon was on top of you pinning you down on the ground as he stares into your eyes. Scare of was going to happen, the only thing you can muster in this moment of fear is.
“Mammon”
“Their finally Back!” Asmo shot out from the couch, once he heard the main doors open and when to the kitchen.
He with Levi, Satan, and Belphie are in the common waiting for Lucifer and Beel to come back from their search efforts.
The doors open revealing the two demons speaking off. With Beel hunch over still in his demon form dragging himself to the couch the three other demons quickly stood up from the couch making room for Beel, who just collapse on the couch immediately drifted to sleep due to exhaustion. While Lucifer walks over to the nearest arm chair, sat, lean back on the chair and place a hand over his eyes and let out an exhausted sigh. And try to go a couple of moments to rest.
Asmo came back with a cup of coffee and a plate fill with food, which he hands over to Belphie who take it from his brother, and start heading towards Beel. While Asmo walks over to Lucifer with the cup of coffee.
“Any sign of them” Lucifer sigh and shook his head for a no. Asmo tighten his grab at the mug before setting it down on the table next to them. Then he took a deep breathed ready to say it.
“I’ll do it”
“What?” not even look up to Asmo with a tired tone.
“I’ll be the one to change back!” Lucifer eyes widen and finally look up to the fifth born with a deadpan stare. “No!”
“Look is been a week since Mammon took off with y/n. and there’s no sight of them since, you’re and Beel are tired from flying all over Devildom looking for them. And since I’m not as good of flying like you two, making me grounded with the tails” Asmo points at the three brothers two of which heard him and glared at Asmo who just chuckle at his brothers attempt of scaring him.
“But if I change, and yes I know that I’m ugly in that form. I can actually help finding Mammon and y/n…...that way I can actually can make it up to Mammon” he mutters the last part of that sentence.
“Asmo, I know you feel guilty about what been happening to Mammon and you’re trying to help” Asmo smile but Lucifer wasn’t finish. “However, I will not risk anymore brother to their demonic” He stood up and took a deep breath. “If anyone is going to change, it will be me”
“What!!!” all the brothers scream in unison waking Beel from his slumber.
“Let me guess, you made this decision by yourself again” Satan calls him out.
“Its not a decision, need to debating on”
“It kinda does, Lucifer if you change~” Asmo answer Lucifer only to be cut off.
“Out of the six of us, I have a better chance of keeping myself in control long enough for all you to help and save Mammon and y/n”
“And what happens to you after we save Mammon and y/n” Satan asks getting more piss off by the second.
“Then I’ll lead myself away from the rest of you~” without warning Satan punch Lucifer square in the jaw. And quickly grab Lucifer by the collar, which the eldest is unfazed to the fourth action.
“Why are you doing this, to show all of us that we’re not willing to go through this for Mammon”
“It’s not like that”
“Then what is it!”
“Out of the six of us, I did the most damage to Mammon self of esteem” Satan let go of Lucifer and took a step back.
Before anyone can say anything the door of the common room open revealing Barbatos.
“Sorry to interrupt a private conversation, But Lord Diavolo summon all of you to the castle. There someone you want to see”
“Right this way” Barbatos lead the brothers through the under labyrinth under the demon lord’s castle.
“Is this about Mammon?” Belphie asks while looking around to see the ceilers and cages on each side of the wall of halls, were they’re walking through.
They manage to get at the end of the hall where there is a door wait for them. Barbatos push the doors revealing a torture chamber with only the torches light up the room.
In the middle of the chamber shock the brothers.
It was Basto bound in the chair slump over. Barbatos walk over to the bruised-up demon and stand behind him.
“Wake-wake you have visitors” Barbatos grab the demon by the hair forcing him to look up. He slowly opens his eyes to the brothers piss off and raging just seeing him.
“Fuck…... why did you bring them here?” he asks but Barbatos smile at him. A smile masking his true attention, then Barbatos spoke with cold and chilling voice.
“I’m helping them to find the second born and the human student. You’re are the only survivor from his massacre”
All the brother were shock to what they just heard.
“Mammon…... you know where Mammon is!”
“No. No. No. No…... that thing ain’t that scumbag. Is one of the original sins finally came back to kill us all.”
Levi, Asmo and Beel knows what he’s was talking about, causing them to tear up. Lucifer being a protective brother knows why their holding their tears, he looks to Barbatos and nod signaling him to leave them alone with Basto.
The butler bows and proceed to exiting the chamber, closing the doors behind him. The echo of the door closing fill the chamber until it died down, then a moment of silent fills the room.
The six brother looks at the bruited-up demon bounded in the chair right Infront of them. Belphie just want to kill him right there were he sits; Satan wants to slowly torture him for information about Mammon and you and also making him suffer for being the root of the problem in the first place.
But Levi, Asmo, and Beel have the same though running through their mind right now. Mammon transformed into his demonic form and his on the loose. And what did he do to you once he changed. Just thinking about it just makes Asmo more guilty and angry.
Lucifer can only blame himself, for not telling Mammon about the demon right Infront of him. He should’ve more faith in Mammon’s protective instinct and capabilities. But this time he can’t afford to lose the only lead they have in finding you and Mammon.
However, before Lucifer making the first step, Asmo lunging his body at the bounded demon causing both to fall backwards. He dug his claws at the demon’s chest causing him to scream in pain.
Asmo just look at the demon with craze look in his eyes with chilling grin on his face. Until Beel grab him by the torso, which Asmo none too pleased.
“Fuck! Let me go Beel.” Only to Beel humming no as he drags Asmo back. “Beel!! He’s the reason why Mammon left us. If he hadn’t tried to kill y/n, NONE of this wouldn’t happened in the first place. Mammon wouldn’t haven’t felt useless and we wouldn’t have made fun …... of him…...” Asmo couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, he drops down on his knees finally breaking down in tears. “I-I-I miss him so much…...it’s all my fault…...” Asmo sobs each time spoke. And Beel hug him tighter comforting his big brother as tears start felling from his eyes too.
During the attack, Basto’s chair broke freeing the demon for a moment. As he crawls away, he felt something wrap around his neck and quickly hoist him up to Levi’s eye level. The third stare at the demon with coldness and rage as he slowly tightens his tail around Basto’s neck.
“Leviathan!” Levi looks over the demon’s shoulder to see Lucifer who gesture him to face Basto to him. With no hesitation Levi turns Basto to face to the eldest with the fourth and seventh standing behind him in their demon form.
“Don’t worry” Lucifer lean closer to the demon making sure he can hear every word utter by the eldest. “You are going to help us find my brother and his mate if the last thing you do. And once its all over we’ll make sure to reward you with the proper torture”
“You think he’ll show”
“Honestly I hope it does, otherwise this is all for nothing” Satan answer Belphie’s question directly. As they wait for their trap to spring.
“Usually smelling is Beel’s thing, you think that Mammon actually follow the blood trail we made.”
“Is not the scent we’re using, is the fact it’s Basto’s blood. Since he the main reason for Mammon anger the awaking his beast, it’s in are nature to find and kill the thing that cause our anger. Even only a drop of blood can really help, we can tell if our prey is alive or dead”
“Are you just pulling all of that out of your ass, just make me feel better about this whole thing” Belphie raise a brow to his big brother, to meet with a chuckle from Satan.
“Remember my dear brother, I’m the only pure demon among us. And beside” Satan looks up to Belphie with his iris glowing emerald green with a grin on his face. “I want to see with my own two eyes how dangerous Mammon have become”
“Satan are you alright you’re starting to scare me” Belphie voice his worry, hearing that Satan shake his head and groan in confusion. “Yes…. I’m fine”
Across the open field where Basto is stand, Levi and Beel are waiting as well in silent, Beel standing in the shadows behind a rock, while Levi sitting on the ground leaning on said rock until Levi start talking.
“You think he’ll still recognize us……wh-what if he does! Then he’ll remember all the time I call him stupid o-or money grabbing asshole……Or what if he doesn’t then we’re too late a-and we’re never going to see Mammon again a-and never get a chance to tell him we’re sorry……”
But Beel pat his big brother’s head snapping him out from his rambling.
“We’re not losing him…... not this time” Beel said it with a serious tone as he keeps his eyes on Basto.
Meanwhile hidden under a cloaking spell on top of the trees. Lucifer and Asmo wait patiently keep their eyes open for anything coming to spring the trap they set.
“What if…...” Lucifer tilt his head slightly to Asmo “The cages spell can’t hold him…... its too late for one of us to~”
“When it comes to that, we have this” Lucifer brough up an old dusty book that he grabs out of the bag “This is the book of the original sins. They made this book to awaking one’s demonic form, if anything goes wrong, I’ll use this book on myself~”
“Lucifer please they need you, you’re the only one keeps us in line and~”
“You can’t change my mind about this. End of discussion”
Asmo just stay silent for a moment. Wanting to change the topic “So we aren’t the original sins?” Lucifer shook his head in responds. “Our demonic forms are call that is because that only thing evidents of any demons after the demon king when to his deep slumber. However, the original sins are the king’s own Seven avatars who went to sleep with the king himself.”
“Are they that powerful?”
“Diavolo haven’t met them, even Barbatos have not memory. So, I can’t be certain but I can imagine they’re more powerful than me and Diavolo”
But before Asmo asks another question, A thunderous shrike can be heard.
“Was that…...”
“Mammon” Lucifer mutters, as he looks for the source of the sound in the sky.
Basto start scream behind the gag covering his mouth, and try to run, but a chain spell that Satan place on the leg is preventing him from leaving the middle of the field. As a silhouette of crow-like monster circles around him.
“His here!” as Levi said that he and Beel change into their demon forms and get ready. They look up to see Mammon slowly swoop down, and one flop of his wings lands himself Infront of Basto too far from the trap.
“Does-does he knows about the trap?” Satan mumble to himself seeing the Mammon landed right outside of the trap spell.
All the brothers watch in anticipate Mammon next move.
As Basto try to escape, Mammon watches tilting his left and right, then he starts walking in a circle around Basto.
“Shit his right outside of the spell” Satan quietly say as he clenches his hands into fists. “He knows that that there’s a trap for him”
Back at Lucifer and Asmo who are also watching, annoyed that Mammon figures out that there’s a trap. Well Lucifer is, but Asmo is tearing up right now. After a week of searching, Mammon is right Infront of them, in his demonic form but still his big brother here.
As Lucifer pull out his D.D.D out of his coat to call Satan, Asmo quickly shifted to his demon form and flew down to the field.
“Asmodeus!?!” Lucifer yell at his brother but he made it down on the field and slowly makes his way to Mammon.
“Mammon!” He turns his head toward Asmo and tilt it slightly to the right. “You recognize my beautiful voice, and look at you scary and terrify…… we miss you, come home”
“Damn it Asmo- Lucifer!” Satan was startle by Lucifer come up behind him and Belphie. “This is bad, this plan is falling apart”
“Not quite, Mammon is calm right now but if we trigger his instinct, we might lead him to the trap”
“How?”
“Let Basto run. He won’t make it out of the spell circle, Mammon will see it him running, instinct will kick in causing him to enter the spell trapping them both in inside. Sure, we won’t able to torture Basto but at least we have Mammon”
“But what about Asmo- wait Beel is down there!”
“What!!!” Belphie leans forward to see, Levi and Beel standing behind Asmo back in their human forms “Those Idiots…... without Mammon those three are competing to take his spot of being the idiot of the family!!”
“I’ll activated the spell while you and Satan grab our troublesome brothers” the two nod and move in. leaving Lucifer to get ready.
“When it all fail, I still have the book. Mammon what ever happens I know you’re ready to take my place. It better me then you”
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thefanficmonster · 3 years
Text
Corpse Infested
Corpse Husband & Reader (Gender Neutral)
Warnings: Mentions of dysfunctional family, Family problems, Swearing
Genre: Humor, Comfort, Platonic fluff, RPF (Real Person Fic)
Summary: When your friend disappears for a long time, seemingly having lost interest in what fueled the most passionate fire in their life, you cannot not worry about them. Even if you wanna give them space, you will reach out, you will offer your help. You will tell them they always have you to rely on and talk to.
Requested by Anon. Hi dear! I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long to complete and post your request, but here it finally is! Hope you come across it and if you do I hope you enjoy the read! Love, Vy ❤
For me, it’s never hard to find things to do. I’ve constantly got things on my mind and tasks to tend to, keeping me occupied and my mind focused at all times. I think that comes with living in a home as dysfunctional as this one. I honestly can’t recall a time when my parents got along nor can I think of a time where there was at least one second of peace while the two are both present in the house. It’s always a warzone up there. I’m saying up there because I tend to live out of the basement of their home. I know living in your parents’ basement is considered a peak loser point, or the bottom of the bottom, but you’d have to believe me when I say - I wasn’t always like this. In fact, I only recently came back to this hell-hole and boy do I regret it. I mean, it was a decision forced upon me by circumstances. Trust me, I tried every other option there was. When my dorm was to be closed down and demolished, we were given a notice to start planning our next move about a month early. You can bet I immediately started looking at places but my very tragic and miserable budget didn’t allow such a purchase. No rent was adequate for me and my near-empty wallet so my second option was moving in with my best friend who was also not in the greatest of situations but I thought I’d give that a shot too.
Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out. She lived in a tiny apartment with her boyfriend and his best friend at the time, so four people in one apartment was a nightmare. Still a lesser nightmare than this one but a nightmare nonetheless. Some unwanted and downright traumatizing events chased me out of that place after barely managing to pack my stuff. Therefore, finding myself on the streets again, I had no other option other than the obvious and least liked one: moving back in with my parents.
Making money during my first year of college hasn’t been easy. Working two jobs at once and also streaming video games on the side was what my time was filled with all throughout the first semester but then this damn pandemic started and now ruined everything for me. I had things going for me, I was slowly getting my life together and now it has all fallen apart yet again. The places I worked at closed down due to quarantine and I haven’t been able to steam, not only cause I’d be the victim of my parents’ comments but also cause my terrible home life would be exposed to all my fans and viewers. It’s not like I could cancel out the commotion going on right above my head, it’s a livestream and this house’s walls are cardboard thin meaning all the arguing I hear almost 24/7 will serve as background noise for my streams.
I haven’t reached out to my friends or fans to inform them of this which I feel slightly guilty about but I’m really not looking forward to having to lie to them, just as much as I’m not looking forward to having to tell them the truth so instead I’ve picked silence which is probably either worrying them or driving them insane. Either way, I’ll make my comeback soon.
Well....not very soon by the looks of it...
I have to gather the money, then I have to find a place, then comes the packing, moving out of here, moving into the new place...oh God, there’s so much to it that I don’t even wanna think about. Just that thought that I’ll be inactive for that long makes my stomach turn. Streaming’s where I’ve been channeling all my negative emotions, turning them into something positive and entertaining with the help of my friends.
Speaking of my friends, I should probably put emphasis on how amazing they are. Basically the older siblings I’ve always wished I had. I’m the baby of the group, the eighteen year old freshman in college, powering through life the best they can cause they are constantly getting tripped up by inconvenient occurrences such as this one for example. I tend to have the gang poke fun at me quite frequently - all lighthearted and with good intentions obviously - but they are also the ones to get super defensive if anyone gets the balls to talk shit about me. They’d never allow me to be the victim of any smack talk or online rumors and ‘cancel culture’ or whatever the hell people will come up with to leave others restless and wondering if they did something shady a decade ago. Well, to be fair, I didn’t even know about the concept of social media a decade ago and I’ve never been one to post much but I still have a protection squad in case anyone decides to come after me.
Little do they know the people I need protecting from are the very people that are supposed to protect me - my parents. Luckily, they don’t venture into to basement very often if at all and I have my own exit to the outside world so I don’t have to run into them unless I absolutely have to. The only time I emerge to the surface of the house - aka the ground floor - I do so to leave my share of rent money on the dining table and I usually do it when they aren’t home or when they’re asleep - that happens often with how many bottles they each knock back on the daily.
*sigh*...at least I don’t have to talk to them, right?
Anyhow, remember how I mentioned I always have things to do? Well, right now I’ve tasked myself with rifling through the large boxes containing random stuff I found in one of the basements down here to see if there’s anything I could possibly sell online. For starters, I’d like to hope there aren’t any severed body parts in here because this was one shady-ass basement before I moved in and un-creeped it a bit so I wouldn’t have to become an insomniac due to the paranoia of there being a homeless person down here with me or some paranormal entity. Regardless, old basements tend to be, apart from haunted, also filled with junk no one would find valuable despite it actually being worth something after all. That’s basically what I’m hoping to find at the moment.
As I dig through the contents of the first box, the YouTube playlist I have put on on my phone cuts off causing me to furrow my brows in confusion for a second before my ringtone pierces the silence the lack of music created.
I quickly mute the ringing and take a look at the Caller ID to see a name I never thought would pop up on my screen as an incoming call - Corpse. I, as well as many of our friends, know that he’s not the biggest fan of talking to people on the phone so this is rather surprising. Still, I pick up the call in case it’s not a mistake and an odd chance that it’s somethin urgent cause Lord knows Corpse doesn’t call people willy-nilly. 
Thank God it’s quiet up there at the moment.
“Hello?“ I try my best to cover up the confusion in my voice but I can only assume I didn’t do the best job considering Corpse replies with a slightly awkward chuckle.
“Surprised you, didn’t I?“ He asks, getting my cheeks to redden a bit, “You can’t blame a guy for calling after up and disappearing on him and on the whole internet. Where’ve you been?“
I open my mouth to respond when I hear the sound of glass breaking a shouted curse from upstairs.
Oh for fuck’s sake!
“Um...you know, places?“ I’m aware the answer isn’t only nonsensical but also sounds more like a question, but I can hardly focus on that right now. I’m too buys praying to an entity I don’t fully believe in for the situation above to not escalate.
“Uh, is everything ok over there? Where even are you right now?“ The teasing tone to his voice is all but gone at this point, replaced with deep concern, having obviously heard the commotion that did the exact opposite of what I prayed for - escalated.
“Y-yeah, it’s ok. It’s just another Thursday, you know.“ I attempt a small laugh but it’s blatantly miserable, “I moved back in with my parents when they announced the quarantine so that’s where I’m at now. They’re not the quietest of folks as you can tell so...“
“I FUCKING HATE YOU, YOU PIECE OF SHIT! I HOPE YOU DIE“
Oh crap, here we go.
“...So I can’t really stream a lot...or at all.“ I mutter, cringing with all my might, “But it’s only temporary! I’ll get back in the saddle as soon as I find another place to stay.“ I don’t dare mention how long that’s gonna take me, it’ll be too disappointing and depressing for the both of us. “So yeah...um...thanks for showing concern but there’s really nothing to worry about. I’m ok, everything’s ok, things are just...a bit off the rails, but I’ll fix em no problem. Like I always do!“ I attempt to sound as cheerful as possible with little success due to the overwhelming anger I feel towards those people upstairs and the gut-wrenching nostalgia for the world of streaming I can no longer be a part of because of them. Actually, I put the blame first on the pandemic and second on my parents - if it wasn’t for Covid I’d probably still be in my dorm!
“Hey...um, I think I know an affordable place where you can take up residence. Only if you want to, of course.“ He sounds hesitant but I easily overlook that as excitement bursts throughout my entire being at the sound if an escape being offered to me just like that. Had I known I’d find the solution to my problem in the very people I spent time avoiding because I was afraid of their pity, sympathy and judgement.
“Oh please, it could be a rat and roach infested shoe box and I’d go running to it. How much is rent?“ I ask through a gasp of hurried laughter that’s a result of my inability to contain said excitement. Listen, I’ve been sitting here in Hellsburg for three months now and haven’t gotten a proper shuteye during that whole period, whatever Corpse is offering has to be better than this misery.
“Rent can be discussed once you move in...“ He trails off, “And it’s not rat nor roach infested but there’s a slight issue...“
“Which is?“ I’m honestly expecting the worst: in a bad neighborhood; faulty wiring with a high chance of being electrocuted; faulty piping with a high chance of flooding; people have died there; things get randomly moved around in the middle of the night etc. However, I don’t voice any of them to avoid getting laughed at for my wild imagination.
“Well, uh, it’s corpse infested.“ He says a little awkwardly, causing me to let out an inaudible sigh.
So my ‘people have died there’ guess was on point, huh?
“People have died there, huh? Well, I can turn a blind eye to that as long as I don’t find their bodies in the closet or meet their spirits at 3AM.“ I attempt to joke, now second-guessing my eagerness to accept the offer.
Corpse bursts out laughing his ass off at my statement, getting me to furrow my eyebrows in confusion and wonder what I said was so funny - it was a poor attempt at a joke, it in no way deserves that sort of reaction, barely a chuckle in my opinion.
“You’re golden, Y/N, I swear.“ He says once he forces the laughter to subside, “I meant corpse infested as in Corpse Husband infested.“ He breaks out in another fit as my brain slowly starts connecting the dots.
Oooohh he’s asking me to go live with him
“Wait. Wait, wait, wait, hold up for a sec. Are you aware of what you’re offering me? I mean, we’ve never met IRL, you barely know me and....and for all you know I could be the serial killer in this situation!“ I have no idea why I’m pushing my luck, don’t ask. I just don’t want him to make a decision he’ll later regret, I guess. “Like, I could kill you in your sleep!“
“Would you?“ He asks confidently, silently stating he already knows the answer.
I roll my eyes, “Of course not! But...” He cuts me off.
“Great, the offer stands on my end. I’m not a noisy nor nosey roommate so I suggest you start packing. If you choose to live in that hell-hole over living with me, I’m sorry but I’ll be hella offended, just so you know.“
Corpse sounds like he’s about to hang up on me, a decision already made, so I hurry to stop him. “Wait! What about rent?”
“Fuck the rent, pack your bags.“ And just like that, despite my efforts, he hangs up on me.
Well...this is a chance of a lifetime that I know refusing would lead me to not only remain stuck here but also put me in the hugest loser bin. There’s also the fear of being Corpse’s burden which I’ll try my best not to be - I mean, I’m a super independent person and Lord knows that if this offer came any other time or from any other person, I would’ve declined asap, no discussion.
But streaming
But sleeping properly
But having a normal life again
Yeah those are most certainly the reasons I get up and go into the closet in search on my emptied suitcase. Time to fill it up again, I guess. This time with a smile on my face and excitement fueling each and every movement of mine.
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Text
Words: 3800+
Rating: M
Pairing: Benimaru (TSSK) x Reader
Summary:  Rimuru-sama had told Benimaru about a tradition from his world called a 'honeymoon'. He thought it was a great idea.
AO3
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It had been several months since the night you and Benimaru had become true husband & wife.
After the envoy left, you talked more about things. As expected, there were still a bit of growing pains in forming your relationship from what it once was into what it was now. However, you were making it work.
Benimaru was patient and kind as ever, but unexpectedly different when you were alone together. You hadn’t thought he would be like this. You had only seen him in a ‘formal’ capacity most times, the job of the Commander in Chief of the Jura forces was one that never really rested, or appropriately close when with the rest of your friends. Now though, you got to see another side of him.
He was funny. Playful. Once he let his guard down, he wasn’t nearly as intimidating as you’d originally thought. Actually, he could be quite goofy. His devotion was not only to Rimuru-sama and your people, but also devoted to you. He was always asking how your day was and if things were alright. Making sure you were provided for. Passionate.
You blush as you put away the linens you had folded up from outside. Benimaru had apparently not been kidding when he declared he’d claim your body everyday if he had to to prove it was his. Not that he needed to prove it. You had openly and willingly accepted yourself as his, and he yours. Still, almost every night, he came to you when you laid in bed together to physically profess his love. The man seemed insatiable. Though you weren’t exactly complaining.
You look up from your chores as the devil himself appeared. Coming through the door as if your thoughts had conjured him.
“Benimaru-kun! You’re back early. Did the meeting go well?” The kijin nodded as he removed his sword and sat it in it’s usually place next to the door. “I’m glad to hear it. I didn’t expect you home so soon, so I haven’t started dinner. I’ll get started now, but it will be a little bit.”
“In a moment [Y/N]. I need to talk to you.”
You pause on your way out the door and back track back over to the table to sit across from your husband. “Rimuru-sama has asked me to go on an ambassador mission in the mountains. To seek an alliance with the Yuki-Oni there.” You blink a little in surprise at the news. Though you were sure Benimaru could handle this, and seemed very pleased at being selected by your lord, you have to wonder about the forethought he put into it. Sending a fire oni to speak with a village of snow oni seemed uncharacteristically irresponsible of your lord.
“Well, I’m happy for you dear. I’m sure your trip will be successful.” Benimaru seemed to beam brighter at being complimented by you. “So I’ll see you in, what, a few days?”
“Actually, I was hoping you would come with me.” You were taken by surprise again. Had Rimuru-sama asked you to come? “I asked Rimuru-sama about it, and he said he could spare you for the few days.” Benimaru added, as if reading your mind. “It would be a nice chance for you to see places outside of Rimuru City. And Rimuru-sama told me about a tradition in his former world called a ‘honeymoon’. It’s when two newly wedded people go on a trip together shortly after their married to spend time together.”
“But, Benimaru, we’ve been married for more than a short while now?” True, your real married life had only begun a few months ago, but you had been married for over a year now.
“I know. But we didn’t go on one or do anything when we got married. I thought it would be nice.” The usually proud warrior looked down at the hardwood of your table, blushing and rubbing the back of his head in a shy manner. “Plus, I don’t want to go if I have to leave you here. I was serious when I said I never want to be without you by my side.” A declaration he had also made more than once since that night. “I’ll…be lonely without you.”
You put your hand against your mouth, pretending to be in thought. In reality you were trying to hide the goofy grin spreading across your face. How could someone so fierce and intimidating also be so adorable?
“Ok, I’ll go with you.” You finally announce, as if you had thought it over and come to a decision. “It would be nice to see the world a little. And, if Rimuru-sama can spare both of us, I see no reason not to go.”
The red head beamed ecstatically at your reply, then leaned over the table to give you a peck on the cheek. “Excellent! I’ll let Rimuru-sama know and tell Shuna to finish making your cold weather wardrobe!”
“Shuna? Hey wait.” Benimaru stopped in the doorway. “You asked Shuna to make me a cold weather wardrobe before you even asked me? What if I had said no?”
The oni looked at you like the thought had never crossed his mind. Then he grinned again and said ‘well, it all worked out’ in a rush before he left again. Alone, you shook your head. Honestly. What was your husband thinking sometimes?
*****
It took some time to get the preparations set, but soon enough you were ready to travel to the mountains to visit the Yuki-Oni.
“Safe travels, onee-san!” Shuna told you in parting with her usual bright smile.
She had called you that before, but in recent months it sounded more like she meant it. Thinking of you more now as a true ‘big sister’, married to her brother, than an older woman she could depend and rely on. The former was still true, but it was clear in her tone she thought of you more as family.
You depart Rimuru City with everyone’s blessing. Coming to see you off until you were out in the country side and off on your journey.
It took a few days to make it to the Yuki-Oni village. Between the distance and intentionally treacherous path up the mountain, it had taken a bit of time. It hadn’t been all bad. While still down in the valley you had stopped for a picnic once or twice, and laid in a field of flowers you had come upon for a bit to soak up the sun and sweet smell. Benimaru said that this was one of the things that Rimuru-sama told him people did on their ‘honeymoon’. You weren’t sure about that, but it was a much-needed respite from your travels.
Arriving at the village, you were greeted warmly by the ice monsters. They all seemed very demure and polite. A cool sort of air about them that really fit with the cold aesthetic of their homeland. The men were all tall and hard looking, while the women were all beautiful and waif like. Pale alabaster skin, long white hair, piercing blue eyes. You were glad you came with Benimaru now. Not that you thought for a moment he would be unfaithful to you, but you still didn’t like the idea of those beautiful creatures lingering around him.
You were shown to your quarters in the elder’s home before you were to meet with the council of elders. The idea of having to convince a council concerned you. It was harder to persuade a group than one. And the Yuki-jiji all looked like they were a group of men not to be easily swayed. “Maybe I should stay here?” You question as you unpacked your things.
“What? Why?”
“I don’t think the Yuki-jiji appreciate women in their council meeting.” They didn’t even let their own women in. Let alone a human one. The last thing you wanted to do was insult these people, and their traditions, by forcing yourself in to the situation. “It might be best if you just go.”
“Ridiculous.” Benimaru said with a sneer. “We didn’t come all this way for you to sit in a room and be cast out.”
“I thought we came for our ‘honeymoon’?” You said as a joke. Trying to break this awkward tension.
“We came for two things.” He quipped back at you. “I want you to come with me. I want us to go together. I’m…not good at this sort of thing on my own. Rimuru-sama put his faith in me, and I’m grateful for this opportunity, but I think it’s misplaced. I’m much better at forcing an agreement at sword point, not conversation.” The kijin looked away, clearly irritated at himself for not being better at it no matter how hard he tried, before looking back at you. “If you’re there though, you’ll keep me grounded. I find your presence calming. So I’ll be less likely to make a fool of myself.”
“You won’t make a fool of yourself, whether I’m there or not.” You assure him while placing your hand against his cheek. It hurt your heart to hear him berate himself like this. Rimuru-sama picked him because he was more than just a strong arm at the end of a sword. Why couldn’t he see that? “Alright. I’ll go. I don’t know if it will really help but I’ll try to be supportive. To you and our cause.”
Benimaru smiled. Then tilted his hand to kiss your palm before squeezing it in his hand. “Let’s go then.”
*********
The meeting lasted most of the day, and well into the evening. By the time you both return to your provided quarters, you were both exhausted.
“Rimuru-sama will be happy to hear of our success.”
“I’m sure he will be. Jura seems to be growing by leaps and bounds.” Who would have thought?
“It’s all thanks to you.” Benimaru said as he came up to sit on your right.
“Me?” You remark in surprise. “I didn’t do much of anything?”
“That’s not true.” The oni said with a soft smile, shaking his head. “The way you talk to people. The way you talk about our home, and the virtue it brings. Not just it’s strength. How it’s a place for all. They could see that’s something they want to be apart of. Rimuru-sama was very wise to have you come along. As he always is.”
Your cheeks tint at Benimaru’s words. Such high praise something you never seemed to get used to. No matter how much he or the others lavished you with it, you always felt so awkward to be complimented by people.
“So, the evening is ours now. What shall we do?”
“Well, I was going to take a bath, buuut….” You look over at the provided tub. Not looking warm & inviting like a bath should, but cold & dark like a vat of despair. “I guess the Yuki-Oni aren’t a fan of hot baths.”
“I can heat it up for you.” Benimaru declared. Already activating his powers to do so. “A thing like this is not so hard. I’ll have it warmed up for you in a moment.”
“That’s amazing Benimaru!” You gush at your husband’s resourcefulness. Who knew he could be so handy?
The oni grinned wide. Briming with pride at the praise. He went over to the tub and slipped his hand into it. The water almost instantly steaming at the contact. “There! That should do it.”
“Ahhh…warm bath…” You sigh happily. Moved nearly to the point of tears at the idea of being warm for the first time since you got here.
You move to discretely remove your clothes and get in the bath, when you notice movement out of the corner of your eye from Benimaru. The man not moving to leave as you’d anticipated, but undress as well. “What are you doing?”
The red head stopped in removing his undercoat and looked at your curiously. “Taking a bath?” The expression on his face saying ‘didn’t we just have this conversation’.
“Wait a minute! This is my bath! Did you really heat this up to steal my bath from me??”
“What? No! Of course not! I thought we could share.” He looked back to the tub, completely missing the blush and sudden halt in all function from you, as he examined it. “It’s big enough.”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to do that here.” You reply nervously. Cheeks still pink as you had a pretty good idea where this would lead.
“Come on. It’s just a bath.” Bemimaru insisted. “Besides, my powers for this work best when I’m in close proximity. If I’m not touching it, the water will just grow cold again.”
You have the sinking suspicion that he was lying to you. But it was a very convincing lie, and one you couldn’t really argue with. “Alright. But behave! We’re here as Rimuru-sama’s ambassadors. We shouldn’t be fooling around while guests in another person’s home.” A person whom you were trying to sway to your cause.
The red head nodded and assured you he meant no funny business. Again, you had the sinking suspicion he was lying to you, but couldn’t actually prove it, so you went along. You both stripped down and get in the tub. The only way you would both fit was if you practically sat in Benimaru’s lap. His back resting against the side of the tub while your back rested against his chest.
“Aaaahhh…” Your ‘chair’ sighed loudly. Feeling his sigh vibrate through your back as he relaxed. “This is great. We should have done this sooner.”
“Agreed.” You reply as you relax too against him. The warm water soaking out all the tired muscles from your journey and tension you had felt before the meeting. Making you complacent.
You both stay like that for a little while. Relaxing in the warm water in complete silence. Until you feel Benimaru’s hand brush against your arm. “What are you doing?” You asked in a drowsy, but mildly suspicious, tone.
“I was going to wash your back for you.” He replied against your ear. Making you shiver. “Can you lean forward for me?”
That nagging suspicion of his intent still clung to the back of your mind, but it was getting pushed further and further back by the warm water and his soft words. Having your back washed did sound nice.
The water slouched around a little as you moved to sit up and lean over the other side of the tub. “Is this ok?” You ask. Looking back over your shoulder from where you had cradled your head in your arms on the rim.
“Yeah….” Benimaru replied in a low voice. Looking at you. “That’s perfect.”
Your husband shifted around carefully, both to not hit you or splash the water out of the tub, as he came up on his knees behind you. The soft, wet sponge touched your back tentatively at first. But once you relaxed and even let out a soft sigh it became more diligent. His hands pressing a little harder with the sponge to give you a dual back wash & massage. It was extremely pleasant. The warm water and his warm hands on your body. So much so that you might moan a little when he came to your lower back.
“Ah…don’t do that to me…” Benimaru said. His voice sounding odd. Pained. It sounded so strange that you opened your eyes a little. You hadn’t realized you closed them. “I’m trying to be good and honorable. But if you moan like that, it gets very hard.” You’re not sure if he meant ‘it’ by the situation in question or the erection you were now feeling brush against your leg. When had that gotten there? You gasp at the feel of him against your thigh, but also the sponge and his hand shifting to your front; just at the top of your breast. “Please [Y/N]. Let me be with you. I can’t stand being without you anymore. It’s been so long.” You want to tell him that it’s only been a few days. But apparently, in ogre time, that was an eternity. He genuinely sounded like he was in agony right now. Not to mention that his hands wouldn’t stop touching you.
You’ll blame the warm water, and being so relaxed, and his damned skillful hands later, but your resolve broke quite easily. “Yes. Yes, I want you too Benimaru.”
You think you hear a happy rush of air level his lips before he moved forward and enveloped you. His broad chest encasing your back as he laid against it. His hands dropping the sponge to make direct, intentional touches with your body. His cock slipping between your legs to brush against your apex in pseudo-love making. You both moan.
He rutted against you like that for a moment. Thrusting against the outside of your opening. The hard lines of his cock brushing against the bundle of nerves at the top, making your insides quake and spasm greedily around nothing. “B-Benimaru….” You whine as you pressed back against him. His torturous touch driving you mad. “Please.”
Your husband groaned a little, low in his throat, before he kissed his mark behind your ear, where he had bitten you that first time, before lifting off to enter you. Being relaxed and the warm water made it easy, but he was as gentle as ever with putting it inside you. There was still a slight stretch with his size, but it’s a feeling you grown not only accustom to but relish. Just having him inside you made you moan wantonly.
“Ah…I keep telling you. Don’t do that to me.” Benimaru replied to your moan. You couldn’t see it with him behind you, but you could hear the hint of a smile in his voice. He pulled back and began to thrust, low and slow, into you. “I can’t control myself when you moan like that for me. How am I supposed to keep calm, and quiet, when you make my blood boil like that?”
“I’m…sorry…” You stutter out. Your voice staggered from his deep thrusts and your own labored breath of pleasure. “It just….feels…so good…..!” You moan again when his thrust went deeper this time. Hitting that place inside you that made you see stars.
He couldn’t control himself? What did he expect you to do when he was making love to you like this?
If anything, this was his fault
“Hmmm…this is no good…” You let out a surprised noise as Benimaru pulled out. You look over your shoulder. A little wounded at the comment. Not good? But before you could ask, or get more upset about the comment, Benimaru turned you around so you were facing him. Thrusting back into you in one swift move of your back hitting the tub and knocking all words out of your mouth. “I wanna see your face. It’s no good if I can’t see you and kiss you any time I want.” Then he did just that.
His tongue thrust into your mouth like his cock into your lower half. Swallowing your moans now that were flowing out unabashed. Doing it the other way had been nice, but you have to agree. This way was much better. Being able to kiss him. See his amazing body. Look into his beautiful eyes burning with such passion & love for you was bringing you closer to the edge than ever before.
“B-Beniamru! I…I’m close!”
“Me too.” The oni grunted out. Kissing your ear when you wrap your arms around his neck. “Cum for me my love. Let’s go together.” He always seemed to have a way with words with you, because you did as you were told and came around his cock.
His thrusts continue for a few moments longer, pounding through your orgasm, before they stop and Benimaru shuttered in your arms. A sign that he had finished too. You stay there for a moment. Holding each other loosely in the tub, before the kijin pulled back and looked around you like he just remembered where you were.
“I think we fucked all the water out of the tub.”
Your mouth scrunched up and you pinched Benimaru’s shoulder. “Don’t be vulgar.” He was right though. Now that your brain had resumed function again, you could see that half the water in the tub was gone. The floor soaking wet to the point you had to groan. No way you were going to be able to clean this up or explain this away without attracting attention.
The oni yipped at your pinch before he chuckled, then kissed you softly. He then stood from the tub, wet and naked and proud, before lifting you up out of it as well like a princess and carrying you over to the bed.
“We’ll clean it up later.” He stated, seeming to read your mind once again, as he laid you on the soft futon. “It’ll be alright.
“I still can’t believe you talked me into it.” You grumble. Pretending that you had been seduced, rather than whole heartedly accepting your husband in all aspects, as you dried yourself off. “What will the Yuki-Oni think.”
“That we are too people in love.” He replied quickly and with a smile. “The elders are all men. I’m sure they remember what it’s like to be young and in love, and unable to keep your hands off their young, beautiful wife.”
You blush a little at his words, but don’t really want to think about those old men being happy with their wives. “I suppose it’s a natural thing, but it’s still very rude to have sex in someone else’s house.”
“Maybe for humans. But we oni don’t see it that way.” Benimaru replied. Tossing his towel away. “Besides, Rimuru-sama said that this is something that most newlyweds do on their honeymoon.”
You shook your head as he pulled back the covers to let you both get under them. The room growing cold again now that you weren’t in the warm water, or doing other warm, pleasurable activities.
You snuggle together under the blankets. Watching the fresh snow flutter down outside the window. “Did you really need to be touching the water for your powers to work?” You finally ask.
You don’t know what his answer was going to be. But judging by the way your husband stiffened and balked at the question, you know now that he had been lying to you. “Well….it does work best that way. In theory. But….no….”
He turned away to not look at you. Or the steely stare you leveled at him. “Benimaru. I can’t believe you lied to me.” Sweat drops seemed to start pooling at his forehead as in flinched at your harsh words. Then he let out a startled sound as you flipped over on top of him, forcing him to look up at you with a confused expression. “You’ll have to be punished.”
261 notes · View notes
captain039 · 3 years
Text
Little Flower
Dracula BBC x reader
Warnings: Olden times, sexual, age gap, vampire things, sexual harassment, abusive fiancé, swearing, slightly dark and questionable xD
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You stared at the large group of people. You didn’t even know them, besides your friend Grace and her parents and brother. Everyone else was strangers, your future husband was a stranger to you. A lord William Anslem. Same town as you just another house. Your parents had held a ball in one of their larger estates, thinking it would be time to announce to everyone that you were to be married. You didn’t even know you were destined for marriage till yesterday. Your parents were gushing over the groom and left you to socialise like a good lady with the rest of the town. People congratulated you, wished you the best, gave their blessing. You didn’t know any of them nor did you care for the congratulations or blessings, it was all pointless.
Thankfully the dancing had begun, your so called fiancé already dancing with other women while half drunk. You glared at him when someone approached you.
“A glare for the future groom?” He asked as you looked to him. The man was tall, older than you and well kept with dark eyes.
“Oh- sorry sir” you said softly as he chuckled shaking his head.
“Don’t apologise dear, I don’t like him anyway” he stood by you as you both watched couples prance around.
“I thought I was supposed to be first dance and we’d dance the night away, talk and maybe have some sort of connection but there he is half drunk and cooing over women half his age” you rolled your eyes and made a disgusted face as he coped with a young woman.
“Sorry sir I shouldn’t say those things” you quickly added trying to keep your face uplifted and bright.
“Say what you please my dear it doesn’t bother me” he said sipping his wine. You looked to him, you didn’t recognise him.
“I’m sorry sir I’m afraid I don’t know who you are” you said as he turned to you.
“Count Dracula” he held your hand and brushed his lips over your fingers.
“Oh, Lady Y/n” you smiled softly his fingers slipping from yours.
“If I’d known you were a Count-“ you began and he gave you a small smile.
“Don’t worry yourself” he said and you sighed. This man was made you at ease, listened to your ramble and stood by your side like a gentlemen.
“I-“ you began but stopped glancing to your fiancé.
“Want to dance?” He read your mind and you smiled nodding.
“Perhaps he’d show me some attention if I danced with another man” you said though it was petty the Count smiled and laid his glass on the table.
“It would be an honor” he held his hand out and you took it. He lead you to the dance floor right in the middle as a soft tune played. You both moved in sync, his hand on your lower back and the clasping your hand. You smiled as you danced, you felt enjoyment moving with him. Others spread out as you two made your ground wider, they watched and whispered but your mind was focused on him. A strange Count from somewhere unknown dancing with you.
You caught your fiancé’s stare, anger boiling in his eyes. You faltered and the Count noticed following your gaze.
“Ignore him” he leant down and whispered pulling you a little closer.
“Perhaps my pride got the best of me” you whispered your heart beating a little faster.
“I’m sorry Count” you stopped and pulled away from him. You gave a bow and left to get some air ignoring the whispers and hard glare from your husband. You stood on the balcony admiring the garden when you heard footsteps. You expected your mother but instead your fiancé forced you to the wall. You gasped his hand around your throat as your eyes went wide and heart pounded in your chest.
“You think you can dance with another man?!” He hissed the drink clear on his breath.
“I’m sorry my lord” you struggled for breath as you held his wrist.
“You’re sorry, you’re a whore dancing with another man” he growled letting your throat go. You gasped for breath as he pressed himself against you. You turned your head to the side avoiding his sneer and venom.
“You’re mine, I’ll ruin you, you’ll bare my children and be the good wife you’re meant to be” those words haunted you. You felt tears in your eyes as he let go and left you there. You held your neck feeling stinging and ache from where his hands were. You cried silently covering your mouth and shadowing yourself against the wall.
“Y/n?” You heard your best friend Grace and turned to her. She frowned and rushed to you holding your shoulders as you shook.
“Oh dear, what happened?” She whispered wiping your eyes.
“William- he choked me, said he’d ruin me, force me to bare him children and be a good wife” you sobbed softly and leant against her shoulder. She held you tightly and hushed you.
“I knew he was bad from the beginning” she hissed.
“Can we speak to your mother?” She pushed you back slightly and you shook your head while wiping your eyes.
“Gods” she huffed hugging you again.
“I’ll die before you marry that man” she gripped you tightly and her words sounded like a promise which scared you.
“All I did was dance with the count” you whispered and she tensed slightly.
“Count Dracula?” She asked pulling away.
“Yeah” you nodded and she frowned.
“Be careful of him, they say he’s the devil himself, don’t get to close” she said hushed making you frown.
“Y/n!” You heard your mother and flinched.
“Gods” you muttered as you gave Grace one last hug and followed your mother’s voice. You wiped your eyes and took a deep breath before finding her. You smiled a little fake confused.
“Where the hell were you!?” She snapped grabbing your hand and dragging you.
“Mother!” You said trying to tug your hand back.
“Running from your own engagement party! Gods can’t you do anything right?!” Her words hurt. They always hurt.
“Sorry mother” you whispered as she tsked.
“Go find your fiancé and talk to the guests” she pushed you along and you gulped scanning the crowd. You found him surrounded by women as your heart broke a little more. You looked around more finding the counts gaze. You gulped holding your neck which made him frown. You tore your eyes away and went to your fiancé with a heavy soul.
You stood by him as you didn’t talk as guest congratulated you both and gave their blessings. He still had a drink in his hand and a woman on his other arm. He laughed loudly and puffed his chest out at her compliments. She gave you looks which you tried to ignore, smirks and stupid giggles as she ran her hands over the man. Your mother had appeared and pulled you to the side.
“What the hell are you doing?” She hissed pointing to the two.
“What am I supposed to do? Neither of us want this marriage and we aren’t married yet” you said unsure of how to answer.
She tsked fanning her face with her fan.
“Can’t even seduce a man” she left with those words and you felt broken.
Your mother’s words haunted you for a while. You leant against the wall with tears in your eyes before you saw your fiance and the woman leave upstairs in drunk giggles. You clenched your jaw and tried to take a deep breath. You went to follow, you ended up in the hall before leaning against the wall in a heap of tears. You could hear them through the door as they laughed and shuffled around.
“Why do you shed tears for such a mortal” you froze at the voice behind you but recognised it as the count.
“If I can't seduce my own fiance and keep him loyal what use am I?” you whispered.
“A marriage is a two person connection” he whispered his fingers on your neck. You tensed covering your marks with your hand.
“Did he make these?” He asked and you nodded. He snarled softly almost like he tried to keep it in.
“That boy in there has no idea of how to treat a woman” he sounded angry and disgusted, it made you tense thinking he might hurt you also.
“Well that boy in there is what I’m stuck with” you mumbled defeated. His arm went around your waist and held you close to his body.
“You’re not stuck with anyone darling, this is your life, take control” he whispered in your ear. You took a breath and relaxed against him, maybe if you could marry this man instead, higher profile that that boy in there.
You grimaced when you heard loud moaning from the room. You flushed and turned in the counts arms.
“Can we leave?” You asked softly. This man was a stranger yet you felt safe in his slightly cold embrace. Your words made him smile as he held your hand in his arm and led you to the front of your house. Your mother watched you with wide eyes and shock written over her face you huddled a little closer to the count who followed your gaze.
“She doesn’t control you” he whispered as you looked away and kept your head down. Outside there was a dark carriage waiting. He opened the doors and you stood for a moment. He watched you, studied your decision as you took a breath and went inside. The carriage began to move and you watched the house get smaller and smaller. You let out a sigh and sagged a little against the chair. You didn’t question where or why, you should’ve, nobody should go off with a strange man this late at night.
The ride grew longer and longer till you yawned finally.
“Sleep” the count was by you and whispered to you. His words lulled you to sleep and you rested your head against his shoulder not seeing the smile he held.
Next Chapter
83 notes · View notes
morihaus · 3 years
Text
Domina
cw for a vampire talking about mortals like cattle and mentions of molag bal (just his name)
---
Atop a balcony of the Imperial Palace, the young emperor casts her gaze westward, over the canopy of the great forest, off to the dark horizon laid over the Colovian highlands. Past the borders of Cyrodiil, there lays the outlying province of the Empire, Craglorn, home to the distant Nedes never chained. Cities of stone and high towers, traditions older than the Empire of Man, faith older than Saint Alessia herself; Hestra was born to these lands, to the Cyrodiils who came from Colovia to lend aid to their kin, to enlighten them, to fasten and secure their ties to the Empire, and to keep wary watch of the expanding dominion of Verkarth, whose king had spent a century splitting the land in two, harrowing the Nedic allies of the Empire, unopposed in the distant and foreign borderland.
It was this that brought her to power. She became warrior to the faith as many in her family had been before her, as was the Colovian style of the priesthood, and she worked to stymie the tide of this burgeoning power henceforth unknown- as well as the dark creatures who cavorted within its borders, fanning out to the neighboring realms to terrorize the populace. Vampires, werebeasts, monsters of all sorts became the scourge of Craglorn in those days, and the Empire of Cyrodiil did nothing, for what was their concern for the fate of provincials? Nedes who knew nothing of Paravant, or Pelinal, or the One, whose degenerate practices ostracized them from polite Imperial society.
Hestra was one of many in Craglorn and Cyrodiil who saw need for action, but alas, small militias could do nothing but root out loose ends, small cells of the fiends who dogged the western reaches. A coven here, a pack there, but this was to treat the symptoms rather than the sickness, and without organized action against Styriche and his Gray Host itself, nothing would be done.
And for all the dire circumstances, this is why she stands here, amulet of dragon-fire around her neck, looking west with purpose. She has been emperor for but two years, and the Empire is more united than it has been in some time. She is what Cyrodiil needs, a decisive emperor, to cut through the internal bickering of the Order; a conquering emperor, to show no quarter to the enemies of mankind; a common emperor, who understands the plight of her subjects and refuses to rest until justice is done.
With the Empire whole, it prepares for a full-scale invasion of Verkarth, to sunder and destroy the foul abominations commanded by its king.
Something approaches silently from behind her. She is without guard, but not alone, for tonight she is entertaining a particular guest.
"Second thoughts, Emperor?" The pale woman clad in deep red silks asks her with a playful tone. Playful as a cat toys with a mouse, but decidedly playful nonetheless.
Hestra turns to face her, Exarch of the Gray Council, undying vampire, a mistress of the dark forces she plans to destroy. She faces her and sees her ever-so-smug grin, her round face, pale like the moon with dark shadows and painted colors framing her scarlet-orange eyes. She sees her jewelry reflect the light of the night sky, a shimmer along the chain of her belt as her eyes trace her waist, a shine around the swirling ringlets of her arm, up to the clasp of her dress on her shoulder, even a sparkle from the jewel earrings when her long black hair fell just so to make way for the light. "I consider my actions more often than you think. This is why I'm here, Vem."
Vem moves forward to press up against the other woman, lifting a manicured hand to trace her jawline. She is without reverence for the Emperor, but not without admiration, and often she shows her appreciation with touch. "This is why I see such potential in you, fair Hestra." The mortal woman doesn't flinch- but might shiver- at the vampire's chilling touch, and allows it to happen. This close she can see the subtle scaly texture speckling Vem's skin, around her eyes and her bare neck and arms, her eyes fix to this instead of Vem's hypnotic gaze- she wouldn't dare attempt to bewitch the warrior emperor, but she does much without noticing it. "We have more in common than you do with your councilors. They fill their heads with petty concerns, worthless mortal vanity- you and I, we focus on what's truly important: power."
Hestra, for as steely as her countenance is, lets her head droop to one side, warm cheek pressed against Vem's cold hand. She raises one of her own to Vem's waist, closing her eyes. "I have power, Vem. I'm the Emperor, blessed by Akatosh, anointed before the One." She doesn't need sight to picture the frown grow on Vem's face as she speaks.
She hears a sigh, and the cold hand moves down from cradling her head, sliding across her bare neck and stopping at her shoulder. Hestra opens her eyes again to see the predictable sight. She'd call the expression on Vem's face perplexed, as she is always baffled by her refusal. "Have I not explained to you the difference in magnitude hundreds of time?" She scoffs. "You are a Queen, a mortal Queen, you command great armies and rule over all of your citizenry. But I could make you more. As vampire, you would never age, never die, you would be indomitable."
"Indomitable," Hestra repeats. "But dominated by the foul machinations of your master."
Vem furrows her brow, twitching her nose. "Lord Bal is our master in name alone. He holds no true sway over us- we only need make one pact, but one ritual, and we may reap the rewards of his gift as we serve ourselves. You cannot tell me you would not desire such a power."
"Power at a price." Hestra lets her hand fall back, and now furrows her own brow as she looks back at Vem, somewhat yearning for the years she hadn't known of her true nature, or for a time where they could spend time ignoring the doom that surrounds them, before this decision had to be reached. "I do not want to join your Gray Host."
"You would not have to." Vem retracts her hand as well, folding her arms over her chest. "As immortal Emperor of Cyrodiil, you would be of much greater use as an ally to the Gray Host, to relinquish your power over this land would be foolish."
"Imagine I disagree with what your Host does, terrorizing innocent people, drinking of their blood and eating of their flesh."
Vem tisks, she almost seems to roll her luminous eyes at that. "This is because you are clinging to mortal notions of morality. You do not weep for the butchered cow, do you? For us, it is no different than hunting simple animals."
"And if I care for these animals?" Hestra asks.
She receives a raised brow. "Do you really care for these people, Emperor? These people who are not yours, who you do not know- how much would you sacrifice for their lives?" After a pointed silence, she adds: "If you could trade your life for theirs, right now, would you?"
Hestra answers honestly. "No."
"If," Vem begins. "The inverse were true, and you could sacrifice the lives of many to achieve greater power, greater dominion, wouldn't you?"
Hestra considers. "...I might." She gazes off to the side, looking behind Vem into the palace's quarters. "But what you speak of, this is the truth of politics, of warfare, of the life of an Emperor. These ugly decisions are mine to make, and I must."
"This is what holds you back," Vem turns and begins to pace, steps silent as she does. "You deny what you truly want: power. You claim it out of responsibility, you make these excuses for yourself..." She looks over her shoulder, Hestra meets her piercing eyes. "Why do you let yourself be ruled by such foolish thoughts?" She approaches again, so gently as though gliding through the air. A fanged smile plays on her lips. "You are Emperor. I am offering you power, it is in your very nature to accept it. Do not deny your true calling."
Hestra looks to her vacantly. She wonders how often she has been tempted, how close she's come before now. "You talk of offering me power- power of my own- and yet you speak as though to dominate me yourself."
At this, Vem laughs. It breaks the tension somewhat, and she takes Hestra's hand in her own, rubbing circles on the back with her cold thumb. She looks at her with half-lidded eyes. "You would not like to belong to me, dear Hestra?"
And at this, Hestra is pulled two ways, and such a grave conversation becomes very silly, and for the first time tonight, the Emperor smiles. "You speak in circles, love, like a turning wheel." She leans in and very easily presses her lips against Vem's; a shallow kiss, undercoated with some feeling of fleeting passion and intimacy, something that feels like a last chance, a final moment in which they can both pretend they share the same future. Vem puts her arms around Hestra's head, the mortal reciprocates with a hold on her waist. Hestra pulls back to breathe and laugh. "Sometimes, I still can't tell- do you want me a vampire, or a thrall-" Vem interrupts her by kissing her cheek, laughing along.
They embrace and they laugh for awhile, standing on the balcony, nipped at by the chilly night air. Eventually they stop laughing and just hold each other. Vem tucks her head into the crook of Hestra's neck, and Hestra lets her, and runs a hand through her silky dark hair.
"...You know," Vem softly breaks the silence. "That of course I want you to join me as I am- a vampire, the rightful rulers of the unliving. Because you are a ruler, Hestra, and this drew me to you, for I recognized how great you could be if you could only see what lies beyond your mortality..." One of her pale hands turns to run across the close-cut hair on Hestra's head, and Vem turns to look her in the eye, one side of her head still pressed against her shoulder. Her expression is warm, and not regal. "I do not doubt how far you will go as a mortal. You will be remembered for centuries, for a hundred centuries, your death will be something glorious, remembered in song, you will be indelible... but you will die. And it breaks my heart-" A laugh- or maybe a sob- spills out between words. "I know you could never understand, you are mortal, impermanence is everywhere in your life, to be everlasting is... difficult, to communicate. It's something you need to feel for yourself. I ask... that you allow me to grant you this, Hestra. Please."
She'd never seen Vem posture in such a way. They have been intimate with one another, they've spoken of sadness before, but never has she been so melancholy, so sorrowful as to look up to her with those eyes, dry but full of sadness. "...My love, you know I can't-"
"Why?" Vem asks immediately.
"Because- Because I am Emperor first, divine regent of the One, descendant of the Ascended Saint Alessia, defender of Cyrodiil and the Faith. I am dutybound to destroy the Gray Host... and I cannot accept your power, it would render me an abomination in the eyes of the Order, and all I've worked for would be for naught."
Vem pulls back, Hestra lets open her arms to give her space. She looks at Hestra, fear in her face, steeled by frustration. "They would not have to know. There are ways- many of us disguise our true nature, some get away with it for a century or more. You yourself had no idea before I revealed to you my nature."
"You're right. I didn't," Hestra admits. "But this is because I was young and stupid. The pelates of the Order are older, wiser, many of them savvy to the affronts to the divine. And in any case, I would still need to invade Verkarth."
"No, no you don't. We could- if you'd postpone, delay, we could destroy this Alessian Order-"
"Destroy the Order?" Hestra's brows fly up at this, almost more shocked than insulted.
Vem clenches her fists at her sides. "They are just mortals, Hestra. Mortals can be manipulated, they can be herded and culled by their true masters. If all of the threats to your power were turned, were on our side, would you still deny this?"
"You're speaking in fantasies." The Emperor says, colder than she meant to. She is just as frustrated, not only by Vem's assertions, but by how her mind meanders and considers them.
"Answer me, Hestra!"
"I could not- I could not disgrace my line, my ancestors-"
"Your ancestors were nothing more than cattle!" Vem shouts.
"Your family is nothing but a pack of monsters!" Hestra replies.
Vem, incensed, points a sharp finger at Hestra as she bares her fangs. "We are NOT monsters!" She growls, throwing a hand up. "'Monsters', 'daimons', 'abominations', these are all the labels feeble-minded sheep apply to us, the true masters of Tamriel! And here you are- so different from them, so close to us, and you refuse your rightful place on our Council, your rightful taste of our blood, all because of these vapid mortal commitments to the lives and deeds of mortals, the ways of people who lived and died as nothing more than stupid animals- you let them limit you, hold you back, drag you down to their level!" Snarling, there is a quivering to her frame and face that belies her nerves. "You do not deserve to be another pile of bones in a pasture! You deserve to be Domina, High Emperor of All Tamriel, Immortal Ruler of the weak and impermanent!!"
Hestra stands stock still, shadows cast on her creased face. "I cannot do this. I will not take knee before your king."
"You would not have to! Do you know how few of us respect King Styriche? How fewer revere Lord Bal? To depose him, to usurp him, it would not be difficult, you would only have to delay your invasion!" Vem's composure is all but faded as she pleads for what she wants, the safety of her family, an immortal paramour, and all that she wills be made real, as in true domination of the world. The fact that she screams this hoarsely and with such desperation- the desperation of someone not in control- is not lost on her.
The Emperor hangs her head, heavy with troubles. She grits her teeth as she speaks with attempted finality. "I cannot, Vem, and I'm sorry that I cannot." Her own eyes, still living, well up as she speaks. "It does not mean I don't love you- I do, I give you my word and I mean it: I do, and if I were anyone different... you need to know how much I want to be forever beside you, I truly want this, but..."
Vem suddenly darts forward, pressing herself against her, looking up at her with pleading eyes. "If you want it, you can have it. Let me turn you, forget the Empire, let it fall under someone else's rule- we could make of it that you died in battle, that you were- you were betrayed somehow, sow dissent in the Empire, let it rot and fall. Leave my family alone, let us go together into a new life." Her plan is flimsy, her voice is quickened and shaking, but she bears her soul to Hestra like never before. "Take what you want, Hestra."
She bows her head. Hestra leans down to press her forehead against hers. She wants to take her into her arms, as they used to, like lovers would, but she doesn't.
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vidalinav · 3 years
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Letting Things Get too Far: (One-shot) *Contains ACOSF spoilers
This is not the fic I was going to post and I am on the fence now about posting “Love is Bright Red, Hope is Dark Blue.” I might still do it, but I don’t know, because I don’t want the six chapters to influence my perception, but OMG I am so mad. I have to laugh because I’ve never been this mad before. And I know eventually it will be okay with the rest of the book, but I cannot deal NOW with what we’ve got. I will not be unbiased, no reader in the world is unbiased when they love a book, but oooo this is a little too much. Like if you’re not deeply enraged are you even a fan? Lol
The only way I deal with emotions is writing because I get really obsessive and I cannot stop thinking about something until I change my mind about it, so I wrote a fic based on those chapters to change my mind. 
So Please don’t read this fic if you haven’t read the 5.5 chapters that were released (legally) to the world yesterday. I do have to say that I wrote this based on Italian translation and not of the one that was translated by someone here in English. But the general concept it the same. 
Summary: Nesta gets threatening (some time after she’s “healed”) 
~
Nesta could tell they were watching her. She supposed it must have seemed off to them that she was sitting in the dining room, reading a newspaper, a toast with jam and cup of tea to the side of her. Too casual, they must have thought. So very much unlike the Nesta they knew.
But one by one they sat—to the side of her of course since she’d chosen the head of the table. Nesta knew of only one other person who would dare sit across from her. She smirked behind the letters, the paper smelling of ink.
First Elain, sweet Elain with her soft, cautious good morning.
Then Feyre with her ruffled hair, matted and imperfect. Nothing like the High Lady she was supposed to be. How embarrassing, she thought, that Feyre had not yet learned that queens were to be perfect in every instance. Every circumstance.
Mor yawned loudly, stretching her arms above her head. The billowy blonde looked to Feyre as Nesta sipped a bit of tea. Green with a slice of lemon.
Amren was shushed as she came barreling in. Loudly and grumpy. Tired, perhaps, from her days going over the law books of Velaris code.
Rhysand kissed the apple of Feyre’s cheek, her little sister’s skin turning red. A honeyed gesture that made the rest gag mockingly for the way Rhys then bit down on the soft flesh and playfully pulled. He indeed sat where she thought he was going to—the only seat left closest to Feyre. His brows furrowed when he noticed her across from him, but Nesta didn’t give him the light of day.
The game had not begun.
Nesta waited for the missing player, ruffling the newspaper, the sound harsh in this room where all remained quiet. As if they were waiting for something.
Waiting for someone.
Azriel walked in, sitting to the side of her. He peered up at her. Wary and assessing. What are you up to?
She blinked at him surprised, not at all expecting that he’d be here for this—that he’d come down from the House of Wind to grace them with his presence. No matter. This talk wasn’t particularly for him, but she supposed he’d learn something too. As they all could.
The last one of them arrived with a flourish down the stairs. Bright and loud, stomping on the wood as if soldiers had been set loose in this house and not merely one male who made her smile sweetly despite herself.
He kissed her on the lips, a small peck. Something new for the others to witness. They looked at each other, mirth in their eyes—shock. But not from her happiness, Nesta thought, from their triumph. This broken girl who’d been mended when her heart was full.
“Sit down,” Nesta commanded softly, pointing her chin to the seat beside her—across from Azriel. She watched him look towards his brother, but Azriel merely shrugged.
“You waited for me?” Cassian laughed, the sound off even to her. His eyes squinting with concern… or was that vigilance she saw?
Oh, how dangerous he must know her to be to look at her like that.
Nesta smiled, her eyes softening. “I’d always for wait for you.”
Cassian lips set into a fine line at the sickly-sweet tone.
“In fact, I couldn’t have done this without you,” she gestured to the room, shrugging at the last moment. A strained laugh on her voice, “Or so they’ll say.”
Nesta set her newspaper down. The paper rumbling. Distantly she could hear the yells of soldiers, the clash of swords calling to her in her memory.
But none of that noise was here. No one said a gods-damned thing.
She sighed, sitting back in her chair, surveying them all. She could scent their fear, but Nesta didn’t know who it was coming from as she looked to food in the center. Vibrant jellies, eggs, and bacon. Much more food than any she’d consumed in her months away. She’d been reduced to plain porridge.
“Just say what you need to say, girl,” Amren said, gripping the table with her hands. Small and powerless.
Not as powerful as her anyway.
“You’re right of course, dear friend. I should get on with it as any other.”
Nesta lilted her head in a nod. “Consider this meeting long overdue. It was my fault really, for having been in such a low place. I suppose being constantly faced with death and brutality is a regular occurrence to the fae.”
She shrugged a nonchalant shoulder, huffing a laugh as Cassian’s gaze went to the skin of her collarbone from where her robe had slipped off from her shoulder. “Or so I’ve been endearingly reminded of for the past four months… It was my bad of course for letting things get too far.”
Nesta leaned forward, laying her head delicately on her hand. “Isn’t that what you said Feyre? I want to get the exact words right.”
But Feyre didn’t speak only stared at her with those blue eyes so much like hers but so different. They were made from different parts she supposed—different parts of their mother. Feyre got the stomach, and Nesta got her cold, melodic heart.
Queen indeed.
“Letting things get too far?” Nesta laughed, the sound loud even to her own ears. “Yes, I suppose that was true… But you know, this amazing thing happened when I was forced to follow this routine of yours. Have breakfast. Train. Have lunch. Work at the library. Have breakfast. Train. Have lunch. Work at the library. Over and over until I thought the monotony might kill me itself.”
Nesta smiled brightly to all of them, her eyes rolling over their gazes. Elain didn’t dare look at her. Nesta was not in the mood to comfort. What were older sisters for but to lead by example?
“If the magic and the trauma didn’t do it first,” she added.
 She lowered her voice as if she were about to tell a story, engaging her audience until all they could do was listen.
“And then—like a miracle—Cassian was called to Vallahan and I went with him. Screw the rules, he said…” Nesta patted him in the shoulder. A good little soldier. “So easy for you to say that when the rules were not made for you.”
“You know what I discovered?” She sang.
Nesta waited for an answer, but no one would meet her gaze.
She looked to the one who knew so much about the outside world. The one who could never leave the one inside her head. “What did I discover Mor?”
Mor took a sip of her mimosa, cringing as she swallowed. “People fear you.”
“People fear me,” Nesta said, proudly.
She laughed, shaking her head at these beings in pajamas who thought so highly of themselves.
She lifted a shoulder, “for good reason of course. I certainly convinced the council of Vallahan. I always knew I had this power, but to wield it—to not let it control me but to be controlled—Glorious.”
“And you know what I learned in those two weeks?” Nesta lowered her voice, the words slipping out of her in a sneer. “That I have more power in my little pinky then you have in your entire body. All of you.”
She flipped her hair back, where a stray piece had fallen forward, “I got your little treaty signed of course. That was simple. You’d be surprised how easy it is for people to give up their will when they are pissing their pants. But no matter, all’s fair right?”
“Why are you tell us this?” Rhys asked. “What do you want?”
Her eyes went to his, those violent storms of subdued rage.
Tell me again to sit like a dog High Lord, she whispered into his mind. Rhys sat straight up, Feyre grasping his arm.
Nesta simply picked up her newspaper once more. The image in the center showing a great depiction of Velaris’s royal family.
“You ever make a decision on my behalf again,” her voice turning to soft silk. As sweet as a poison apple, “I will burn this city to the ground.”
Nesta tilted her head up, noting the marbled leaves engrained in the ceiling. The opulence. The fraudulent comfort of a house too large for two.
“I think I’ll start with this estate.”
She tutted. “Paints are usually flammable, aren’t they Feyre?”
She watched her sister swallow, the light of Rhysand’s eyes dimming to a darkness she thought might engulf them all.
Nesta could smell his fear…
She lifted the cup to her lips, “Understood?”
“Duly noted.”
The rest mumbled their assent.
And Nesta turned to the toast at her side, already spread with apricot jam. She picked up the bread and set it on Cassian’s plate. “I quite like these jams. We should get some before we go.”
“Too much sugar,” he replied slowly, as if he was getting used to the switch from her being threatening to caring. “You eat this, and you’ll be tired within the hour.”
Nesta pouted in response, wrinkling her nose, “You know, you really need to lighten up. Maybe you’ve gotten harsher in your old age.”
Cassian gave her a hard look.
“I mean, you’re in your 500s. You can barely keep up with the times,” She teased. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you couldn’t keep up… in other areas.”
Cassian scoffed, lifting his lips in an outrageous laugh.
“Wait” Feyre called, holding her hands up in surrender. Nesta turned to her, lifting a curious brow. Her little sister blinked back, unsure if Nesta still wanted to destroy their home.
She would never destroy her little sister’s home...
But then Nesta thought of her shabby apartment laying in rubbles, ready to be rebuilt.
Oh, right.
“Will you continue to be our emissary?”
That was a question Nesta was not expecting…
“Oh, I don’t know,” She flourished. “I suppose we’ll see how it goes.”
She shrugged dramatically, “You follow these rules… and after a couple of months, I’ll re-assess your behavior. We can revisit me working with you all after some time has passed.”
“I don’t see how you’re allowed to do whatever you please, just by being threatening,” Amren noted.
Nesta smiled at the hypocrisy.
“Subsection B, Line 84 says I can,” Nesta sang, “As long as were making up rules.”
~
I’m laughing as I type this. This book is about to be a cathartic experience. It actually did make me feel better to write this. 
I wish someone would release an epub already. Like fuck this shit, we’ve bought three versions, two versions, one versions, multiple versions. There’s only a week left. It hardly matters, release the PDF! The book was supposed to be out last month anyway. I’m not into self-righteousness right now, like the release of books is mostly about money. Sara has earned her part. I’m sure she’s happy. These are the people who hardly cared about promoting it at all. I think they threw this book out the window a long time ago and you know what they saved money on promotions too. They’ll be fine. 
I’m clearly displacing my anger... But I cant handle this anymore... But I cant stay away. 
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ljones41 · 3 years
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"The Deconstruction of Dr. Jack Shephard"
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"THE DECONSTRUCTION OF DR. JACK SHEPHARD" I have a confession to make. I must be one of the few fans of the ABC series "LOST" (2004-2010) who did not dislike the series' lead character, Dr. Jack Shephard. Before anyone makes the assumption that he is a favorite character of mine, let me make one thing clear. He is not. But for some strange reason, I never disliked Jack.  I still do not.
Throughout most of the series’ run, many "LOST" fans had consistently ranted against Jack’s faults. Mind you, he was not the only flawed character in the series. In fact, most of the major characters seemed to possess some very serious flaws. Jack Shephard seemed to be one of very few characters that had drawn a considerable amount of ire from the fans. I do not know why he was been specifically targeted by these fans. But I cannot help but wonder if the combination of Jack’s role as the series' lead character and his flawed personality had set fans against him. Now, someone might claim that my last remark sounds ridiculous. As I had earlier pointed out, most of the major characters are also seriously flawed or have committed some serious crimes. Extremely flawed characters like John Locke, Jin Kwon, Michael Dawson, Kate Austen, Miles Strume, Ana-Lucia Cortez, Charlie Pace, Sayid Jarrah, James "Sawyer" Ford, Sun Kwon, Boone Carlyle, Mr. Eko, Juliet Burke and Shannon Rutherford. Hell, the list was practically endless. And yet, the only other character who had received as much criticism or hate as Jack was Ana-Lucia Cortez. Why? Well, I have my theories. Both Jack and Ana-Lucia had assumed leadership among the castaways at one time or the other, due to their personalities, circumstances and professions. Ana-Lucia assumed leadership of the Tail Section passengers that crashed on one side of the island and remained stuck there for forty-eight (48) days. Since Day One of the Oceanic 815 crash, Ana-Lucia had stepped up and utilized her skills as a police officer to save lives and make decisions when no one else would. Jack, a spinal surgeon, did the same with the surviving passengers from the Fuselage Section on the other side of the island. In one early Season One episode, (1.05) "White Rabbit", he seemed willing to back away from the role of leader, until John Locke convinced him to resume it. Jack remained the leader even after Ana-Lucia and the remaining Tail Section passengers joined the Fuselage camp by the end of Season Two’s (2.08) "Collision". And it was not until after his departure from the island in the Season Four finale, (4.13/4.14) "There's No Place Like Home, Part II" with Hugo "Hurley" Reyes, Sun Kwon, Sayid Jurrah, Kate Austen and Aaron Littleton (the Oceanic Six) that he finally relinquished the position. Recalling the above made me realize something. Human beings – for some reason or other – expect leaders to know everything and always do the right thing. Always. And without fail. Humans seemed to have little tolerance toward the imperfections of our leaders. This certainly seemed to be the case for fictional characters who are leaders. And many fans of "LOST" had harbored a deep lack of tolerance toward Jack and Ana-Lucia’s personal failings. In the case of the former L.A.P.D. police officer, many fans had complained of Ana-Lucia's aggressive personality. They also accused her of being a bitch. In other words, being aggressive and hard – traits many have claimed are more suited for a man - is a sure sign that a woman is a bitch. And unlike other female characters on the series, Ana-Lucia lacked the svelte, feminine looks prevalent in productions such as the 2001-2003 "LORD OF THE RINGS" saga. Actually, gender (and racial) politics may have played a role in the fans' opinion of Jack. His main crime seemed to be that he did not fit the image of a heroic leading white male character. Physically, he looked the part. Unfortunately for Jack, he had failed to live up to those looks. He made the wrong choices on several occasions – choices that included his decision to continue Daniel Farraday's plan to set off the nuclear bomb Jughead in the Season Five finale, (5.16/5.17) "The Incident". It is interesting that many fans had dumped most the blame upon Jack’s shoulders regarding that bomb. And he was partially to blame. But those same fans had failed to remember it was Daniel Faraday who had first insisted upon setting off the bomb to reset time back to the day of Flight 815’s crash – September 22, 2004. And they also failed to recall that Dr. Juliet Burke's decision to set off the bomb for her own reasons was the final action that led to her death. Many had accused Jack of failing to be a proper parent figure to his nephew, Aaron Littleton, during his three years off the island. And at the same time, many had praised Kate Austen for pretending to be the boy’s mother. I found this rather perverse and a little disgusting, considering that Kate had set in motion the lie about her being Aaron’s mother. Jack (along with the remaining members of the Oceanic Six) was guilty of supporting Kate’s lie. But instead of criticizing both for lying about Aaron and keeping him from his Australian grandmother Carole Littleton for nearly three years, many fans had criticized Jack for not being an effective father figure to Aaron and praised a kidnapper like Kate for being a good mother. Ah, the ironies of life. Many fans had accused Jack of being emotionally abusive toward Kate. And yes, they would have every reason to criticize his behavior in episodes like (1.11) “All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues”. But Kate’s own behavior in episodes like (1.12) “Whatever the Case May Be”, which featured her constant lies and attempts to manipulate him and others, occasionally triggered his temper. If one character is going to be criticized for the situations I have previously described, the other character involved should be criticized for his or her own questionable behavior. Some of Jack's other mistakes included sanctioning Sayid’s torture of Sawyer, failure to organize a genuine search for the only child passenger from Oceanic 815′s Fuselage Section, the kidnapped Walt Lloyd, instigating that ludicrous search for Walt’s dad Michael Dawson and communicating with Martin Keamy and the other hired mercenaries aboard the S.S. Kahana. Yet, he had received more complaints about his relationship with Kate, along with his tendencies to get emotional and shed tears than for anything else. Once again, many “LOST”  fans managed to prove that we still live in a patriarchal society. It was okay for female characters to shed tears in very emotional moments, but not male characters. Especially if that one male character happened to be the series’ leading character. Jack's penchant for tears was not the only sign of how some fans can be hypocritical. I have written articles criticizing some of the series' other characters. Most of my articles have criticized Kate Austen. I will be honest. I used to dislike Kate very much. However, my dislike of her has finally abated - somewhat. Most of my dislike had stemmed from her past flaky behavior and especially from the fans’ tendency to excuse her mistakes and crimes . . . or pretend that she had never done anything wrong. However, Kate was not the only character given this leeway. James “Sawyer” Ford had murdered three people – one in Australia and two on the island - within a space of two to three months. Yet, many fans had made constant excuses for his actions. I never disliked Sawyer.  But I have complained about his flaws, mistakes and crimes on numerous occasions. When I did, many fans had pretended that he had done anything wrong. And to this day, I still find this frustrating. Sometime back in Season Two or Season Three, actor Matthew Fox and the show’s producers, Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof, made it known to the media and viewers that they were doing something different with the Jack Shephard character. They took a superficially heroic type – a brilliant surgeon that assumed leadership of a group of stranded castaways – and deconstructed him. In other words, they slowly but surely exposed his flaws and took the character to what could be viewed as the nadir of his existence. Jack eventually climbed out of that existence by the series’ last season.  But certain fans on  many "LOST" message boards and forums made it clear this was not a path they had wanted Jack to take. Instead, these fans had wanted – or demanded that Jack behave like a conventional hero. During most of Season Six, Jack had managed to avoid indulging in self-destructive behavior. He also refrained from displaying any inclination to pursue a romance with Kate. The worst he had done was engage in a temper tantrum over his discovery that the island’s spiritual "man" Jacob had been observing and possibly interfering in the lives of several castaways. Another personality change I noticed was that he had passively allowed others to take the lead without questioning their decisions. I must be honest. I never liked that particular period in Jack's emotional makeup.  It made him seem like a mindless moron. Did Jack finally become the hero that so many had demanded, when he saved the island in the series finale?  Apparently, those responsible for the Emmy nominations believed he had. Why else did they finally nominate Matthew Fox for a Best Actor in a Drama award, after the series' final season. Mind you, Fox had been giving outstanding performances since the first season. But when Jack finally became a likable and somewhat conventional hero, they deemed Fox worthy of an Emmy nomination. Dear God. Personally, I never did care about Jack Shephard's status as a hero. Nor did I really care for his passive behavior in Season Six. But I did hope that he had  finally discovered some inner peace for himself. And I believe that he did during the series’ final moments.
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fanfics4all · 4 years
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Just As Crazy
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Request: Yes / No  Hello Maybe you could do a Bellatrix X slytherin daughter reader who is just like her mother but is more insane.All she wants to do is to make her mother and Voldemort proud. She was the one who helped Tom open the Chamber of Secrets but nobody caught her. Then in 5th year she was the cause of Sirius death by betraying the DA when she shows up as a death eater. Tyyyyy 💕 Anon
Don’t be shy, request things! <3 Have a nice day/night
Bellatrix Lestrange x Daughter!Reader 
Word count: 1248
Warnings: Sirius dying and that should be it 
Y/N: Your Name 
PLEASE DO NOT STEAL MY WORK, I WORK HARD ON MY FICS AND IT’S NOT COOL TO STEAL SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK! 
If you want to be on the tag list for anything (My series fics, specific character fics, or just all of them) All you have to do is send me an ask and I will add you! 
Masterlist 
(Not my photo, credit to whoever made it!)
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My Mother was locked up in Azkaban, so I was living with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. My cousin Draco wasn’t really a huge fan of me, but I wasn’t really a fan of him either. He was weak, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. He was too emotional and wasn’t Death Eater material. However that wasn’t my decision to make. The two of us went to Hogwarts together,  obviously getting placed in Slytherin. I ended up using the Malfoy name so no one knew who I really was. My Uncle was able to sneak letters into my Mother and she was delighted I was put in Slytherin. The first year was rather boring but that summer I got a job from Voldemort. I had to help the young Weasley girl open the Chamber of Secrets. My Uncle planted the book and then it was up to me to make sure the Chamber got opened. I was just the watcher to make sure Ginny wasn’t destered, but at the same time I couldn’t be caught. Lucky for me it was pretty simple, however Harry Potter ruined it and killed the basilisk! 
I then had to gain Harry’s trust. It wasn’t easy to do, but I managed to do so by defending him and his disgusting friends against Draco. He hated it, but I assured him I hated it more. However it all paid off when I was invited to join their secret group in year five. Dumbledore’s Army was what they called themselves, how pathetic. Unbridge ended up catching us because of Cho Chang. Luckily they still trusted me and when Harry was going to the Ministry he asked me to join them. A small group of us made our way to London after a bit of trouble. When we made it to the Ministry we went straight to the Department of Mysteries. We walked down the hall, following Harry and he stopped just in front of a door at the end of the hall. 
“This is it.” He said. We walked slowly to the door and walked in to see a dark room with shelves of orbs.
“Ninety-two, ninety-three, ninety-four, ninety-five.” Harry said and stopped in between the shelves. 
“He should be here.” Harry said. 
“Harry. It’s got your name on it.” Neville said looking at one of the orbs. everyone watched as Harry grabbed the orb. 
“Harry.” Hermione said and looked down the hall. He pulled his gaze from the orb and looked down to see a Death Eater walking down towards us. I silently smirked and no one could see me since I was in the front. Harry moved in front of us and I quickly changed my expression to one of worry. 
“Where’s Sirius?” Harry asked. 
“You know, you really should learn to tell the difference between dreams…” Uncle Lucius said and removed his mask. 
“And reality.” He finished. 
“You saw only what the Dark Lord wanted you to see. Now, hand me the prophecy.” He said. 
“If you do anything to us, I’ll break it.” Harry said and I tried my hardest to not roll my eyes. I heard my Mother’s laugh and I suppressed my smile. 
“He knows how to play. Itty, bitty, baby. Potter.” She said and shook her head at me. It wasn’t time. 
“Bellatrix Lestrange.”  said, stepping forward. 
“Neville Longbottom, is it? How’s Mum and Dad?” Mum asked with a smirk. 
“Better, now they're about to be avenged.” He replied and held up his wand. My Mother held her up and Uncle Lucius saw this could go bad quickly. 
“Now, let’s everybody just calm down, shall we?” He said and they each lowered their wands. 
“All we want is that prophecy.” He said. 
“Why did Voldemort need me to come and get this?” Harry asked and I sneered slightly. 
“You dare speak his name? You filthy half blood!” My mother shouted. 
“It’s alright. He’s just a curious lad, aren’t you? Prophecies can only be retrieved by those about whom they are made. Which is lucky for you, really. Haven’t you always wondered the reason for the connection between you and the Dark Lord? Why he was unable to kill you when you were just an infant? Don’t you want to know the secret of your scar? All the answers are there, Potter, in your hand. All you have to do is give it to me. Then I can show you everything.” Uncle said, holding his hand out. 
“I’ve waited fourteen years.” Harry said. 
“I know.” Uncle said, looking as though he cared. 
“I guess I can wait a little longer. Now! Stupefy!” Harry said. Everyone did the same and then ran. We ended up getting separated and my Mother found me. She grabbed me and pulled me along with her. Luckily no one saw. 
“Where’s Y/N?” I heard Harry ask. 
“They must have gotten her.” Neville said with a nervous tone. I smirked. 
“Get back to the door!” Harry shouted and I heard them running. 
“What do I do, Mother?” I asked. 
“Just wait for the right moment.” She said and took me with her to follow them. We followed them into a new room and while the chaos was going on my Mother hid me in a doorway. I had to stay there until it was the right moment. 
“Did you truly believe, or were you truly naive enough to think that children stood a chance against us?” Uncle asked and I stifled my laugh. 
“I’ll make this simple for you, Potter. Give me the prophecy now, or watch your friends die.” He said. 
“Don’t give it to him, Harry!” Neville shouted, but my Mother hushed him. I saw a white light appear and glanced around confused. 
“Get away from my godson.” Sirius Black said punched my Uncle. Other white lights came and a fight started. I wanted to join, but my Mother gave me a sign to stay hidden. My Uncle was in trouble and my Mother had made it to me. I knew it was my time. 
“Avada Kedavra!” I shouted and aimed it at Sirius. My Mother and I laughed as he fell back into the archway and disappeared. 
“No! No!” Harry cried and I laughed harder. My Mother and I smirked at him as we ran off. 
“I killed Sirius Black!” I laughed as I heard Harry running after us. 
“You coming to get me?” I teased. 
“Crucio!” Harry shouted and hit me. I screamed as I fell to the ground and Harry pointed his wand at me. My Mother escaped through the fireplace so I was alone. I looked at him with fake sadness. 
“You’ve got to mean it, Harry. She killed him. She deserves it.” I heard the Dark Lord say and I looked up shocked and worried. 
“You know the spell, Harry.” He said and he appeared behind Harry. I started laughing and smiling. 
“Do it!” He said, but Harry turned around and knocked his wand from him. 
“So weak.” He sneered. Dumbledore appeared and a fight started, giving me the perfect moment to escape. I made it to Malfoy Manor and my Mother greeted me with a wicked smile. 
“Did I do well, Mother?” I asked with the same smirk. 
“You did dear, the Dark Lord will be proud.” She said and my smile grew. The two of us gave an evil cackle and I knew the Dark Lord will rise to power once again. 
Tag list: @les-bio-lie​ @tashy-bear​ @ashwarren32​ @hollie-blogs​ @schisbro87​ @lover-of-books-and-teas​ @nerdygaloresposts​ @teenwolfbitches2​ @genius2050​ @drw0301bieber​ @lady-of-lies​ @ravenmoore14​ @ravenempress101​ @cillianchamp​ @rowanthomasknapp​  @in-slytherin-we-trust​ @accio-rogers​ @sambucky8​
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xmagicxshopx · 4 years
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🦇 The Funhouse 🦇
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Genre: Fantasy Adventure, Fluff, Romance Rating: M Warnings: kidnapping, smut (consensual, mind you), sub!JK for a hot minute but then turns into a dominating beast, bondage, Kook’s a pantie sniffer, gambling (they make a bet XD) Pairing: vampire!jungkook x reader Notes: AU fic. Not idol!jungkook. Single quote marks ‘ ‘ are for thoughts and double “ “ are for talking. Additional Notes: This came about because I just can’t let go of long haired Jungkook. I can’t!!
Tagging: @grxnadxs​ @catsandstrawberries​ @jkeuphoriadreamland​ @jjungkookislife​
Summary: The carnival was in town and you couldn’t wait to hit the streets full of greasy fair food and the classic rides you grew up on. Accept there’s a new attraction this year. A funhouse. You wonder just how fun it is.
MASTERLIST
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The carnival. Something you looked forward to every year for as long as you can remember. Even now when you were in your early 20s, the carnival never lost it’s shine. Although you of course outgrew a lot of the kiddie rides and had upgraded to more of the grander ones that were meant to appeal to adults rather than children. The classic Pharaoh’s Fury swinging boat ride was still your favorite to this very day.
However, as you walked along the streets munching on a corn dog in one hand and sipping on your large soda in the other, you couldn’t help but notice something that ended up catching your full attention. Not wanting to make a better roadblock, you quickly scurried off the street path and onto the sidewalk instead; heading for the direction of what appeared to be some kind of new attraction this year.
“The Golden Funhouse, folks! Like nothing you’ve ever seen before! Come on in! Buy a ticket and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!”
Standing there, you expected to see at least some kind of line to get in. Hell, you weren’t sure if anyone else was even listening to the guy as he shouted loud enough for the whole street to hear. Looking back behind you, it was kind of eerie, really. Not a soul was paying attention. It was almost like you were the only one who could hear the man or see the attraction.
“You! Miss! Come, come! I see you standing there eyeing my funhouse. Don’t be shy, now.”
Great. Just great. It wasn’t like you actually wanted to go inside the attraction. You were just simply curious, is all. Mostly curious as to why no one else was giving this place a first glance, let alone a second glance. But perhaps this attraction was something that you had been the last to discover and everyone else already knew about it? Yeah. That was always a possibility. So nothing strange or out of the ordinary here.
Sometimes you were a bit too paranoid for your own good.
“Come on, sweetie! Nothing to be afraid of. It’s called a funhouse for a reason! In fact---Your ticket is on me! Here---”
You stood there in amazement as the gentleman offered you a few bills to pay for your ticket into the attraction. Dang. Well this was unexpected. It wasn’t every day that you were getting a literal free ride. Deciding that it couldn’t hurt and you weren’t about to turn down something free, you shrugged and gave a bashful smile before finishing off your corn dog so you could throw the stick away in the nearby trash can; freeing up a hand to take the bills from him.
“Thanks, sir. I promise that if I enjoy the house, I’ll give you your money back.”
“Sir? Pffft. Please---- Call me Jin. And nonsense, my dear. No refund necessary. Just walk in and have a good time!”
Flashing a friendly smile to the guy you now knew as Jin, you nodded and took the bills from him before taking one last sip of your drink and tossing it in the trash. For it only being a carnival attraction, you felt awfully tense and anxious. Maybe it was because you had never actually walked through a funhouse before. They had simply never sparked your fancy. You were more of a roller coaster kind of girl.
Walking in, it only made your anxiety worsen.
“He calls this a funhouse?”
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It.....well......you weren’t exactly sure what it looked like. But a funhouse was the last thing on your list. That’s for sure. Trying to keep your hands steady, you looked on ahead to see a booth of sorts with a-----good lord.
Perhaps you should just turn around and give Jin his money back. Say thanks but no thanks. Turning on your heel, you quickly went for the knob on the door only to discover that it wouldn’t budge. Panic started to flood your system, making you feel a dreading kind of high and lightheaded; your heart now pounding in your ears.
“It’s of no use, little human. You might as well come forward and claim your golden ticket.”
This wasn’t a funhouse.
This was a frickin’ haunted house.
The voice was deep and calm. Not threatening despite how you were feeling at the moment. You felt trapped. Trapped like a rat. Breathing heavily, you spun around back to the voice and got a better look at the booth. It indeed was a ticket booth but the ‘employee’ inside looked anything but a normal human. Well.....maybe he was. The voice was male but he was wearing a cloak and a creepy looking mask. If you hadn’t been so scared out of your whits, you’d have thought he looked kind of cool, really.
“Come. Adventure awaits you, child.”
“I don’t think a haunted house is the kind of adventure I wish to go on, dude. Now let me out of here. You can’t force me to do anything.”
“The only exit to this building is located on the other end. In order to get out, you must walk through the funhouse in it’s entirety.”
This sounded way too shady to you. But on the other hand.....it wasn’t like he was keeping you trapped here. He was telling you the way out. But.....things just weren’t adding up here. This all felt way too.....ominous??? Heaving a sigh and feeling a bit more calmer now that you knew there was at least one way out, you simply caved and stepped forward to give the creep your money. Weirdo.
“Your ticket, madame.”
“Thanks. So which one of these paths over here do I take? Does it matter?”
“It matters not, madame. Each path will eventually meet at the exit. I can assure you, no which entry is more thrilling than the others. They are all different but equal. Trust your gut instincts.”
“My gut instincts are telling me to get the hell out of here.”
The mystery creep simply chuckled and with that disturbing sound and imagery burned into your brain, you turned your attention to the paths that lay before you. Ugh. You were naturally indecisive with just about anything you did in life. Heck, it was hard for you to pick out the best looking veggies in the produce aisle at the supermarket.
“Whatever. I’ll just take the middle one. Screw this.”
With a huff and a puff of annoyance, you practically stomped your way into the darkened hallway. Couldn’t they have lit the place a little better? Geeze. You could hardly see your hand in front of your face. What was so fun about this??? Grumbling and trying to ignore the gut wrenching anxiety that was threatening to make you blow chunks, you finally found yourself in an area with a little more lighting. Finally. You could see.
They say be careful what you wish for.
“Good gravy. Another hallway?”
Just then, the floor and the walls started to rumble around you. Not really knowing what to do, you ended up wobbling and stumbling to the right side of the hallway and used the wall for support. The rumbling softened only for you to hear a loud crack behind you. It sounded as if the wood was giving way.
That’s because it was.
“Holy sshh----”
The floor was falling. Like----Falling falling. Like collapsing. Right from under your feet. Your fight or flight mode kicking in, you made the wise decision to fly as you started running down the hallway as fast as your legs could carry you. A scream that fell silent on your own ears filled the narrow space as the only thing on your mind was escaping a horrible, inky black death. Up ahead-----a door!!
Practically flinging yourself through the entryway, you not-so-gracefully collapsed onto the floor as you gasped and choked for air. Running wasn’t exactly something you were prepared to do when walking into a not-so-fun funhouse. Catching your breath, you subconsciously licked your dry lips and mumbled out loud,
“When I get out of here, I’m suing that Jin guy.”
Standing up and brushing yourself off, you notice you’re in what appeared to be some type of living room. But all the furniture was covered with sheets as if to keep them protected from dust. Speaking of, it was definitely everywhere. Fanning some of it from your face, you let out a small cough before walking further into the room.
Everything was covered save for a lonely glass lantern that held what appeared to be a single purple rose. Curiosity getting the best of you and figuring you might as well get your money’s worth, you approached the lantern that was perched on an elegantly vintage accent table and carefully opened it up.
All you wanted was a smell. Roses always smelled so good in your opinion. With just as much care, you eased the delicate flower out of it’s glassy prison and lifted it to your nose. But then.....things went horribly wrong. Again.
Everything happened at once. One minute you were smelling the rose, and the next your fingertip was pricked by one of the thorns. With a soft gasp, you kept the flower in your hand but managed to move the stem so that you could investigate the damage. It only hurt because it surprised you and you weren’t expecting it. Pouting, you put the rose back in it’s casing and went to go suck the blood off your fingertip till your blood would clot and the wound would close.
But you never got the chance.
Like getting hit with a freight truck, you suddenly became dizzy as the room in front of you started to spin and twirl this way and that way. Stumbling, it didn’t take you long to hit the floor as you tried to get yourself oriented again. God wow! What was going on?! Groaning when the spinning didn’t seem to stop, you tried closing your eyes but that only made you nauseated. Opening your eyes once more, you nearly screamed when you saw something moving from the other end of the room.
“Ease, my precious flower. You are safe.”
The dizziness had passed but severe grogginess took it’s place. Your head as well as your whole body felt like a three ton weight as you tried to look up at the approaching figure. It was a man. Another man. Weren’t there any women in this place??? With a slurred groan and letting your head lull against the hardwood floor, you managed to say,
“Need help........Help me.....”
“Sshhh. Ease, little one. Just close your eyes and take a nap. All is well.”
The voice sounded so soothing and you were absolutely exhausted. A nap did sound really good right now. But.....didn’t you have something important you needed to do? Your head was just so foggy that it was hard to think straight. Didn’t you have something.....like......Ugh. Screw it. Whatever. The voice was right. A nap was exactly what you needed and so you allowed yourself to fully succumb to the blissful darkness of sleep.
When you finally started coming around, the first thing you realized was that it was way too bright. Way too bright. Even from behind your closed eyelids, you could tell the sun had long been up and was trying to blind you through the window in your bedroom. Speaking of.......this bed felt way too soft to be yours.....
Eyes snapping open and completely ignoring the sun trying to burn through your retinas, you quickly scanned the room only to confirm you were indeed not in your own bedroom. Just like that, the events prior to your passing out were all rushing back to you in one massive headache. Groaning in pain, you instinctively placed a hand to your head while you tried to ignore all the vivid images and the thumping of your poor skull against the pillow.
“You are awake, little one.”
‘Dear god. No more surprises. Please. No more surprises.’
“Please, open your eyes, beautiful girl. You need to take this medicine. It will help with your headache.”
Against your better judgement, you cracked your eyes open only to see a very handsome looking young man crouched down next to the side of your bed. Well......perhaps it was his bed? You watched him sporting a million dollar smile as he carefully placed two pills and a bottle of water on the bedside table before making himself comfortable and plopping his bum down on the floor.
He looked otherworldly, really. Yet all he was sporting was an over sized t-shirt and some sweats. Some of his hair had been pulled back into a small ponytail so that you could see his face in it’s entirety. Perhaps it was his face that made him appear so......ethereal? Yeah. It had to be. Because otherwise, he just looked like any other normal young man.
“You’ve been out for quite awhile, I was beginning to worry, little one.”
Why did he keep calling you that? And why was he talking so......funny? Different? You couldn’t quite place your finger on it but it was almost like he was speaking in a fashion as old as time itself. His tone didn’t match his young appearance at all. With your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, you simply laid there watching him like a hawk. He must have been able to sense your hostility because he gently raised his hands up in surrender and spoke just as softly,
“I mean you no harm, dear. It was I who brought you to this place. You are in my home. I found you laying unconscious in an alleyway just on the outskirts of the town I live in.”
You knew that was a load of bull. Despite your pounding headache, you remember quite clearly the events that transpired right before you passed out. Giving him your best glare silently telling him that you were not impressed at all with his story telling skills, you spoke up with a scoff,
“Liar. I was in that funhouse same as you. Now you better be giving me some real answers before I have you arrested for drugging and kidnapping.”
However, all that threat got you was a soft but dark chuckle along with a gentle shake of the head. The male looked anything but threatened as he flashed you a small but warm smile of endearment. Were you some kind of joke to him??? Was he seriously going to act like this when he had basically just----Ugh! There was so much wrong with this picture!!
“Relax, my flower. You are safe here. I do apologize for the way we had to meet, but it’s critical that I keep you here for the time being. Just until I get some answers.”
That was NOT what you wanted to hear.
“Excuse me??? You get some answers??? What about me!?!? Don’t I deserve some frickin’ answers too!?!”
Honestly, he liked you better when you were sleeping peacefully and all he could hear was the soothing sounds of your breathing and your heart beating. But this screeching of yours was something he could do without. His poor sensitive ears just couldn’t take it. Wincing and resisting the urge to cover his ears, the male instead tried to soothe you by replying a bit hesitantly,
“Yes yes, of course you do. Please, ask away and I shall answer to the best of my ability.”
You couldn’t help but narrow your eyes suspiciously at him when he suddenly became so complaisant. There had to be a catch, right? Or maybe he was just saying anything he could to pacify you? Eyeing him with just as much suspicion, you asked in a voice dripping of uncertainty,
“How can I trust anything you say? You’ve already lied to me once.”
“Then what’s the point of seeking answers if you won’t believe a word I speak?”
Well dang. You weren’t expecting that as an answer. He really had you trapped, didn’t he? Here you were, stuck with a creep who talks funny. Not only that, but you’re pretty sure he was the one who drugged you back at the funhouse. You don’t know how and you don’t know why but something told you he wasn’t going to be very forthcoming of such information. Heaving a heavy sigh of defeat, you asked half-heartily,
“Can I at least have your name? Otherwise I’m just going to start addressing you as Jerkface.”
Watching him shake with soft chuckles, you couldn’t help but notice that his smile reminded you of a bunny rabbit. Or maybe it was the way his nose scrunched up in amusement. Heck, his whole face reminded you of a bunny. Come to think of it......this whole thing reminded you a lot of the tale Alice in Wonderland.
“Jungkook. My name is Jeon Jungkook.”
3 WEEKS LATER....
“Do vampires even need to exercise? I thought you guys had super strength or something.”
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Yeah....It’s been three weeks since you were kidnapped by Jungkook and a lot had happened in that span of time. To sum it up, your life has been completely turned upside down. Fun fact, vampires exist. You had to admit, you didn’t see that one coming when Jungkook had revealed his red eyes and elongated canines to you after he had confessed his true nature.
In fact, you had laughed in his face and called him crazy; feeling a bit crazy yourself. Vampires weren’t supposed to exist, right? They were merely a tale to tell gullible kids during Halloween. But when the male calmly took out his brown contact lenses and you sat there and watched his pointed teeth grow in length.....that was no magic trick.
Being held captive by a vampire wasn’t all bad, you supposed. It wasn’t like he was starving you or keeping you in a cage. Heck, he left you wanting very little, actually. Aside from wanting to see the outside world. Otherwise, he took care of all your bills, provided you with whatever you wanted to eat and drink, and gave you your own room to decorate and furnish however your heart desired. Online shopping? He had you completely covered. Bought you whatever you wanted with no questions asked no matter the price.
It honestly felt like Jungkook was your sugar daddy, really. And maybe, just maybe, you felt a bit guilty because it seemed like you were taking advantage of him and his money.
Then your mind would jump back and remind you that he was keeping you here against your will and that it served him right for you to spend all his money. It was like a constant tug of war in your mind. Were you really still being kept here against your will? Or were you finding yourself more and more willing to stick around?
“Despite what you may believe, little human, I do not bask in the reality that I am a mutation of my former self.”
Watching you stand there in his personal exercise room blinking in confusion, he couldn’t help but chuckle while standing up from the piece of equipment he had been working at and started to wipe it down as he clarified in words that he knew you’d comprehend a little easier,
“In other words, I don’t enjoy being a vampire.”
Well if he had just said that the first time around. Rolling your eyes before you could help it, you walked further into the room and just like a curious feline, you reached out to experimentally poke at one of pieces of weight lifting equipment. Some of these contraptions looked like they could eat you whole.....Kinda like Jungkook. Speaking of, his words finally dawning on you, you quickly turned to him and asked in genuine shock,
“Wait----You don’t like being a vampire???”
Not being able to hold back a soft snort of amusement, the male set down the cleaning supplies he had just been using to wipe down the piece of equipment before taking a seat on the padded floor itself. Sitting with his legs crossed in an indian style, you decided to follow suit and plopped down across from him so that you could see him in case he tried to pull any funny business.
“No. In fact, I quite despise it. Being a vampire has meant giving up a lot of things that I used to love doing when I was human. Like exercising. And food? I absolutely loved food and even enjoyed cooking in the kitchen. Now? It all tastes like damp cardboard. And something that should taste like disgusting copper now tastes like liquid paradise. Worst about that? I don’t have much of a choice. Granted, there’s different types of blood but.....in the end.....it’s all the same.”
Dang. You weren’t expecting him to be so.....open about it. Was this seriously the first time you’ve had a real conversation with him since he kidnapped you? Come to think of it.....You really hadn’t given him the time of day because you were still ticked at him. However, seeing him sitting here now as he shared some of his history with you, things felt different. He flashed you a warm smile before looking around the room and adding casually,
“Exercising was something I had quickly became addicted to in my younger years as a teenager. In fact, I was supposed to go to college for physical therapy but that never happened. There’s just something really rewarding about treating your body right, you know? Something empowering about being able to pump your body and strengthen it more and more with every passing day you hit those weights.”
He paused long enough to look you in the eye with his majestic red ones and added softly,
“I refuse to let my undead genetics take that happiness away from me.”
Wow......You were pretty sure your mouth was hanging open by the hinges as you stared at him in utter amazement. This had to be the most sincere and, dare you say, vulnerable you’ve ever seen the vampire since being brought here. Had he just seriously opened himself up like a book for you to read? You felt kind of bad now for making such a snarky comment earlier. The guilt must have shown on your face as he smiled a little wider and added,
“Please, do not feel bad. I used to let it bother me but I no longer do. No amount of sulking will change what I am. There’s no magic potion or incantation that can reverse what I’ve become. What’s done is done and I must make the most of it and keep moving forward. Speaking of----”
You watched him while still in a daze as he stood up and dusted off his bum and knees. That seemed to be enough to snap you back to reality and you as well got off the floor only to eye him curiously. You were getting used to his smiles as they often revealed his slightly longer than normal canines. And now that you knew what he was, he didn’t bother to wear his brown contact lenses around you; red eyes on full display.
“What would you like for dinner tonight? I was thinking of cooking something for you since I indeed do miss it. Being in the kitchen and all.”
5 MORE WEEKS LATER....
If anything, you were only growing more and more comfortable with your new way of living. In fact, after getting over your pride, you allowed Jungkook to show you around the exercise room and even let him show you how to use each piece of equipment. Truth be told, getting a gym membership had always been something you wanted to do but could never seem to find the time or the money. Now it was like you had your own personal trainer with your own personal gym and it was all free.
Jungkook wasn’t all bad despite the fact that he had kidnapped you and was holding you captive. Despite being a vampire with his long canines, his red eyes, and his love for blood spiked wines, he wasn’t any less human than yourself. He wasn’t kidding when he said he loved to work in the kitchen. The guy was an amazing cook! Meals that you would have normally paid an arm and a leg for, you got for free because Jungkook made it for you.
The guy worked a normal day job, cooked, did yard work, had hobbies. The only reason he didn’t clean around the house was because you had insisted that you needed something to do while he was gone during the day. Not to mention you felt absolutely terrible now. As in you felt like a Grade A Moocher. It was hard to remember that you were technically being held here against your will when you were living such a high life.
You had just finished up cleaning your personal bathroom and was putting the cleaning caddy away in the storage closet located in the hallway when you heard the front door open. What you weren’t expecting was to hear high pitched squeaking sounds filling the bottom floor of the house along with a very panicked sounding vampire.
“Yah yah. Shush. You’re supposed to be a surprise!”
Curiosity getting the better of you, your feet quickly guided you to the top of the stairs only to see a very flustered looking Jungkook trying to keep a squirming----
“Puppy!! Oh my god!! Look how cute!!”
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Yes. In the vampire’s arms was a very excited looking puppy. It’s coat white as snow. Couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old because you could tell it had just opened it’s eyes and it’s paws were still very fleshy and pink-like. Along with that, the ears looked like cute little flaps on the top of it’s head. Not even listening to Jungkook telling you to be careful about going down the stairs so fast, you quickly reached the bottom and nearly ran into him in your haste to get your greedy hands on the cute little fluff ball.
“Oh my gosh!----Gender? Name? Breed? Details, Kook. I need details. Oh my goodness you’re such a cute little thing, aren’t you!?”
The male couldn’t help but smile fondly with amusement sparkling in his ruby red eyes. Honestly, he had been on the fence about doing this. Getting you a pet. However, seeing the look on your face and how you lit up like the brightest star, he knew he had made the right decision. It was no secret to him that you felt lonely and cut off from the world because that’s exactly what he had done to you. He cut you off from having any other human interactions. Despite how good you had it here, he knew this was no way for you to live.
The guilt had ate away at him and he knew he needed to do something to give himself peace of mind. Otherwise, he was just going to sit in that stupid study of his reading through books trying to find answers and only causing himself more grief knowing what he was doing to you. Honestly, that’s why he always went the extra mile to make you happy. Whether it be fixing your favorites for dinner or buying anything you wanted online and throwing in express shipping. It was a constant tug of war in his mind and in his heart.
“It’s a boy and he’s a pure bred Korean Jindo. I felt he would be the best for you because jindos are extremely loyal and smart. They’re Korea’s hunting dog after all. I figured he could keep you company and look after you while I’m away during the day at work.”
Hearing all of this, it clicked in your mind what he was actually saying and you couldn’t help but ignore the puppy trying to lick your face as you gave your full attention to Jungkook; surprise and shock written all over your face. Not even registering the fact that you were being smothered in wet puppy kisses all over your cheek, you asked in genuine surprise,
“You mean.......he’s mine? You mean....you got him for me?”
Jungkook couldn’t decide if your surprise amused him or broke his heart. Your shock was so pure and genuine. There wasn’t a trace of bitterness or sarcasm in your voice either. He could see it in your eyes and hear it in the change of your heart beat. You were touched by his gesture and perhaps that was something comforting rather than something sad. Smiling and nodding, suddenly feeling a bit timid, he replied in a small and shy voice,
“Yes. He’s yours. That’s why I haven’t picked out a name for him yet. You’re his mother now so you should be the one to name him.”
Touched. You were absolutely positively touched by this huge gesture of his. Taking it all in, you realized this was the first thing that Jungkook’s done for you without you having to ask for it. Sure he had made you meals but not before asking what you wanted to eat. But this......Gosh this was on a whole other level. Staring down at the precious little canine as he let out an adorable yawn and a squeak to go along with it, you knew the perfect name for him.
“Hajun. His name is Hajun.”
You looked up from the pup who was making himself comfortable being cradled in your arms and saw the odd look on the vampire’s face. It was a look you had never seen before. He looked....so happy and at peace? Perhaps there was even.....love in his eyes? No---Maybe it was just fondness? Gah you didn’t know. And just like that, it was gone. Clearing his throat, said vampire put on his usual dazzling smile and offered casually,
“Why don’t I start dinner and then while it’s cooking, we can hang in the kitchen and look up some stuff for him, hmm? He’s going to need a lot of stuff. Like a dog bed, food and water bowl, some toys. And if we want to start him out on puppy pads, we’ll need some of those too.”
“Okay! That sounds awesome!”
You had spoken in an excited whisper as you didn’t want to disturb the cute little pup still trying to nap in your arms. Gosh he was so precious and small. Well to you he was. He’d occasionally let out a tiny squeaky whine and you just wanted to coo out loud over how adorable it sounded. Gosh were you getting baby fever or something? Then again......Jungkook had said himself that you were this little guy’s mother. Not even thinking anything of it, you said out loud in a casual tone,
“We’re gonna co-parent, right? I’m his mother but you’re his father, yeah?”
Dear god he nearly dropped the jar of pasta sauce he had been holding. Did you have any idea what you did to him just now??? His heart hadn’t moved within his chest for years but it seemed like you were doing your hardest to make that change. Thank goodness you were still in the foyer and he was in the kitchen so that you couldn’t see what an emotional mess he was. Composing himself, he replied back casually,
“Of course. It would be my honor to be his father. We’ll make the best puppy parents.”
Okay his voice cracked a bit there and went up an octave but hopefully it didn’t seem out of the ordinary to you. Jungkook was a freaking vampire. Nothing was supposed to make him sweat but boy were you pushing it. He really really needed to find some answers or the mystery that was you was going to be what drove him to insanity. If only you knew the things you did to him by merely existing. He was beginning to think those dusty old books in his library weren’t going to tell him squat and that irked him.
And yet it gave him the best excuse to keep you here. Close to him.
While the pasta boiled and the sauce was simmering, you had since plopped yourself into one of the chairs at the dining table that shared an open space with the kitchen itself. So it was like the dining area and kitchen were all one room, really. Which you kind of liked for when you wanted a second helping of Kook’s amazing cooking. Kook the Cook as you had once called him. You’d never forget the way he had cutely scrunched up his nose, acting as if he didn’t totally love it.
After picking out an adorable bed along with a set of water and food bowls that had cute sayings on them, it seemed super easy from there on out to pick out the rest of the items that Hajun would need. Speaking of, the little pupper was currently wobbling all over the table as he was just learning how to walk. The sight was so precious but you also wanted to focus, so Jungkook offered to watch the little guy and make sure he didn’t fall overboard while you picked out what you wanted.
“Okay. I think I got everything I want for him. Gosh he’s going to love his bed!! And the bowls are so cute!! ‘I woof it down’, how adorable!!”
The vampire couldn’t help but snicker in amusement as he had since then been gently bouncing the puppy in his arms while you practically had spasms over every little thing you bought for the fur ball. He wasn’t sure who was more cute, you or Hajun. With a chuckle, he offered the pup to you so that he could take the laptop and put in his billing and shipping information. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see you gently rubbing your nose against Hajun’s as the canine tried to lick your lips in pure innocent joy.
He had definitely made the right decision.
“Okay. Everything’s ordered and will be here in two days. I’m gonna finish dinner but I’ve got another surprise where that’s concerned so shoo shoo. Out of my kitchen. Go give Hajun a tour of the house.”
4 MONTHS AFTER YOUR KIDNAPPING....
“W-What?”
You sat there in shock as you heard the words fall from Jungkook’s mouth. The two of you were in his study. The first time you had ever been allowed in the room. You had just finished lunch and took Hajun for a walk around the estate (yes Jungkook had even let you out of the house!) when the vampire had called you front the sliding back door and requested that you join him for a conversation. You hadn’t thought anything of it......till now.
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He looked so sad, too. Although he was trying his best to conceal it. You’ve been around him long enough to know when he’s trying to put on a brave face and right now he was failing miserably. As if it caused him physical pain, he cleared his throat and said once again,
“You are free to go. I am a man of my word and I told you that once I found the answers I was looking for, I would let you go.”
This didn’t feel right. None of this felt right. No......No no no no no no no no. You refused to believe this was happening. There was this uncomfortable feeling in your mouth like you wanted to puke. You felt weak and shaky and apparently it must have been pretty obvious because the vampire himself looked at you with worry more than sadness.
“Please, little human, say something.”
“I----I don’t understand. I----I don’t know how to feel right now. I----We----You---”
Letting out a groan of frustration, you were happy to see that he was giving you your time to get your thoughts together so that you could continue. It just didn’t make any sense. In fact, he had never even told you why he was looking for answers or what answers he thought he was going to find. He had kept you completely out of the loop and now he was just going to let you go? After you had time to......to.......
Get attached.
“What did you find? You’ve not told me anything about these answers you’re looking for that you’ve suddenly found. Don’t I get to know too before you just throw me out? And what about Hajun? He needs both of us. Both his parents.”
There you go again. Warming and breaking his heart all at the same time. He was beginning to think you had some magical abilities of your own. Trying his best not to anger you any further than you already were, he offered an apologetic smile before speaking softly in that soothing voice you had become so accustomed to hearing.
“My sweet little human. My precious flower. I am sorry to have upset you. I figured you’d be happy to finally be free. You can go out and live in the world again just as you had done before. You of course will be taking Hajun with you. I would never keep you two apart.”
Well now you were just ticked to the point of tears. Your eyes burned as the salt water welled up around them. Jaw tightened as you tried to control your breathing through your nose. To say you were upset would be an understatement. Throwing your hands on the arm rests of the chair you were sitting in, you suddenly shouted,
“I don’t want to leave, you idiot! I love you!”
Well dang. It seemed neither one of you expected that to be what came flying out of your mouth. Well.....you had known quite some time ago that you didn’t want to leave. Granted it had taken some time to come to terms with but you eventually did it. However, you hadn’t dared tell the vampire such news because.....well......you didn’t really know why you hadn’t told him.
You had just told him you loved him. Jungkook stared at you for what felt like an eternity when it was really only a couple minutes. It was hard for you to read his face as his expression was fairly blank save for the surprise in his eyes. Despite how mysterious he tried to be, his eyes really were like windows to his soul. Perhaps he had even been that way when he was human.
“You......You love me.....”
“Ye---Yes. I do. Don’t ask me why right now but yes. I love you, Jerkface. And you better tell me you love me back or I’m gonna have Hajunnie chew your balls clean off.”
Of course this caused the male to bust out laughing as his face instantly scrunched up in that adorable way that you had become so used to seeing. His eyes squinted shut and his nose did that cute scrunch and dear god those cute bunny teeth of his. He ended up throwing himself back into his chair as his laughter rang through the room.
Seeing him happy made you happy. And perhaps that’s when you realized you were falling in love with Jungkook the Dorky Vampire. Kook the Cook. Hajun’s father. Perhaps you finally understood why people in love always claimed that their significant other was their everything.
Jungkook was your everything.
Wanting to wipe that smile off his face, you smirked and practically snuck up on him as you suddenly made yourself at home in his lap; straddling him and placing your hands on his shoulders. This immediately quieted him as his head that had been thrown back in laughter was quickly snapping back up to see what you were doing. This was the closest you had ever been to him physically and now that you were, you didn’t realize how vibrant his red eyes really were.
“What do you think you’re doing, flower?”
“Want to know why I picked Hajun for a name?”
He hadn’t expected you to reply to his question with a question of your own. It seemed kind of random to him. The conversation had been about the two of you, not the fluffy little son the both of you shared. However, now curiosity was getting the better of him, so with a nod of his head, you grinned and said casually,
“Ha can mean summer, great, and grand. Since it was summer at the time, I though that would be appropriate. However, Jun means approve and permit. Meaning.....”
He was still trying to figure out where you were going with this little explanation and how it related to the two of you when your mischievous grin turned into a warm smile filled with love and soft eyes to match. If his heart could beat, it would have pounded right out of his chest. Feeling your fingers lightly caressing his cheek, you finally said,
“Meaning I accept this. I accept you. I approve of you and I am officially permitting you to keep me captive permanently.....Because you’ve managed to successfully hold my heart captive for a while now and I don’t want you to set it free.”
Dreaming. This has to be a dream. Jungkook was going to wake up any minute now and discover this was all some wonderful dream that was going to haunt him for the rest of his days. But he sat there in his desk chair blinking and blinking. Nope. You were still there; sitting in his lap and straddling him looking absolutely gorgeous in your over sized t-shirt and sweats. Just like him. You two had become quite the peas in a pod it would seem.
“May I kiss you?”
“Jungkook, I just told you I loved you in two different ways. If you don’t kiss me I’m going to be very insulted and you’ll be sleeping in Hajun’s bed and Hajun will be sleeping with me.”
Speaking of, their precious pupper had grown quite a lot in such a short amount of time. Jindos were meant to grow into pretty decent sized dogs so you had been enjoying your time with him while he was still a small little thing as much as you could. He wasn’t going to be tiny for long, that’s for sure. You guys were going to have to buy him a larger bed before you knew it. It was then that a soft pair of cold lips pressed gently against your own.
Your first kiss with the vampire was magical. Despite the coolness of his lips, they really were soft. Softer than you expected coming from someone who was supposed to be dead. You could tell he was nervous and uncertain so you helped him along and tilted your head a bit so that you could deepen the kiss. Part of you wondered if he had ever kissed a girl before. Or kissed anyone for that matter.
That little push appeared to do the trick because he was growing bolder by bringing you closer in his lap so that your hips were pressed firmly against his own. His confidence seemed to only grow as he used a hand to gently cradle the back of your head so that he could better take control of the situation and you gladly gave him that control. Mewling into his mouth when he suddenly trapped your bottom lip between his teeth, you couldn’t help but grip his shoulders a little tighter.
Then.....something happened. Something that you definitely weren’t expecting after kissing your vampire captor turned crush turned lover. It was like hearing steam rolling from a humidifier or something. Opening your eyes and pulling away, you looked at Jungkook to see him slowly opening his eyes as well. The sight shocked you both speechless and wide eyed.
Indeed, steam was literally seeping out of the vampire’s body. Up and up the steam poured till it eventually started to form a shape just a few paces away from where you both sat at the desk. Suspended in midair was a foggy, smokey looking bat as it gently flapped it’s wispy wings. You watched with a hanging jaw as the bundle of smoke flapped it’s wings one last time before flying out the open window. Open to let the approaching autumn breeze in.
“What the----”
Looking back at the male, you gasped at what you saw. Eyes no longer red stared on at the window in shock and confusion but with a sparkle to them. Skin that was once porcelain now a beautiful shade of tan. Not too dark. Just the right amount. As if he had just gotten a good dose of sun. And the warmth. He was warm. It was as if.......As if......
Jungkook was human again.
Without even thinking to ask for permission first, or to at least say something to the poor man, you quickly lifted up his shirt just enough to place a hand on his chest where his heart should be. Sure enough, you could feel a beat. It was a bit rapid but that was to be expected. This had to be just as much of a shock to him as it was to you. If not more. Letting out a squeal of excitement, you suddenly tore your hand from under his shirt only to take his shoulders and shake them with pure joy.
“Jungkook!! You’re not a vampire anymore!!”
Meanwhile, the poor man had been stuck like a broken record as he tried to process what the heck just happened. So it was true??? What he had been researching for----hoping for-----wishing for----It was real! The whole reason he had called you into his study. He had found the answer he was looking for but he realized that once he found it......
Gently taking your hands off his shoulders so that he could gingerly hold them in his own, he couldn’t get over how perfectly your fingers entwined with his. Your small hands were made for his larger ones. Waiting for you to calm down, he gave you a warm and loving smile. You were practically glowing with happiness and for the first time in quite a long time, he felt his heart fluttering in his chest.
“My precious flower. My beautiful purple rose. I have a confession to make.”
Uh oh.....
“I kind of already knew that if you were to kiss me.....it would break my curse.”
Not giving you time to say anything, he quickly added on in explanation; knowing you’d react a little better once you understood what he meant.
“The answers I’ve been searching for all this time.....it was you. It was always to do with you because you were the one who could set me free. I just simply had to be sure. It is said that a real love’s kiss can reverse the transformation of a vampire. Therefore, the kiss does not work on purebred vampires. But since I was turned.....”
Taking a quick pause for breath that he normally didn’t need to worry about, he went on to explain himself further.
“However, I said I was a man of my word. The deal was that once I found the answers I was looking for, I would let you go. Of course, there was a part of me that wanted to trick you into kissing me. I’ve been desperate to be free of this curse for years. Decades. Centuries. But I realized......”
He gave you a warm and soft smile; eyes full of apology and yet love.
“I couldn’t do it. Because I’ve fallen so hard for you, my flower. And when you love someone, you put them before yourself. You think of them and their happiness before your own. So I knew what I had to do. I had to let you go. Because it was what you wanted. My love for you is stronger than my desire to be free.”
That definitely was not what you were expecting to hear when he said he had a confession to make. You sat there on his lap with your eyes frozen open and your mouth hanging in shock. However, you managed to blink once, twice and finally snapped out of it before saying in a breathless whisper,
“You......You really love me too?”
“Of course. How could I not? You’re strong, courageous, sweet, caring, funny. Seeing you with Hajun when I get home from work makes me want to put a ring on your finger so badly every time I walk in through that bloody front door. I started fantasizing about what it’d be like to take you out on the town or take you on a vacation with me. I want it all with you, my darling. If you’ll still have me....”
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Was that even a question at this point??? Rather than responding with words, you responded with action. You were done talking for a bit. All you wanted now was some time to finally be able to openly and freely love on this man. The irony of it all still baffled you but that was something to be dealt with later. Right now, you just simply wanted him. All. Of. Him.
That was how Jungkook suddenly found his head being yanked up by the roots of his hair and his mouth suddenly being smothered by your own in a heated kiss. You really knew how to take his breath away, huh? Despite his slight delayed reaction, the man’s brain finally kick-started and his hands found purchase on your hips once more. Guess you were gonna have him after all. Good to know. You broke the kiss long enough to mumble,
“Take me to bed, Jungkook. Now.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Just like that, the male grabbed a firm hold of you and lifted the both of you out of the desk chair. Blindly kicking it somewhere behind him so that he wouldn’t risk tripping, he got a better grip on you and started to carry you out of his study. He knew just where to take you. Meanwhile, you were going to town on his poor neck. Biting, sucking, and licking; turning his neck into a map of the galaxy itself. It was going to take a lot of makeup to look decent for work tomorrow. Deep down, he didn’t mind it one bit.
Swinging the door to his bedroom open, the young man wasted no time in playfully tossing you onto his king sized bed. Yes. His bed. And lord did you look perfect there laying on it all sprawled out with your hair fanning every which direction. Dare he say, your lips looked a bit red and swollen. Probably from assaulting his neck just a minute ago. Looking like a predator as he crawled up after you, he sounded more like a child as he said with a whine,
“Pleeeeaaassssse can I put a ring on your finger??? Pretty please? What is it you humans used to say? ‘With a cherry on top’. That’s it, right?”
You couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter as you stared up at the practical man-child hovering above you. His muscular frame didn’t match his baby boy pout and puppy eyes at all. Reaching up and playfully tapping at his nose, you said soothingly but perhaps a little teasingly,
“Kookie, we only just discovered that we love each other all of two minutes ago. Wouldn’t it be too soon? Shouldn’t we see if this whole couple thing will work out first? And for the record, you’re a human now too.”
Hmm. Even after all this time, you were still the tough cookie to crumble it would seem. Well......Jungkook would just have to fix that, wouldn’t he? Suddenly smirking, the male was quick and sly as he suddenly trapped that finger of yours between his teeth. The suddenness of the whole thing caused a soft gasp to leave your lips. What you witnessed next made your core clench around nothing.
His sharp onyx orbs never leaving your own, he slowly began to suck on the digit that he had successfully captured between his teeth. Gone was the whiny man-child and in it’s place hovered a man hungry for something. Hungry for you. The predator was back and that left you stuck being the prey. Couldn’t say you minded, though. It was then that a sudden idea popped into your head and it was your turn to smirk.
“Okay, big boy. Let’s make a wager. You give me a mind blowing orgasm and I’ll marry you. How about that?”
“Deal.”
With the challenge accepted, Jungkook knew exactly how he wanted this to play out and if everything went according to plan, you’d be Mrs. Jeon before the night was over and it wasn’t even dinner time yet. He always did believe that life was too short and that one should enjoy dessert first....
Climbing off of you, he nearly skipped like a happy child as he went towards his walk-in closet. Swinging one of the doors open, he closely inspected his collection of suit ties and grabbed a silky violet one and a midnight black one. This was going to be so freaking fun for him! It had been too long since he was sexually active and now that he found what he believed to be the woman of his dreams, this moment had been long overdue for him. He could only hope you would enjoy it to. After all, that was the whole point of this bet.
Although you both knew that despite the playful nature you were both exuding on the surface, this moment held a lot more meaning underneath. Behind every teasing look or gesture, there was love. Sure this would be sexy as hell, but this was also about love making. He wanted to show you just how much he truly had fallen for you and that he was serious as a heart attack when he said he wanted to wife you up. With both ties in hand, he slowly made his way back to you while speaking in a tone of explanation,
“The human body holds five basic senses. Touch, sound, sight, taste, and smell. You, on the other hand, will only have three by the time I’m done with you. So....I need to ask.....”
Dear god your body was already heating up with excitement and your core ached something awful. You could feel it physically throbbing and couldn’t stop your thighs from clamping and rubbing together. He couldn’t just spat stuff out like that and then leave you hanging. With a shaky nod of your head, his eyes and smile softened a bit as he asked with sincerity and seriousness,
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course. With my everything.”
It wasn’t even a question for you, really. Granted, a few months ago you would have told him ‘hell no’. But things were different now. Despite his illegal methods, Jungkook was a wonderful man. A man that any woman would be crazy to turn down. Kind of made you rethink your initial refusal to marry him. However, you were torn out of your thoughts when the young male smiled in relief and spoke softly,
“Good. Because you can. You can always trust me. I promise you that.”
With another nod of your approval, the male flashes you a charming smile before getting to work on his plan that would ensure him victory. Climbing onto the bed once more, he was perched on his knees while setting the violet tie down next to you and lifting the black one up in front of himself. That smile turning into a smirk, he began explaining in a casual yet suggestive tone,
“It’s been proven that when one of the five senses gets cut off, that brain power used to control that sense gets put to use on the other remaining senses. So.....If I were to just do something like this.....”
And that was when you suddenly found yourself shrouded in darkness. You heard him softly and sweetly ask you to turn your head so that he could tie the blindfold and dear god you were in so much trouble. Perhaps you should have either been more specific with your bet or not placed the bet at all. This wasn’t gonna end well for you.....Well......depending on how one wanted to look at it. Swallowing hard, you asked in sudden curiosity,
“Now what?”
“Next, I’m going to tie your hands above your head to the headboard. But don’t worry, my love. None of the restraints are going to leave a mark unless you fight them enough.”
Wow, he was right. No longer having your eyesight made all your other senses increase. Especially your sense of hearing because you were having to rely on that more than anything else at the moment. In fact, you hadn’t realized how hard you were breathing till you heard it with your own ears. Before you knew it, Jungkook had successfully taken the remaining silk tie and had your hands secured above your head. Just like he wanted.
Laying there, you played through in your head the five senses again. He said you’d be left with only three by the time he was done. He had cut off your sense of sight so that left you with touch, smell, sound, and taste. You had been so lost in thought and calculating that you hadn’t heard the male get up from the bed till he was climbing back on once more. And even then you only knew this because you could feel the bed dip and heard him approaching.
“This is where you need to trust me, okay? In my hands are ear plugs. If the idea makes you uncomfortable, you need to tell me now. Okay, my flower?”
“I can take it. I can handle it. Please just touch me already. I can’t wait much longer.”
It’s true. You were literally squirming under him as he had you straddled between his legs. This was so freaking hot and sexy! Never before have you thought of implementing bondage in the form of losing your hearing. Sure the blindfold was a classic but hearing!? Genius! Or maybe your sex life had just been that bland and vanilla??? Either way. You were officially throwing in the towel. Bet or no bet, you wanted this. You needed this.
His dark chuckles soon became muffled as you felt him carefully inserting the ear plugs one at a time. Oh god. Oh god. You could feel your breathing increase and you’re pretty sure your panties were absolutely soaked. Even just feeling him shift on the bed had you gasping in surprise; amazed at how much your sense of touch had increased from losing both your sight and your hearing.
The five human senses really were incredible, huh?
Now that he had you all sorted and ready to go, the sight was unbelievably delicious. Oh yes. His first real ‘meal’ after being human again. He couldn’t imagine it any other way. Dessert really should always be eaten first. Subconsciously licking his lips that had suddenly became quite dry, he moved into action while still admiring your beautiful form.
Your poor chest was heaving as you adjusted to the changes in your senses. It was plain to see you had never done something quite as adventurous before. Good. This would only help his chances of winning the bet. Of course it was just a bet but......Jungkook was competitive by nature and so it was only natural for him to want to win. But having you here and having you say you loved him......He had already won the best prize of all.
Not wanting to shock you too much, he gently rested his hands on your hips and slowly rubbed at the skin there in what he hoped to be soothing motions. He would have told you to try and relax but he knew you wouldn’t hear him. Or at least you wouldn’t hear him well enough to know what he was saying. Instead, he tried to ease you up by massaging your hips, already feeling you relax a little bit. Good. Now maybe he could enjoy this without worrying if you were going to pass out from lack of oxygen to your brain.
First off, he had to get you out of some of these clothes. They were all in his way and that was just unacceptable. With a soft huff through his nose, he began by lifting your shirt so that it was bunched up just over the swell of your breasts. Had he still been a vampire, he probably could have just ripped the thing right down the middle but those days were over. Thank goodness. Reaching underneath you, he worked on unclasping your bra and was thankful to see you acting on instinct and arching your back for him to make things easier.
Shoving the offensive contraption out of his way, he eagerly leaned forward to capture your left bud in his mouth. You should have expected it. You really should have. But judging from the way your body was instantly arching and the audible gasp that left your lips told him otherwise. Or perhaps you were finally realizing just how strong your sense of touch had become. Yes. He had you. Hook, line, and sinker.
While his mouth busied himself with your left breast, his one hand made itself acquainted with your right breast, tweaking and teasing your sensitive nub. Meanwhile, he was using his other hand to help keep himself balanced so that he wouldn’t crush you under his weight. The guy was pure muscle, after all. Your moans quickly filled the room and that was when another idea struck him. Gosh you made his mind think such filthy things, didn’t you? This was all your fault. He was certain of it.
Not quite finished enjoying the swell of your bosom, he allowed himself a few more minutes of suckling and nibbling at your nipples. He wanted them nice and red and perky. Gosh where was his cell phone when he needed it??? A camera. He needed pictures. Meanwhile, he could feel you squirming under his lips and whining loudly in his ear. Then again, you probably didn’t even know how loud you were being with those ear plugs in.
Having his fill of your beasts and pleased with how much it affected you, he moved on to the next phase of his plan and where his latest idea had sprouted from. Carefully moving down your body, he was relieved to see you calming down already. So sensitive. He loved it. Now down towards the end of the bed, he began working on getting your sweatpants off along with your panties. Yet again, you knew to help him by lifting your hips and in a flash, your bottom half was completely naked.
Tossing your sweatpants somewhere to the side, his main focus was on your panties that he held in front of him. God you smelled amazing. Not being able to resist the temptation of it all, he eagerly pressed the dampen cloth to his nose and inhaled deeply. Dessert would be oh-so sweet. Yes it would. Without another second wasted, the male crawled back up your body with panties in hand before he carefully eased your mouth open.
Bloody hell what was this man up to??? Your mind reeled with possibilities as you laid there with absolutely no eyesight and no way of hearing anything. Every time you thought you could catch your breath, he’d find some way to snatch it right from your lungs. You’d had your nipples played with before but what he just did there was on a whole other level. His mouth was magical. You were convinced. But then he was going and prying your own mouth open. Jungkook. Always full of surprises.
The next thing you knew, something soft and damp was being stuffed into your mouth. What the----were those your panties!!?!? Oh good lord!! You didn’t know if you wanted to be completely mortified, absolutely furious, or totally turned on right now. Apparently Jungkook wasn’t going to give you time to decide because not a minute later, he was back down at your feet and it was like a shock wave had been sent straight through your body. From the tips of your toes, all the way to the crown of your head and everywhere in between.
Jungkook’s tongue.
Jeon Frickin’ Jungkook was going to eat you out.
You were so done for.
Muffled moans and loud slurping soon filled the bedroom as you instantly tried to struggle against your bounds above your head. Again, this wasn’t your first rodeo but, Jungkook was making it seem that way. Gosh what were you? A virgin??? No. You knew exactly what it was. You were too gosh darn sensitive. That’s what it was. It was like having your vibrator set to the highest right off the bat. You couldn’t control your body as you tried to squirm away. Too sensitive. Too sensitive! Yet it felt so so good.
Meanwhile, the male was having a feast all the while trying to keep you still. Your hips had bucked almost violently into his face and that’s when he knew he needed to hold you down with some force to it. Keeping your hips locked down in place, he threw your legs over his shoulders and got into a better and more comfortable position so he could enjoy his meal a little better. God you tasted like heaven. The most sinful kind.
Attaching his lips to your swollen, aching clit, he risked taking a hand off your hip so that he could ease a single digit into your fluttering core. The muffled moan that came from you could have meant two things. You either liked it or it brought some discomfort. Making sure he coated his finger with your natural juices, he tried once more and......there it was. Much better. Those were the moans he wanted to hear you make.
If this was how things were gonna go down, you weren’t going to last very long at all. Nope. Your walls were already trying to suck his single finger in with everything you had. Subconsciously, you tugged and pulled at the silk tie still wrapped around your wrists. Was it just you or did it feel like they were getting tighter? Eh. Your senses were so effed up and turned around now, you didn’t even know. Why were you even thinking about that in the first place. Your soon-to-be husband was giving you the treat of a lifetime here.
In between sucking on your clit, he teasingly drew circles and figure eights over the poor abused bundle of nerves. But he didn’t want to stop there. No. Oh no. He needed to stretch you out before moving forward with his plan. With that thought in mind, he carefully entered another finger into your sopping core and heard you let out another moan. He could feel your hips twitching and trying to buck against his hold but he remained firm in his resolution.
Adding a third finger had you feeling deliciously full and made your walls clench around all three digits as Jungkook worked you to heaven and back. Unlike your own, his fingers were able to reach spots deep inside you that you could only dream of. More specifically your sweet spot. Although your sight had been cut off due to the blindfold, that didn’t stop the stars from bursting behind your eyes and the moan from drowning in your throat. He was ruthless.
Fingers moving faster and lips sucking your clit raw, Jungkook’s face was almost completely covered in your juices as he had his way with you. Almost there. He could feel it in the way that your walls were trying to squeeze off the circulation to his fingertips. He wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you squirted. Seriously. You were soaking him and the bed both. He couldn’t help but internally grin at the mental image of your mortified face.
Just before you could tip over the edge, everything stopped. Fingers were gone as was his mouth. You were about to raise holy hell when suddenly your panties that were soaked in not only your juices, but your saliva as well had been pulled out from your mouth. Good. Because despite your slightly aching jaw, you weren’t going to let this slide. Still blind as a bat and not giving a flying leap if you could hear or not, you started shouting,
“Jeon Jungkook!! You better get back down there before I----”
“Yah! Relax!”
He then quickly but carefully took out the ear plugs and untied the silk tie from your eyes. Thanking the stars that it had started to turn a bit cloudy out, you eased your eyes open only to stare up at a smiling Jungkook. Ugh. Look at that stupid smile on his face. All pleased with himself. Jerkface.
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“Give up yet?”
“Absolutely not! You didn’t even let me finish, you jerk! You frickin’ edged me!!”
Laughing with a half fist raised to cover his nose and mouth, his whole body shook with amusement as you just laid there fuming. Even more so, he was so freaking heavy that he had you locked in place underneath him so you couldn’t even try to knee him in the balls or anything. Jerk. Pride and dignity out the window, you whined loudly and tried to wiggle underneath him.
“Koooook. Come oooonnnnnn. Make me cum! Please?! I was so close!”
“Say you’ll marry me first.”
“Ugh! Fine! I’ll marry you! Now gimme that mind blowing orgasm you promised me before I make you sleep outside!”
You should have known you wouldn’t win that bet. You should probably be thinking more smarter about this whole thing. Marriage was a big deal. But so was being kidnapped and held hostage for four months and look where that got you. Maybe things would be okay. The two of you could make it work. You never know till you try, right? What’s life without a little reckless decision making and taking some huge risks?
Speaking of huge.......
“Oh my god, Kook! It’s not going to fit! Stop stop!”
“Will you just relax for one minute???”
Letting out a soft whine of defiance, you watched with eyes filled to the brim in nervousness as the male had tugged both his sweatpants and boxer briefs down in one go. He was huge! There was no way he was going to fit. No way! Whimpering, you instinctively tried to move away from him but strong yet careful hands kept you in place. With a soft shush, Jungkook’s voice washed over you in a soothing tone.
“Hey. Hey. Flower. Ease. Ease. You said you trust me, right?”
Not realizing you had shut your eyes, you slowly opened them back up to stare into the soft yet sparkling orbs of your lover. The warm smile on his face instantly calmed your frazzled nerves. You couldn’t help it. You were sensitive. Your body had just about reached it’s high and then it all came to a stop. You were still adjusting to having all five of your senses back and it was just really hard to fathom how his length was going to fit. You hadn’t had sex in forever.
“Ye-Yes. I trust you. I really do. I’m just scared. It’s been awhile.”
“And there’s nothing wrong with being scared. But you can trust me. Okay? I’ll go slow. We’ll take this in baby steps.”
With your nod of approval and official consent to proceed, Jungkook carefully untied your wrists so that he could take both of your hands in his and gently kiss at the slight red marks the silky fabric had left in it’s wake. With that same warm smile of reassurance and love on his face, he instructed in a soft and soothing voice,
“Now, I want you to plant your hands wherever you need to, okay? Try not to worry. I got you. You’re safe with me. I promise.”
Okay. Maybe it was a good thing he was trying to wife you up because you’d be absolutely stupid not to marry this guy. Nodding once more, you decided to simply wrap your arms around him with your dull nails already trying to dig into his back as if to brace yourself. When he felt you were comfortable and one hundred percent ready, he slowly eased himself till the tip of his cock was gently prodding your entrance. He had already been at half mast for awhile but there was something about seeing your smaller figure laying there underneath him that had him up to full height in no time.
“Ease, my love. You’re fine. Everything’s alright.”
Swallowing and nodding, you shut your eyes tight as you felt Jungkook slicking up his length with your natural lubrication. Even that alone had you shivering and letting out a feeble moan. This was it. Here we go. Biting your bottom lip hard enough to risk breaking skin and eyes still shut tight, you felt him ease himself further till the head of his cock was gently pushing against your opening. Granted he had managed to stretch you out a bit with his fingers earlier but you were just so wound up and tense. He needed to distract you.
With a plan in mind, the male leaned down and gently started to nibble at your neck; searching for that spot that would help send you to the moon with euphoria and in turn make the perfect distraction for you. An open mouthed kiss here and a gentle suck there. Nudging his nose along the skin of your neck, he reached up and gently tugged on your earlobe before whispering softly,
“Relax, my flower. Just trust me.”
Leaning back down to your neck, he could feel your muscles relaxing a little. Taking this chance while he had it, he used this moment to ease his hips further and sure enough, the tip of his cock breached your entrance. There. The scary part was over as far as he was concerned. But wow! You were so warm and so tight. Okay. Okay. He had to focus. Think of you before himself. Those were his words and he was a man of his word. Vampire or not.
Okay. Okay. You could do this. He was in. He was in and your koochie hadn’t split in two yet. Wow he was so big! Seriously! Had you seriously went so long without having sex that you were suddenly a virgin all over again? Or was he just that big??? You didn’t know but suddenly you felt his teeth bite your neck and a wave of pleasure coursed through you causing your walls to clench around him; making you both moan in union.
Dear god he shouldn’t have done that. Why? Because the way your walls just clenched around him like a boa constrictor had him seeing stars and made his hips twitch just the slightest. Okay. Let’s not do that again just yet. No more biting. Not till he was fully sheathed in you and he could have his way with you. Taking a deep breath himself, he stared down at you and waited for your next nod of approval.
Slowly but surely, he was easing himself in till he bottomed out and the two of you shared a sigh of relief. Jungkook had his forehead pressed against your own as he licked his lips before teasingly licking your own. Bless your heart. You were taking his size like a trooper. He’d make sure to get you whatever ring your heart desired after this was all over. You deserved it and so much more. As he planted sweet and teasing kisses all over your face, you couldn’t help but giggle in bashfulness before saying softly,
“Okay, Kook. You can move. I think I’m good.”
“Very well, my love. You’re doing so well. I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Being as careful as if he were handling precious glass, he eased his hips back and watched for any sign of discomfort that might flash across your face before slowly pushing himself back in. God you felt amazing. So warm and tight. He just couldn’t get over the amazing feeling of being inside you like this. Raw with no boundaries. Granted, he was going to have to try and remember to pull out. You were on the pill but that wasn’t guaranteed and he never dreamed that he’d find a mate so condoms weren’t exactly something he had lying around the house.
“Faster. Harder!”
“Oh? You mean like......this?”
He was such a show-off. One minute you were digging your nails into the fabric of his shirt only for him to pry your hands away so that he could quickly rid himself of the offending article of clothing. Once he was completely naked and still sheathed deep inside you, he made just as quick work of your own shirt and bra that was already half off anyway. There. Both of you were completely naked now. Grinning, he said with a deep voice,
“I’ll show you faster. I’ll show you harder. Be careful what you wish for, my love.”
Oh boy----
Suddenly pulling out, he had you flipped over onto your hands and knees in a flash. Were you guys one hundred percent certain there wasn’t still some vampire in his blood? Because dang that happened super fast. You didn’t have time to think on it further because the man in question suddenly stuffed you full of his cock once more; causing you to let out a small cry of pleasure and pain. God he was so big. Seriously. It was a miracle he even fit. Your poor pussy.
If walking wasn’t an option before, it definitely wasn’t going to be now. Jungkook may no longer be a vampire, but that didn’t seem to slow down his super strength any. Your body felt like it was being jerked back and forth at a rapid pace and you’re pretty sure you were going to have finger-shaped imprints on your hips by the time this was all over.
Jeon Jungkook was still a freaking beast, man.
“Ju-un-ko-oo-ook.”
You couldn’t even say a single word without it being broken into thrust-paced syllables as the male dominated you like the animal he had turned into. It was hot as hell. You definitely weren’t complaining. But you would be in the morning. Your hands gripped the bed sheets beneath you with white knuckles as you felt your end quickly approaching again. Trying to get a full sentence out this time, you managed to cry out,
“I’m close!”
“Me too, babe. Me too!”
He knew just how to get you to that mind blowing release he had promised you. With one muscular arm wrapping around your middle, he hoisted you up till you were both on your knees with your back pressed and practically molded against his chest; both of your skin slick with sweat. With his other hand, he quickly reached down and started to furiously rub your clit, causing you to let out another cry of pleasure.
“Oh god! Yes! Just like that! More! More!”
“Such a greedy little thing, aren’t you? Tell me why you deserve it?”
“Because I agreed to marry you, you jerk!!”
Okay he had to admit......You had a good point. You got him with that one. Grinning like an idiot upon hearing you say the words out loud, he decided to treat you to a little reward and while moving his hips a little harder and a little faster, he rubbed and pinched your clit before leaning in and zoning on your neck so he could bite and suck once more.
Hearing your high pitched moan told him he had found the perfect combination to unlock your release. He could feel it in the way that your walls were starting to spasm around his hard length. Dear god please don’t let him cum inside you. As much as he wanted to......it was for your own protection. That is......till the words came tumbling out of your mouth.
“Kook! Cum with me! Cum inside me! Please!”
Well.....if you insisted. Holy lord the two of you better not regret this later. Don’t get him wrong, of course Jungkook would love to have actual children with you. But he still wanted time with you all to himself. Plus he felt like the two of you were getting lots of good practice in by having Hajun around. He was like a low maintenance baby and the male enjoyed that aspect of parenting. He wanted kids. Just not in this moment.
However, your wish was his command and so he finally brought the both of you to your end because as soon as you started constricting around his cock, it was enough to tip him over the edge as he too let out a loud moan and spilled his load; your walls milking him for everything he was worth. Wow. If his release was anything like yours, he was pretty sure he had delivered and then some because he felt like he was on cloud nine right now.
With a few lingering thrusts to help ride out both of your highs, he took a moment to pause and catch his breath. It had been a long time since he needed to worry about oxygen getting to his lungs and his brain. Wow. He forgot what being human was like. Humans were so fragile compared to vampires. Speaking of fragile......
“You okay, my flower? I didn’t break you, did I?”
“Nah, I’m good. But I don’t think my pussy is ever gonna be the same again. Wow.”
He snorted while you giggled. Perhaps it was the amazing sex you just had, but you were incredibly happy right now. You were full but it was of a different nature. Whole. Perhaps that was the better term you were looking for. You felt whole and complete. Sure you were probably going to be sore beyond belief in the morning but you didn’t care at the moment. All that mattered was being here with Jungkook. The man you once despised and now couldn’t imagine your life without.
Easing his softened length out of your poor abused pussy, Jungkook treated you with care once more as he eased the two of you down and under the covers. It was probably dinner time by now but honestly the male just wanted to take a moment and lay here with you. The woman of his dreams. The one who set him free from a terrible curse. You looked so beautiful laying there with your skin glowing and eyes sparkling with life.
“So tell me, what is it that you love about me? Is it my charming good looks? Maybe the muscles?”
You couldn’t help but giggle like a schoolgirl when he propped himself up with one arm and flexed the other in a dramatic fashion; his face scrunching up in that cute manner that you love so much. In fact, you were still so high from your release that you couldn’t stop giggling at his dorky antics. Trying to stay decent, you covered your mouth before shaking your head and replying back in a teasing tone,
“Nope. Those don’t impress me. But you do make a pretty mean devil’s food cake. What frosting was that you used on it the other night?”
“Double fudge.”
“I knew it! A man after my own heart.”
“Looks like I got it, didn’t I?”
The two of you shared identical smiles of warmth and love as the male reached out to gently tuck a couple crazy strands of hair back behind your ear. Yes. He had certainly captured your heart and you were okay with that. Once upon a time? Absolutely not. If someone had told you that you’d be falling in love with a man who drugged and kidnapped you, you would have laughed in their face. But here you were.
“You know......I was never one for funhouses and that one was creepy as hell.......but I think I could get used to staying in this house. It’s super fun”
“Oh my god. You’re such a dork. Get dressed. Dinner will be ready in 30.”
You giggled as he playfully shoved your shoulder. Grinning like an idiot in love, he leaned down and placed a chaste kiss to your lips before rolling out of bed to head to the bathroom so that he could clean himself up real quick before making dinner. It all felt really domestic and that was when you realized......
Maybe you really did want to marry that dork.
And perhaps even have a kid or two.
Speaking of.......
You rolled over and immediately spotted Hajun sitting at the door with a wagging tail and tongue out just panting away in happiness. Your cheeks instantly flushed the heaviest shade of red as you played a staring contest with your fluffy son before saying in a weak and pleading voice,
“Please tell me you just got here.”
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satsuki2406 · 3 years
Text
Dear Aomi Bakugou Katsuki x Reader
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"I've seen you in a dream before, you are the warm and bright presence that embraced me on Cape Kamui a long time ago on a June afternoon."
Shinohara (Y/N) is a normal girl who had everything she could ask for, a loving family, a beautiful home, friends, and a fluffy cat. For a long time, she gave her life and happiness for granted, never imagining that she'll face one of the worst and crueler facades of society so closely, destroying what once was a happy, harmonious and normal family. One day, in hopes to recover what they lost, the Shinohara family took one of the more difficult decisions of their lives; leave behind their home back in Hokkaido and travel hundreds of miles south until Musutafu, the place that could grant them a solution and help close the yet fresh wound and scare away the ghosts of the past. Hardheaded, passionate, and ambitious (Y/N) is forced to confront the incarnated face of the superhuman society that she hated the most; Bakugou Katsuki.
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PAIRING: (Bakugou Katsuki x Reader)
GENRE/WARNINGS: Romance, Fluff, Angst, Dark Themes, My poor attempt of humor, Strong language (Courtesy of King Lord Explosion Murder God *********💥), Manga Spoilers.
STATUS: On going
Chapter 1: School is a Great Place to Make Enemies
Chapter 2: My Stupid Classmate, The Angry Dandelion
Chapter 3: In Conclusion, This Day Was...
Chapter 4: Welcome to the Neighborhood 
Masterlist \( ̄︶ ̄*\))
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✒A/N:
OH-EM-GEE-
It's really been a while since I updated this story, I really thought it was a couple of months ago, I’ve been very busy lately and just kept pushing writing for later, and later transformed into 8 months! I had to admit that I also had a huge block with this story, but recently I got a lot of inspiration and energy, chapter 6 is almost ready but editing needs to be done after all. Hopefully this would be a good one! There’s more details coming in future chapters and also new characters! I got a thing for OCs recently, I feel they add more personality to the story!
Enjoy!
o(*°▽°*)o
5: Aldera Chronicles
‘Just a good day’ That was what you prayed, asked for last night, and what you tried to repeat to yourself to keep calm and serene while you looked desperately for your earphones. As soon as you did, you connected them to your phone and searched for the loudest song you kept in your collection.
“Oi! I’m talking to you dumbface!”  
The loudest one of all.
After the whole ‘neighbors fiasco’ you got stuck with Bakugou on your way to school, both of your mothers insisted that you should go to school together at least today, so you could ‘amend your differences and get closer’ you almost gag at the suggestion, but your mom looked so ecstatic about the idea of you making new friends, after all she hasn’t looked that excited in a while, so you could not find yourself saying no to her.
Although you ‘accepted’, that didn’t mean that you will stay with him all the way to school, right now you were still in their field of vision, so if you left him behind, they will notice. You were just waiting for the perfect moment, as soon as you made it to the end of the street and turned to the left, you will take that as a cue to hop on your bike and leave him behind eating your dust.
“What a shity morning, stuck with this idiot. That friking hag threaten me to change the wifi password if I didn’t come and to top it off, she had the fucking nerve to take my phone, fan-fucking-tastic…” Bakugou was right in front of you grumbling angrily and throwing profanities left and right. His anger was more than evident; he was more hunched over than normal; his hands were way deeper in his pockets to the point you thought he could rip them open and his feet were stomping on the ground with such intensity that you could almost feel it vibrate under your own.
Despite the fact that you could not see his face, you could bet your (F/C) post-its that there was an extra deep scowl and curled pouty lips ‘decorating’ his face right now. You tried to distract yourself with your phone and avoid Bakugou as much as possible, it was bad enough to spend more time with him than you already did in school, not to mention that unwanted encounters may become commonplace being next-door neighbors.
You sighted dejected at the thought, you really were kind of excited about moving to a new city, Musutafu was way bigger than Sapporo was, with bigger malls, parks, shops, restaurants and more fun things to do. But sadly for you, Bakugou manage to crush your hopes and expectations as soon as he opened his mouth, hell, even by existing actually.
Your attention was snaped back to reality when the sound of cars passing by and other students came to you. You got on your bike again, getting in front of Bakugou so you could reach the avenue faster, “Oi! Don’t go in ahead of me dumbshit!” You ignored him as he yelled at you, his words more and more inaudible as you got farther.
After a few minutes you had lost him completely, he probably went the opposite direction to the bus stop or the train station, Aldera was close, but not enough to go walking, you did it there in twenty five minutes with your bike if you took your time, fifteen if you were in a rush, you made sure to verify how long it would take you to get there the days prior that you had to actually go back to school.
You decided to relax and enjoy the view of the city and listen to your favorite songs like the day before. Luckily the Tatooine Station was open, safe and working at its fullest.
“Not a single villain in sight, phew, how good that they managed to clear the area otherwise I would have had to…” Suddenly memories of your crossing trough Dump Beach™ came to you, that was an experience you were so willing to don’t repeat ever again. “I wonder who else from my school had to make a detour like me yesterday, or if someone was involved in the incident… those ladies said it was a middle schooler, but it’s quite ambiguous data to make any conclusive statements, there are hundreds of middle schools in Musutafu and the commercial district is in the center, so it could be anyone.”
You stopped in front of a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. ‘I’ll ask Midoriya if he knows something else, he probably passed by or something’. You had to admit that you were kind of excited about the idea of befriending the green head, even with his nervous, anxious, jumpy and shy personality he gave you a kind and sweet vibe. His insecurity gave away his true nature; his clumsiness, the nervousness, overanalyze everything, the mutter, for some they could be annoying but you found it rather and oddly fascinating, it made him feel real, genuine and honest.
‘He’s almost like…’
The chirping sound of the traffic light snapped you out of your rampant thoughts announcing that the light had finally turned green. You started off with your bike along the rest of the pedestrians and continued on your way to the school.
The rest of the way to Aldera passed without any hitch, you left your bike locked and took your stuff to walk to the shoe lockers like yesterday, just a few feet ahead you distinguish a very familiar mop of green curly hair. He seemed slightly hunched and deep in thought, probably way too deep in thought to the point that you could see a colorful smeared aura surrounding him and the word mutter coming out of his mouth. And you were not the only one, as you could see the people around walking away, with slightly perturbed expression on their faces. You just took it as a cue to let your presence being known.
“Good morning Midoriya!” You hopped by his side and greeted him enthusiastically. The poor thing almost had a heart attack and jumped out of his own skin as you just scared the shit out of him. He released a muffled scream and seem to calm down a tiny bit to immediately turn the shade of a tomato and babble a greeting.
“G-G-G-G-G-Good mo-morning Shinohara-san! You-You-You caught me by su-surprise.” He squeaked as he covered his face with his arms and his eyes moved erratically to look everywhere but you.
“Did I scare you? I’m sorry! I guess I let myself go a little bit.” You trailed, resting a palm against your nape.
“Oh nonono! Please don’t apologize! Y-Y-You were been courteous after all. He whispered breathlessly at the end fidgeting his fingers nervously. “I…nobody ever greets me or says good morning, I didn't expect it and that's why I got a little nervous. T-That’s all, so don’t worry.” His little confession shocked you for a moment, it was really depressing to be honest but it motivated you at the same time.
You beamed confidently at him, “Well Midoriya, I recommend that you get used to it then, because I intend to greet and say goodbye to you every day without fail from now on.”
He looked up at you with a surprised and somewhat puzzled expression, his fingers started to twitch nervously, his countenance became even redder if that was even possible.
“B-B-B-B-B-But Shi-Shinohara-san-!”
“Shush, shush, shush! I am not going to put it up for discussion this is how it’ll be from now on and it's over.” You placed your hands on your hips, a slight scowl adorning your face to accentuate your mock annoyance. “Besides, who will run away from Bakugou with me after I tell him how much of an asshole he is for the umpteenth time in a row?”
You relaxed your demeanor again, offering him a goofy smile, so he could notice that you weren't even mad to begin with. The poor greenette thought for a smidgen that he made you angry and that worried him profusely. But one glance at you told him that you were being sincere, he was scared that you could be trying to play a prank just to make fun of him as it has already happened to him so many times. that alien feeling of relief and tranquility invaded his chest, apparently the chance encounter he had with his childhood hero had been a good omen and brought him more good things that he could imagine.
His eyes teared up with hope and a squiggly smile adorned his face, he dried his tears with his gakuran sleeve and clenched his fists excitedly.
“So, what do you think?” you asked eagerly.
“I look forward for it!”
.
.
“Did you see what happened yesterday at the commercial district? It seemed pretty rough” You commented to Midoriya absentmindedly while you took your uwabaki from your locker. He visibly flinched as he heard your question almost dropping his shoes in the process.
“Ye-Yeah, they said that the pro heroes could hardly put up a fight because of the villain’s quirk.”
“Right? Hopefully All Might was nearby, otherwise who knows what would have happen. I wonder if the hostage is ok, I didn’t watch the news last night so I’m not pretty sure what exactly happened. Do you know how it was?
He flinched again and turned his head to you rigidly as you raised an eyebrow at his sudden odd behavior.
“I do-don’t know a lot but I read that everything was ok afterwards, the hostage walked out with just a couple of scratches, so there’s nothing to be concerned about Shinohara-san, it’s pretty nice of you to worry so much, especially since the hostage…” Midoriya looked down and tapped his trembling indexes together; he wanted to tell you something, but didn’t know how.
“Come on Midoriya, you already told me the hostage is ok, what can be so bad that you are hesitant to tell me?” You inquired him softly.
“Is nothing bad per se, well, you’ll see the hostage…” He paused and looked in all directions to check if anybody was listening. Ok, weird. He got a little closer to you and cupped his mouth with his left hand.
“The pe-person captured yesterday was-”
Your little hush-hush conversation was interrupted when the metallic sound of a locker being abruptly opened echoed in the sudden silent space. Your ears located the unexpected noise behind you and instinctively you turned to see what had caused such a ruckus.
A couple of lockers from you, a really angry and really frustrated Bakugou appeared right in front of your eyes. You observed how out of the blue everything and everybody seemed to freeze in time, and all eyes were on him. The atmosphere turned tense, every person there watched attentively his every movement, talking with just a glance, some people were whispering among themselves no even taking their eyes off him.
‘What the hell is happening?’
He took his uwabaki and slammed them on the floor, removed his shoes and buried them unceremoniously in the locker, slamming the door shut. He grumbled, trying fruitlessly to put his uwabaki, cursing that he couldn't put them on as smoothly as he would’ve liked. He suddenly stopped his movements, acknowledging the unwanted attention he was receiving.
“The hell are you looking at you fucking losers?! Why don’t you mind your own damn business, huh?!”
His voice echoed with fury at the school entrance, despite their obvious fear, nobody moved an inch, all the eyes glued on him. He finished to put on his shoes and stomped further inside. At the corner of his eye he noticed your presence and immediately stared at you, he seemed even more infuriated than before, this clearly soured his mood even further, if that was even possible.
You returned it with one of your own, as intense or more as his, the attention seemed to turn your way as your little staring contest became longer, Midoriya nervously looked between you and him, probably waiting for another showdown to break out, just like yesterday. Everybody’s breath hitched by the minute, but you didn’t back down, your (E/C) eyes met the fiery inferno of his crimson ones, after a couple more seconds he just tsked and stomped away with his hands buried way deep in his pockets.
After he left, the clock started ticking again, everyone took a breath of relief, averted their eyes from his retracting back and continued their lives like always. Midoriya’s shoulders relaxed significantly at the time that his soul slowly returned to his body. When you noticed him more calmed and focused, decided to address the elephant in the room.
“What. The. Heck. Just. Happened?” You whispered bewildered. “Who peed on his cereal? If this is something usual here, I’ll be more than glad to take my bike and go all the way back to Sapporo.” You crossed your arms over your chest and stared irritated at his retracting back.
“Well, now that Captain McTantrum™ left, what was that you wanted to tell me about yesterday’s incident?” You asked relaxing your demeanor to something more gentle and friendly. Midoriya flinched slightly and his poise appear suddenly uneasy.
“Um, well, the person-the-the person th-th-that got trapped by the mud villain, tha-tha-that person…” Midoriya tried over and over but it was useless, he couldn’t complete a single sentence without stumbling over his own words. Noticing that using his words would be useless, he looked at you in the eyes to then wander his gaze, pointing to something behind him. You started at him completely lost while he kept repeating the same cycle of looking at you and then looking away, urging you to get what he was trying to say, not moving his head once, like he was unsure to look back.
You exanimated what was at his back; just a couple of students walking to their respective classrooms, friends greeting each other, and Bakugou turning to the right at the end of the corridor to go upstairs-
‘Wait, Bakugou?’
Then it hit you, the awkward silence when he arrived, the unwanted starring, the murmuring, his more than usual foul mood, the outburst, Midoriya’s reluctance to tell you, he probably though he would get into trouble with him if it reached his ears that stupid Deku was talking shit of him to thief bitch. Everything made sense now. You broke out of your trance and looked at Midoriya “Was Bakugou?-” He eagerly nodded his head, satisfied that you finally understood him.
“Oh, I see…”
“Y-Yes…”
“…”
“…”
“HOLLY SHIT-”
.
.
With the issue clarified and only five minutes left before the class started you two proceeded to go upstairs as well. Midoriya and you made small talk with some intervals of comfortable silence here and there, soon enough you both reached your classroom, people chatting lively when you opened the door. Midoriya walked in just behind you as you made it to your designated seats.
‘If I’m not wrong, Math is our first class of the day’ your mind wandered to other school related topics while you seated at your desk, just as you did the bell ringed and your teacher entered the classroom and started his lesson of the day.
.
.
Midday finally came, which mean it was finally lunch time, you invited Midoriya beforehand to eat with you, he timidly accepted, after a lot of nervous quacking but you could tell he seem excited about the idea. As soon as the bell that announced the so waited lunch break ringed, you proceeded to pack your books and stationery into your bag and take out your bento when your desk was crowded by what it looked like to be all the girls in your class. One of them, a girl with short brown hair and blue eyes was the first to approach you.
“Hey Shinohara! Do you want to have lunch with us? We didn’t actually have the chance to talk yesterday and we thought it would be nice to know you better.” She spoke.
“Yuki-chan is right! Is refreshing to have another girl in the class after almost three years since we are very few, with you we are eight now!” Said another one of them visibly thrilled.
“You looked so cool yesterday when you confronted Bakugou!”
“I think nobody has managed to do that and live after it, or actually do it”
“Right?!”
“So awesome!”
They gave you a really kind and chill vibe, chatting and praising you animatedly. Although they seemed to really enjoy Bakugou’s antics against your green head classmate, well, nobody's perfect, noted. You can’t judge the book by its cover, but when you looked at them, it’s impossible to not think about…
The offer is almost irresistible.
Almost.
“That sounds lovely! But Midoriya and I agreed to have lunch together today, so I’m afraid we’ll have to leave it to another time.” You almost cringed at how cutesy and honeyed your voice sounded but they seemed to buy it, until their expressions made a 180. Their faces were shocked and almost offended at the thought of you putting him over their proposal. It was a ‘are you for real?’ reaction over all. You kept smiling at them to emphasize that you were serious, when the girl that talked first tried to dissuade you.
“B-But why don’t you eat with us today and leave your lunch with him for tomorrow? I’m sure Midoriya won’t have a problem, right?” She turned and looked at him just as the rest of the girls did after she, Midoriya flinched nervously holding his bento at the unexpected attention he was receiving.  
“Eh…! I…! Well… Um…”
“You see! He’s ok with it!”
‘He hasn’t even said a thing!’ You thought trying to conceal your disbelief. ‘Let’s put all the beef on the grill then’
“Oh, I got an idea!” You chimed. “Midoriya! Why don’t you join us for lunch too? That way nobody eats alone and we get to know better! It’s a win-win plan! What do you think?” You were not dumb, although it was true you can’t judge anybody by a simple glance, you had a somewhat firm idea of why they were so eager to mingle with you, so you just did what you thought it was necessary to make sure it was not that, and what a better way than with your nerve-wreck of a friend.
‘What a better way to know someone’s character than by the way they treat others?’  
The poor guy looked like he was about to have a seizure and your classmates were not any better; they looked at you even more astonished than before, and you could swear that they started to sweat. Suddenly they look to be hesitant, even the more insistent one. They looked at you, at each other and then at Midoriya.
“I-I think you are right, it wasn’t very nice to insist after you already had plans with…Midoriya, I guess we can leave it for another day.” The others seem to agree, a bit crestfallen but relieved nonetheless.
‘I knew it…’
They shortly left after that; you kept your friendly smile until they finally disappeared behind the door, when they were out of your view completely you let your smile fall and collected your lunch from your desk. You marched to the door, but stopped midway when you noticed that certain someone was still standing lost in his own world, mumbling nonsense as usual.
“Midoriya” You called him, he seemed to have got out of his trance and looked at you eyewided, confused and bewildered.
“Huh?”
“Are you coming or what?” You said smiling.
He stared at you genuinely surprised, but he swiftly shook his head and walked towards you.
“Yes!”
“A-Are we going to eat outside?” he asked curiously.
“I mean, it’s a beautiful day the temperature is perfect and this would actually be the first time ever that I had the chance to be outside in early April without freezing my butt. Do you have any place in mind?”
“No, I-I always eat by myself, so I prefer to stay in the classroom” He answered somewhat ashamed.
“Its ok, I know the perfect place.”
34 notes · View notes
fan-fantasies · 4 years
Text
Strength
A/N: Part 2 to Weakness. 
Pairing: Sigtryggr x Reader
Warnings: Smut, pregnancy
Masterlist
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Part One
Sigtryggr dispatched the Danes back to Wales, assuring them that he’d be joining them soon. Uhtred spoke with his men trying to figure out what had snapped in the young Dane to cause him to abandon the kingdom and search for some woman. Sihtric suggested that you were his sister, or some other kin. 
“I don’t think she’s his sister. Crazy like that is caused from losing the woman you love,” Finan sighed. 
“He said he had no wife,” Osferth said. 
“And I can say I have no balls, doesn’t make it true,” Finan chuckled. 
“I’d believe you,” Sihtric said. Finan punched the man in his shoulder and rolled his eyes. The men quieted down as they saw Sigtryggr approaching. 
“We should leave immediately,” he said, grabbing a canteen and filling it with water. 
“And where exactly are we going?” Uhtred asked. “We do not know where she went. We do not know her so we don’t know how she thinks or where she would go.” 
“I’ve been thinking about where she might go. I know that she had knowledge of the Danes settled in East Anglia. They would be the closest and safest option for her to seek refuge with,” he answered. 
“And who is she to you exactly? We have some wagers goin’,” Finan asked. Sigtryggr paused and debated on whether or not he should tell them. He knew that any wife or child could be used against him which is why he had been adamant about not having either, at least not for a long while. He wanted to live in safety and peace, limiting the threat to those he loved. 
Before he could answer, however, Haesten wandered over on his horse before he was set to leave. 
“Off to find Sigtryggr’s whore? Best of luck, Uhtred. I do hope that we meet again,” he smiled. Sigtryggr went to grab his sword but Uhtred stopped him. Haesten just laughed as he rode off with the other Danes. Osferth sighed and tossed the grinning Finan a coin.
“I don’t know how you haven’t killed him yet,” Sigtryggr said to Uhtred. 
“Trust me, his day will come and it will come soon,” he said. 
“She is not my whore. She should be my wife but I was blinded by my fear and now I may have lost her forever. I want to make a decent journey before nightfall, so if we could be on our way.” The men went and mounted their horses, setting off for East Anglia. Uhtred hoped that you were going that way, but none of them truly knew for sure. 
Meanwhile, you were still at the nunnery. You found that their company was soothing and you were of use to them. Many of them were older and found it hard to do the yard work which you gladly took over. You left them to their prayers and they left you to your thoughts. You knew that you couldn’t stay there forever, but for now would do.
You wondered if Sigtryggr had noticed your absence yet. Perhaps you had made your decision to leave too quickly. You supposed that he had a right to know about his child, but you knew that it would be a distraction for him. He was making a name for himself in England and he still had more to do before he could settle down. 
You were fine with living a simple life with your child if it meant that your love could achieve glory for his name. You knew many women had to sacrifice things for those they love, and happiness just had to be yours. 
You were broken from your thoughts when Sister Eawynn knocked on your door. 
“Supper is ready, dear,” she said. She was the only one that you had really opened up to there. She found you crying in the garden and comforted you. She felt bad for your situation and treated you kindly. 
She told you how the Danes that lived near by were not troublesome and that she felt times were truly changing. Perhaps one day soon, Saxons and Danes could live together in peace. You weren’t sure that it would happen soon, but you knew that the younger generation of Danes was tired of all the bloodshed. Victory could be won in many other ways. You told her that that’s how your Sigtryggr was. He had seen the hardships of battle and knew that sometimes words were the way to success. She took your hand in hers and smiled softly, telling you that he sounded like a good man. He was, you agreed, but you couldn’t interfere with his life any longer. 
You ate very little that night and had trouble finding sleep. You decided to sit in the moonlight for a while to ease your mind. The night was chilly, but not uncomfortably so. You took a seat under a large tree to sit and listen to the silence. You ended up dozing off with your cloak wrapped tightly around your shoulders. 
Off in the distance, Sigtryggr and the others continued to ride in the darkness. Finan was complaining that they should find somewhere to camp for the night but Sigtryggr kept asking them to ride just a bit longer. Finan was relieved when they saw the lantern in the window of the nunnery. Uhtred wasn’t thrilled by the sight, knowing nuns aren’t usually his biggest fans. 
They rode to the gate and knocked on the door, hoping someone was awake. Sister Eawynn opened the door a crack and looked out. 
“What do you want?” She asked. 
“We wish to lodge here for the night. Some food and ale would be appreciated,” Finan answered. 
“We will be gone by morning,” Sigtryggr quickly added. The nun looked them up and down and sighed before opening the door. 
“We don’t have ale, nor much food, but you are welcome to stay the night.” She led them to the main hall and gave them from bread and water. The men were grateful to have a place to rest out of the elements, even if the majority of them felt uncomfortable in such a religious place. 
“Thank you, sister,” Osferth bowed his head. She gave him a soft smile and turned her attention to the other, more rough looking, men of the group. 
“Do I get to know whom I am feeding?” She questioned. 
“I am Uhtred Ragnarson, these are my men, Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth,” he pointed to the tired men. 
“I am Sigtryggr, Lord of Wales,” he said. 
“Sigtryggr?” The holy woman repeated. He nodded, confused at her sudden question. “May I ask to where you are journeying to?” 
“East Anglia, to the Danes that are settled there. I am going there to join my... wife.” Sigtryggr’s eyes fell to the floor at his fib. 
“Your wife, you say? She wouldn’t happen to be about yea high, (Y/H/C) hair, pretty girl?” She asked. Sigtryggr jumped to his feet and ran to the woman, startling her. 
“You’ve seen her?!” 
“She sleeps here this very night. I am only telling you this because she made you out to sound like a good man and I know that a good man will make things right by that dear girl,” she said. The men looked at each other in surprise. Sigtryggr could hardly contain his excitement. He hadn’t considered that you might not even want to see him. You did flee from him after-all. 
“Please, take me to her. I do wish to make things right.” She led him down the hall to your makeshift chamber. She knocked on the door and when she heard no response, she opened it slowly. 
“(Y/N), are you awake?” She whispered. She opened the door wider and noticed that you weren’t in your bed. Sigtryggr pushed past her and into the room. He noticed that your bag was still there but you were not. 
“Where could she have gone?” He questioned in a panic. Had you heard them come in and fled in the night? Did you really not want to be with him that terribly? 
He ran back to the hall where the other men were already dozing off. 
“She isn’t here. We have to leave now, we can probably find her.” 
“In the dark when we’re all exhausted? Why don’t we wait until morning,” Finan suggested, leaning his head back against the wall. 
“Because she is out there somewhere. She could be in danger!” 
“Who’s in danger?” The frantic man whipped around when he heard the voice. He wasted no time in running over to you and scooping you up in his arms. “Sigtryggr? How did you find me?” 
“By the fate of the Gods,” he sighed in relief. The nun pursed her lips and shook her head. 
“Why? Why did you come after me?” You asked. You were still disoriented from just waking up and you didn’t know how you should react. 
“Because I love you and you ran from me,” he lowered his voice, “and took something of mine with you, I hear.”
“Haesten,” you sighed. You looked at the other men standing behind him and recognized Uhtred but not the others. “Maybe we should let these men rest. We can talk in my room.”
“Thank you, lady,” Osferth said. You told Sister Eawynn that she had nothing to worry about and led Sigtryggr to your room.
“I’m sorry I left without a word but I couldn’t ruin your chance at glory. I couldn’t be the cause of your weakness,” you admitted. He cradled your face in his hands and made you look into his eyes.
“You are my strength. You could never be my weakness, not you nor our child growing inside of you,” he said. A tear slipped down your cheek and he kissed it away.
“But you said-”
“I know what I said, but times are changing. Life no longer has to be endless battles and bloodshed. I will lead our people into a new era of victory, with you by my side as my wife. And I will create a new world for our child.” By the end of his speech you were bawling. He was saying everything you had ever wanted to hear but it all seemed too good to be true.
“Surely it can’t be that simple,” you told him.
“No, it won’t be simple, but I won’t give up. Not on that dream nor on you. I should’ve made you my wife long ago, and now I’m asking your forgiveness.” You collapsed into his arms and sobbed. Damn pregnancy emotions.
“Of course. Of course I forgive you. As long as you can forgive me for leaving,” you said.
“There’s no reason to apologize. You wanted what you thought was best for me and I could never be angry at you for that,” he replied. You said nothing more, just pulled him into a kiss.
He sat on the bed and sat you in his lap. The kiss was hungry and passionate, like neither of you could get enough. He broke the kiss and began to nip at your neck.
“I could never live without you.” His voice was breathless and raspy. His hands touched any part of you that he could get, trying to memorize every inch as if you were going to disappear.
You pulled your dress up around your hips as you straddled him. You fumbled with his pants, pulling his cock from it’s confines.
“There’s no rush, my love,” he chuckled.
“No, I need you. I need you now. We’ll have all the time in the world for patience later,” you said.
“All the time in this world and Valhalla,” he replied. He hissed in pleasure as you sank down on his cock. He filled you perfectly, like the gods made him just for you.
You began to ride him, slowly at first, savoring the feeling of him inside you. You began to move faster, his breath quickening, filling the room with sounds of pleasure.
His fingers dug into your ass in the most delicious way as he guided you on his cock. Pressure was building in your stomach as you approached your release. He pulled you in for another kiss when he felt your pussy clenching him tighter.
His hips lifted to meet yours at the perfect moment, sending you over the edge. Your head fell back and your vision went white for a split second. You were brought back down to earth when Sigtryggr flipped you onto your back.
“Did you think I was done with you?” He growled in your ear. He thrusted into your sensitive pussy, your body arching off the bed. His hands found yours and held them over your head as he pounded into you.
Your body writhed beneath him as you could already feel your second climax approaching. His hair tickeled your neck and the sensation was enough to overload your senses. Your legs locked around his waist, not being able to stop the scream of ecstasy that tore from your throat. His rhythm began to stutter until he finally stilled within you, finding his own release.
No words were exchanged, just the sounds of your breathing. He laid next to you and held you in his arms. His hand settled on your stomach and a small smile found it’s way to your lips. For the first time in a long time you felt at peace, like everything would be okay. Maybe there was strength in love after all.
——————————————————————
Sigtryggr Taglist: @ivarinleatherpants
TLK Taglist: @cornervase
302 notes · View notes
imnotwolverine · 4 years
Text
Comic con relief
Henry Cavill drabble
Disclaimer: bit of strong language
Author’s note: For all my fellow dorky cosplayers who can’t go to events right now - I feel you. In this drabble you are stuck in an elevator with some of your nerdy friends and ..ehh..one very cute Mr. Cavill? 
Tagsquad: @tumblnewby @magdelen69
(Link to my Masterlist)
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Henry. Was. Tired. He blinked as the elevator doors slid open and 4 Nazgûl strolled in, their hoods hiding the people beneath, animated chatter echoing through the small cell as soon as the elevator doors closed again. They didn’t even seem to notice him through their hoods, their bodies turning away from him as one of them peered at the buttons, face hovering mere inches from the buttons, before hesitantly selecting one - they probably could see very little through the gauze of their hoods. Henry stifled a sniffle as he managed to get a better look at them. They weren’t common Nazgûl, their arms clutching happily coloured pool noodles and candy-shaped floaties. Original, he had to give them that. Hehe.
Even after visiting at least a hundred comic cons, he could still savour these moments. There was nothing more enjoyable than to just be able to watch people as they were just so fully engrossed in being themselves that they didn’t even have time to throw themselves at Henry’s feet. Right now, Henry was just another regular man. A regular man standing in an elevator with the pool-ready ring-servants of the dark lord Sauron, like it was just another Wednesday.
Well.
Actually, it really was just another Wednesday.
And this situation wasn’t out of the ordinary for the Wednesdays Henry had been having.
Henry was currently on a tight scheduled press tour and today’s comic con was one of the many events he was attending to promote the new season of the Witcher. The rush of such a tour was a bit of a double edged sword. He loved to meet his fans, but he was only but a man of flesh and blood, a mere mortal. And mortals..well..they get tired.
Leaning heavily against the back of the elevator wall, he observed the Nazgûl as they pressed another one of the buttons, their voices discussing their plans for the night. From the sounds coming from their mysterious hoods, Henry recognised them to be men. Probably brits just like him. One with a deep baritone voice and two tenors. The fourth one quiet.
The elevator started to move up, the Nazgûl quick to widen their stances before it would be a sea of fallen over black robes. Henry smiled again.  
‘Ooph I can’t wait to get this off. It is the freaking Anduin river down my butt crack.’ The baritone voice chuckled.
‘Dude! Grossss. But agreed. Next time we better build in some cooling system. WEW.’ One of the tenors said.
‘Well you guys go ahead and fix that, you’re the techs in here!’ The fourth one spoke. A ..a woman? Henry looked in mild confusion, his eyes gliding down her shapeless black robes, trying to learn more about her but failing miserably. She was quite tall, but other than that there was no saying what she’d look like. It intrigued him, his eyes resting on her for a longer moment then was probably socially appropriate. He was glad they hadn’t realised yet that he was here with them.
‘Ey and we gotta take some last pictures guys. For fun!’ A tenor said, his hand already digging down his robes to pull out a smartphone. This whole scenario was getting more amusing by the second, especially because the dangerous looking gauntlets were obviously not very practical to take pictures with. Henry grinned, deciding to remain quiet.
‘You and your darn pictures. You could practically plaster your whole bedroom with the whole photo report you’ve made today.’ The other tenor sighed, his complaint falling on deaf ears as the tenor leaned into him to make a selfie, his gloves turning up into a “we will rock” sign.
‘Can you blame me though? I mean..look at us! We’re like the sexiest Ringwraiths of the waterpark!’ The tenor laughed, wobbling his head with a sass. A sassy Ringwraith, but of course.
‘Poooolll partyyy…’ The baritone whispered with an ominous tone.
‘Aren’t we just..dreadfully moist.’ The woman said, a dry humour dripping through her words.
Henry decided to step in.
‘Hey, if you want I can take some pictures of you guys?’
With comical spins on their heels, the four quickly turned around, obviously surprised by the fact there was a 5th person in this elevator. They were properly startled, the elevator quiet as the cabin zipped smoothly through the elevator shaft. Henry smiled awkwardly, shrugging.
‘Woa…’ One of the tenors finally managed, his hand quick to move up his hood and reveal the face of a chubby ginger man, his chin hidden behind a thick beard. ’No effing way…eh.. Sorry we didn’t see you there Mr. Cavill.’
The other two men also took off their hoods, looking quite flabbergasted. ‘Oh..I should not have talked about my ass crack…’ The baritone muttered.
Henry laughed, shaking his head. ‘Oh no really, it is fine. You are amongst friends. Do not contempt yourself.’ His eyes quickly slid towards the woman, but she did not take off her hood, her hood only turned so she could see him. Or well..maybe could see him. Perhaps she only saw a vague blur right now.
‘But eh..want me to take a picture of you guys?’ Henry asked again. The men quickly started to nod their heads, hands pulling back their hoods. ‘Yea man! Thanks. That’s very kind of you.’
‘No problem, no problem.’ Henry carefully took the smartphone from the evil looking gauntlet that was stretched out to him, then stepped as far back into the corner as he could. Holding the phone up close to his nose he could just manage to get you all in the picture.
‘Alright. Great! Love your costumes by the way.’
‘Thanks! Oh can we have one picture with you too? I mean, if that’s not too forward. We understand if you -’
‘Oh no please. Sure! I’d love that. Could I perhaps take one with my phone as well, for my..Instagram? Is that okay with you guys?’
‘Heck yes! Woa..’
The men were obviously enjoying how easy going Henry was, and Henry was glad they didn’t go to overboard on the fangirling department. Henry squatted down in front of the Nazgûl squad and first made a selfie with their smartphone, before taking out his smartphone and shooting some selfies with that too.
It was then the elevator came to a very sudden, shaky stop.
The group wobbled dangerously uncoordinated, gauntlets gripping shiny railings and steadying against the walls as it appeared the elevator had gotten stuck, the doors not opening like they usually would. The woman shrieked in slight panic, her body stuck between one of her friends and the corner of the small elevator cabin, her hooded face probably having stopped her from grasping a railing in time.
‘Dudee!!’ She groaned, pushing off her friend.
The friend laughed, moving away before reaching out an arm to pull her back up. ’Sorry darlin’. Looks like you should have eaten less of that buffet..’
‘Very funny.’ She invisibly rolled her eyes.
‘Hehe. Went to that big toe again I’m sure. Gotta lay low on those chocolates dear!’ One of the other men chuckled, the last of the group now peering at the buttons on the panel.
‘Oh just give it a moment.’ Henry said, touching the man’s shoulder to alert him. ‘It’s probably just a little hiccup. It happens more often than you’d like to imagine.’ He smiled.
They all sighed, Henry’s eyes turning up to look at the ceiling. He chewed on his bottom lip in silent frustration, his fingers gripping with aggravation around his phone. 
UGH…really? Could this day get any more frustrating?
He wished he could just wind down for the day. He had been up since 7 o’clock and he maybe, accidentally, accepted to join his manager to an after party event tonight. Standing here, stuck in an elevator, he realised it really was the last thing he wanted to do. He wished he could just pull on a robe just like theirs and disappear into the comfort of just being Henry for tonight. To really..relax.
‘Had a long day?’ The woman asked, tilting her head in Henry’s direction. He looked at her, her face still hooded and cloaked. Alright, she probably could see him, otherwise she hadn’t noticed his quiet sulking. Henry sighed. 
‘Yea. And no end in sight unfortunately. I halfwittedly agreed to join this after party. So perhaps the almighty gods are just sending me a sign by stopping this elevator.’ He smiled a tired smile.
‘Can’t you just..cancel?’ She asked, shrugging.
‘Perhaps. But perhaps the decision to go has already been made by this elevator.’ Henry shrugged in turn.
‘Hey! You could join us for drinks if you want. Just gonna relax in our room. Play a quick D&D campaign with some beers.’ The baritone said, his hand once more moving to remove his cap. He offered Henry a comforting smile, making Henry realise these were really rather nice people. And fun people too.
He sighed. He wished he could say yes. But he ...he promised. He wasn’t one to break promises.
‘Well I promised my manager..can’t really disappoint him. But thanks for the offer -‘
The lights flickered and everyone instantly looked up, hands moving back to the railings to steady themselves for any sudden movement of the cabin. But…nothing. Still no movement.
‘Hmm, looks like they’re trying to fix it.’ Henry said.
‘Any idea how long that usually takes?’ One asked.
The other men once more removed their hoods, faces hot and slightly annoyed, brows furrowing.
‘Could be a few minutes. Could be half an hour. I don’t know really. Just prepare for it to take a while.’
‘UGH. It’s too fucking hot.’ The woman groaned, her hand finally moving to lift her hood. Henry’s eyes instantly moved to see her, his eyes taking in the bliss of recognising soft skin and blushing cheeks as her black hood pulled away.
She was…very…pretty.
He quickly looked away from her, not wishing to seem rude, but his stare did not go unnoticed by the other men, their mouths curling in knowing smiles.
‘Well looks we might be here for a while.’ A very slender faced man with receding hairline said. One of the tenors.
Henry nodded, chewing his lip.
‘Got any tips on what to do? You said this happens more often?’ The woman asked, Henry’s eyes not hesitating a moment to look back into hers. Gods she was far too pretty to be a nerd. He scolded himself for staring at her again, his brain not managing to process the question she just asked him.
‘Earth to Henry, earth to Henry.’ She waved her gauntleted hand in front of his face and he quickly blinked, a blush brushing over his chiseled cheeks.
‘…I am..so..sorry..I just..’ He shook his head and smiled awkwardly, the knowing grins on the faces of the other men growing by the second.
‘I guess I really should take a night to unwind haha. But, to answer your question; there’s not much we can do. Just wait.’
‘Our offer still stands!’ The bearded ginger said, winking. The woman rolled her eyes, but also shrugged in agreement.  
Henry looked at the group hesitantly, before quickly checking the floor sign that was now blinking erratically. It didn’t look like he was going anywhere anytime soon. Perhaps they wouldn’t even make it out of this elevator. Could you imagine? Stuck in an elevator with 4 Nazgûl? He sure had another fun story to tell after today.
‘Thanks..’ Henry smiled.
Could he cancel his manager? Should he..join these people? They seemed fun. And another night alone in a hotel room was probably not going to do him any good either. He chewed his lip again - he did that too often, he admitted it -, his hand suddenly buzzing. Or no actually it was the phone in his hand that was buzzing. 
Like the devil.
His manager had just texted him.
“Henners. I’m afraid I can’t make it. Feeling a bit iffy and gonna hit the hay early. See you tomorrow.”
YES. 
Henry sighed in relief, the weight of the world slightly less heavy on his shoulders just now. He didn’t have to spend his night entertaining others, striking up polite conversation and try to keep his composure while a hundred fans wanted to take pictures with him. He didn’t have to pretend to be this hot shot superstar. He could..
He looked up from his phone, the group of Nazgûl already conversing again about this D&D session they just spoke about. Hmm..Should he? He never…well..maybe?
‘Hey. UH..before I say..yes..is it like..okay if I’ve never played D&D before? I mean I don’t want to..-‘
‘YES MAN! Oh and don’t worry. We’ve had plenty of virgins.’ The skinny man quickly interjected, immediately realising those choice words were…well..less convenient.
They all burst out laughing.
‘Good ol’ cherry poppin’ murder hobos, we are.’ The woman chuckled, poking the skinny man in his side. He groaned, the sound drowning in the now very loud laughter reverberating from Henry’s chest.
‘What?!’ The woman shrugged, acting playfully unabashed.
‘Nothing, nothing. I just..never..ever..heard a pretty woman say something like that..ever.’ Henry chuckled, his laughter making him cough slightly. ‘Sorry about that.’ He grinned, offering her a cheeky wink.
‘Oh..’ The woman started to blush profusely, her hand quick to pull her cap back on.
Cute, Henry thought.
’No, no, please. No need to..’ Henry stepped in closer, his hand carefully lifting the hood back from her face, her flushed cheeks appearing from beneath the pool of black. Gods she was pretty. She looked up into his eyes, her breath coming in short, pupils dilated. Ah..she…liked..him..too? It must be Henry’s lucky day…
The elevator jolted.
And suddenly Henry had her in his arms, his body pressing her back into the corner. Oh she was shapely too. His breath choked as he blinked a bit, his brain short circuiting for the longest moment as his hands safely held her against his chest, perky breasts squished against him. Ooph..okay..take a hold of yourself Henry. Don’t be an idiot now.  
One of the man stood up from his awkward half-tumble and sniffled in amusement, looking at the way Henry held on to his lady friend.
‘WELL. Looks like we found ourselves a knight errant for tonight’s campaign!’
The woman blinked, still somewhat overcome by this strange turn of events, the feeling of being wrapped in the arms of one very hot Henry Cavill, the very man not making any attempt to let her go. And then her lips curled up in a smile, her shoulders starting to shake, a heart warming laugh bursting through her full lips.
‘Just…hahahaha..wiew okay..so you know..I play a very fat old wizardess. Not really likely to be saved by any knight errants..any day.’
‘Well..maybe this Wednesday is different?’ Henry tried, finally stepping back and joining them in their laughter, his lips turning up in an amused grin.
He liked these people and thanked the elevator gods for interfering on his night.
And what a fun night it was. It was about 3 o’clock when he finally made it back to his hotel room, his cheeks tired from laughter, his head slightly buzzed from the beer and his heart warm, hands clenched around his phone. His most prized possession right now, because it held her number. Her friends had quickly given it to him when she had gone to the bathroom. And he felt like he was the luckiest man in the whole wide world right now.
A nerdy girl? With humour? And that attractive? Stuck with him in an elevator? He would have said no way, had you told him he’d meet a woman like her this morning. But right now, all he could say was; yes way. Sighing in happy relief, he sank down into his pillow, his heart beating with giddy joy. Today, was perhaps the start of many very good, good days.
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sxveme-2 · 3 years
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blueberry pancakes // bucky barnes
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MASTERLIST
Description: A single mother. Juggling being a mom, a full time pediatrician, and a difficult ex who believed now would be the best time to finally be a father. A soldier ripped out of time. Ex-assassin turned superhero. Learning how to balance a new domestic life with handling demons of his past, while facing the trials of the future. a love story began over something as simple as chocolate chip pancakes with hidden blueberries.
Disclaimer: I do not own any original Marvel characters! All canon plots and canon characters belong to Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios. This is an original work. You may not publish it anywhere else
Status: Edited
Note: Takes place after endgame. I have elected to ignore Tony's death and Steve's leaving. Did not happen. Quick Reminder! My works are only published here, AO3 and on Wattpad, thank you.
Chapter Nineteen: The One With the New Way
Warnings: N/A
Word Count: 3596
     the very first time a boy asked lily out was way back in high school. close to twenty years ago. he was a sweet kid, a year older than the blonde. he was fairly popular, no quarterback but people knew his name. michael parvish. a dashing man. he had dark sandy blonde curls, bright aquamarine eyes. a smart kid, he was in a few of lily's advanced classes. he had asked her to go to the homecoming with him and grab dinner before hand. lily, being lily, was absolutely terrified of it. but gen had managed to convince the blonde to say yes, so she did. she knew a lot of girls had a crush on the boy, and lily wouldn't deny she did to. he was beautiful, and she prayed the inside reflected what the outside had.  
       they dated for four months, before michael moved away to iowa for his fathers job.
       the second time was when she was in grade eleven. a senior had taken a keen interest in the girl, and made a move. he was a baseball player, and also very attractive. dark chocolate skin that would shine in the light. amber eyes that made lily feel weak in the knees most of the time. he was sweet, a bit shy, but quite charming. they dated until lily graduated and moved to new york city. he had moved out to california for baseball, and she had no desire to move to that state or go to school there. so they parted ways after two years.
       the saying goes that third times the charm. well, that wasn't exactly lily's fate. the third time she was swept off her feet was in her days as university student.  a tall, built, gorgeous student with a smile that made lily feel like there was no one else around her. he was two years older than her and an engineering student. girls would fall at his feet, yet he would always end up back at lily's door after a party. they wouldn't do anything, merely sit and talk. it was sweet and euphoric. the two seemed to get on perfectly.
       his name was scott harvey. and he was not the prince charming she believed he would be.
       she had been romanced and asked out a few times after the divorce from scott. but she always said a simple "no thank you, I'm not dating right now." she would refuse any sort of affection or charm from any sort of man. one of gen's staff, elijah, had come the closest. he was kind and good with hunter, but lily didn't really feel anything. so all together, lily had only really experienced a relationship three times, each for a substantial period of time. but she supposed a part of her knew each of them wouldn't be the one. scott was the only one she was slightly convinced would be her last. lord, was she wrong.
        but now? lily had an opportunity sitting in her lap. or should she say, leaning over her. an opportunity with a scruffy beard and steel blue eyes. dark hair dancing in front of those said eyes, and a cold metal arm attached to him. and danger. threat came with her opportunity. she was willing to take that risk, knowing he would never let anything happen. but her heart hesitated slightly at the thought. she knew she had told him any girl would be lucky to have someone like him, and here she was, that said girl.
       "doll?" he whispered, "you look like you've seen a ghost..."
       "hm? oh," lily smiled weakly, "sorry. just caught me by surprise a bit." she hummed, tucking a stray piece of blonde hair behind her ear.
       "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." bucky mumbled, going to push off the wall and stand at full height.
        but her hands caught his waist. she tugged him forward, gripping the toned midsection tightly as she pressed a soft and careful kiss to his slightly chapped lips. the tickle of his scruff sent butterflies down through the girls stomach, but she knew her answer. she knew it before he even really asked. the hesitation far from her head as she looked back up at him, lips separating with a faint noise. gentle breaths fanning the others face as bucky scanned her features, attempting to sleuth out her answer.
         "yes, bucky," she whispered, playing with her bottom of his navy blue henley, "I will be your girlfriend." the blonde concluded, giggling at the bright grin that spread across his lips.
         a bit of a weight seemed to release itself from the bulk of lily's shoulders as the words left her lips. the clear elation in the mans eyes helping warm her heart, and create a sense of ease with her decision. he was the right one for her, she knew it. the way he would hold her and the way he would kiss her. how his hands found their way through her hair easily, and managed to make her feel whole again after years of being shattered and broken. how he seemed to adopt hunter right away in a way a father would a son. god...the way he acted with hunter. so soft and gentle, so loving, accepting. everything.
        "come on then, let's go wait out this little party and then head to your place. just the three of us,  hm?" he cooed, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
        "oh didn't I tell you...they're all coming back for dinner!"
        "...dear god."
-----
       honestly she wasn't sure why she had actually added that there would be a dinner when everyone came back to her home after the tour. she didn't necessarily like any of the parents that would be coming back. the only reason she could think of was the fact that hunter adored the kids, as did lily. plus, a selfish part of her wanted to show all of them that she can be a successful doctor and be able to afford a comfortable life for her and her son without the help of a spouse or anything like that. lily knew it wasn't right of her to think like that, but she felt the urge to sort of...well, rub it in their faces that she had done well. despite the amount of obstacles that had been placed as roadblocks for her to swerve around.
      "so what's on the menu, lily." jill hummed as she found herself perched on one of the barstools at the kitchen island of lily's home. that same condescending smile still as evident as ever on her face.
      "pancakes." the blonde countered, pulling out the ingredients, "it was all in the invitation." she continued, smiling tightly at the woman, "buck could you go downstairs and check on the kids for me?"
      "sure, doll." the man behind her cooed and placed a gentle kiss to her cheek before wandering off from the kitchen. she caught him toss a look over his shoulder, as though he wanted to double check she did want him to actually leave her with the group of petty, uptight, parents that she so despised.
       lily was still lily. she was still shy and quiet and non-confrontational. now becoming the official girlfriend of bucky barnes wasn't going to change her personality. she didn't enjoy being alone with these people, but she still  needed to be able to stand on her own two feet. still be able to handle situations herself if things went south. she prayed they didn't, and she knows if they did she would have put herself in that position. she would have caused the problem for herself. and though she knew this, she had still sent him. lily figured it was better late than nevre to learn how to handle her own messes if they arose.
       "nice place you have here." thomas commented, sipping on a water, "I don't think any of us have actually ever been in your house before. other than our kids of course. I suppose we weren't all expecting it."
       lily felt herself grin slightly as she mixed the ingredients together, blowing a piece of stray blonde hair from her face as her arm worked. she knew they were expecting something smaller, messier even. but lily was proud of where she had ended up. if there was anything in the world that lily actually found confidence in, it would be the life she had built for herself and her son. even when she was married to scott, it was mostly just her and hunter. lily wore herself thin but she wanted hunter to grow up in a happy place, or as happy as she could make it. she couldn't make up for the absentee father or the lack of quality time he had with his dad. but she tried her best to substitute that with as much love from her as she could. all while managing and juggling schooling, chasing her dreams, and ensuring that there was always a stock fridge and cupboard. and now, she found herself in their dream home with a dream dog, and a newly found relationship that created a warm and domestic environment for everyone.
       "thank you thomas," lily smiled, placing her hands on her baby blue polka-dot clad and navy blue cardigan clad waist, tilting her head, "got a great deal for it.  and then hunt and I made it our own." she explained, glancing over at rose who leaned on the wall with a raised eyebrow at the kindness of the group.
       "but have you ever considered finding someone? like for real," jill piped up, "not this little daydream fantasy you have with bucky barnes of all people." she scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
       lily froze as she poured the batter into the cast iron griddle she had. she felt the air in the room disappear as she finished pouring the batter. glancing up, she tucked one of the loose blonde strands of her hair behind her ear and tilted her head at the woman in front of her. of course jill would be the one who would try to continue to poke at lily in her own home. there were so many things that she wanted to say. so many insults and retorts. but her words got caught in her throat. her chest tightened and stomach twisted. sweat glands opened and the saliva in her mouth ceased to exist. her eyes blurred and a warm feeling gathered at the waterline. the room around her slowly began to bend inward and she had to take a step backwards. she dropped her spoon and cleared her throat, attempting to compose herself.
     "why don't you go see if the kids are okay, bucky's been down for a few minutes." rose stepped in, placing her hand on her sisters shoulder, grounding her.
      stepping away without a word, lily tugged at the knit sleeve of her cardigan. attempting to let air inside of what felt like restraints. tugging at the small buttons as she walked down the stairs, lily tried to steady her breath. ripping the material off of her body, she threw open the basement door and proceeded to jog down the rest of the stairs towards where she heard laughing voices and one deep gruff one telling a story.  the sounds of his and her sons voices melting together had her heart slow, and her breathing regulate. she gripped onto the wall and let out a gentle sigh. the rough feeling of the drywall reminded her where she was as the feeling of bile subsided from her throat.
       "lily?" bucky's voice cooed as he walked over to her, hand finding it's way to her waist to rub gentle circles onto her hip, "you okay?"
       "yeah, yeah I'm okay. rose just took over the cooking. just needed a minute," she whispered, leaning her head back against the corner of the wall, "how're the kids?"
       "they're good, doll," he hummed, running a flesh finger down her face, "they were jus' asking about the final battle a few years ago..." he trailed off, eyes falling down to his feet. lily smiled softly and placed her hand on the scruffy side of his cheek, "I dodged the question, I'm not sure I'm ready to talk about it just yet with hunter...the things I did lily I-"
         reaching upward, lily placed a soft kiss to the mans slightly chapped lips, "it's okay love, it's okay." she whispered, "let's head back upstairs if you're ready, to make sure rose doesn't end up cooking jill instead."
         sliding his metal arm into the girls hand, the two made their way back up the stairs, only to have a small and gentle tug at the bottom of lily's skirt catch her attention. both glancing back, she saw a familiar head of blonde smiling up at the two softly and they turned around to look down at the young boy.
        "is it okay with you guys if luke and finn stay the night?" he whispered, smiling up at the two of them shyly.
        lily's heart grew so large she believed it would completely burst from her chest. he didn't just ask her. no, he asked both of them. he asked her and bucky if they were okay if his friends stayed the night. the tears found their way to her waterline once more as she looked up at bucky, who had the same awestruck look on his face. something inside of him seemed to click as he looked down at the young boy in front of the two. hunter had asked bucky and lily. the two of them. as a pair. she smiled softly and bit on her knuckle, before turning back to bucky again.
        "what do you say bucky," lily grinned, "you okay if hunter has some friends stay the night?"
        "sure buddy, why not."
-----
       a few hours later, when most of the kids had cleared out and the parents alongside them, lily finally let out a relieved breath. bucky, rose, and her were clearing the paper plates and wiping up the messes from the syrup and cleaning the wrapping paper. hunter, luke, and finn were bustling upstairs in the young boys room, no doubt playing with all of his collectable items. lily stood herself up straight and smiled softly, looking around at the slightly messy living room. chuckling gently, she shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose.
        "they're twelve, why do their parents need to come?" lily laughed, picking up a wine glass jill had used, "I understand the tour part but for dinner? god, some parents." she sighed, walking to the kitchen and putting it in the dishwasher.
        "I think most of them just wanted to hear if the rumours were true," rose commented, collecting the last piece of wrapping paper, "if you were dating the one and only winter soldier." she teased, bumping her shoulder against the broad man.
        "as embarrassing as that is," bucky jousted back, "I'm with rose on this one, doll." he agreed, tying the black garbage bag.
        "about time you learned that I am always right, barnes." rose chuckled, stretching her arms back, "alright I'm heading upstairs. keep it down tonight, I have an early meeting tomorrow."
        the moment rose's door shut as she walked up the stairs, bucky's arms found themselves wrapped around lily's waist. his lips pressed to the corner of her jaw, eliciting a giggle to escape from the same place. shaking her head, lily shimmied from his grip to finish cleaning up the counter. only to find herself reattached to his chest. leaning her head back onto his shoulder, lily cocked an eyebrow up at him, wondering what he was getting at.
        "do you remember our first kiss?" he whispered, "we were right here. the night of the party. you had made us coffee. we were looking at the picture of you right after giving birth." he cooed, hand splaying across her stomach, "that's the most beautiful picture of you I have ever seen." he continued, fingers drawing small circles on her lower stomach.
        lily remembered that night so vividly. both because of the events that had lead up to it, but also because of the way he kissed her. so gentle and soft, how it lingered after. the pressure becoming a familiar pleasure to her in the weeks to ensue. it was a night to remember, that was for sure. in more way than one. the morning after may have become her favourite memory to revisit somedays. seeing bucky pouring cereal at the table for a sleepy hunter. engrossed in their own conversations before lily had come down. she wished she could have frozen that moment and lived in it forever. but she knew better now, because those events were all the product of her parents own misfortunes and her son being in a spot of danger.
         "alexa, play songs from the fourties." his voice cooed, eliciting an agreement from the machine. soft swing music played through the kitchen and lily shook her head.
        "were you this much of a charmer back then as well,  james?" she teased, spinning around in his arms and placing her own around his neck.
        "much more of a player," he admitted, swaying gently to the music, "steve says I was a real lady killer. I think I was just trying to find the perfect fit." bucky whispered, leaning his forehead down onto lily's, "I had short hair back then too."
        "oh I know. we learned about you in our history books," she chuckled, gazing into his deep eyes, "you were a real heart throb for a while in my class."
        "yeah? what'd you think of the short hair, doll?" he purred, ghosting his lips against hers.
       reaching her hand upwards, and tangling her supple fingers in the strands of dark hair, she smiled, "I like it long. but I did have a massive crush on you with short hair." she admitted, swaying her hips along with the music.
        "well lucky for you," he chuckled, "I have a haircut tomorrow. now I know what I'm going to do with it." bucky winked, sliding his arms away from her waist, "I'll see you upstairs, doll."
        lily stood breathless as she watched bucky turn and walk up the stairs, sending her a quick wink before disappearing around the corner into her bedroom. her chest heaved up and down as the music continued to play faintly in the background. mostly all she could hear was the pounding of her own heart playing a melody in her ears. blood pumping like madness as she tried to digest the idea of her being able to see him with short hair in real life. it excited her. but what mostly left her gasping for air, was the way his hand ran along her lower stomach. rubbing gentle circles as they talked about her pregnancy and the possibility of a family.
        he wanted a family. with her.
       stopping the music, lily collected her thoughts. okay, yeah so she was now in a relationship with him. a serious, adult, relationship. something she had hid herself away from for years. yet she couldn't escape him. and the idea of kids...well lily's heart skipped a beat. she'd love to have more, but she was slightly scared with hunter. it had always been the two of them, and she was worried if even bucky was pushing it. but then she remembered the moment from earlier, when he had asked both of them for permission. bucky was slowly but surely taking that father like role that hunter had been missing. that kindness and similarities that lily couldn't necessarily make up for.
       letting out a breath, she walked up the stairs and beckoned joey to follow. just as she went to open her bedroom door, she heard faint voices seeping through hunters door. biting her lip, she tip toed towards the white wooden entrance and leaned her ear up against it softly.
       "mr. barnes is so cool." luke's voice rang as she listened in. a smile creeping onto her lips.
       "yeah!" finn's voice chimed in, "is he like your step-dad or something?"
       lily's breath caught in her throat. this could go two very different ways. and she was terrified it would go the way that would result in the end of whatever her and bucky had. if hunter didn't like bucky, or didn't think of him in that way, lily would have read the entire situation wrong. meaning she would have to completely rethink her choices.
      "not really. he's like a father figure though," hunter responded, "more than my dad was. plus he also makes my mom happy. we get along well and yeah...I guess I sort of see him like a step dad now that I say it out loud," he continued. and lily felt her entire world become complete at his words. "dude did you just crap yourself?"
       dropping her head, lily let out a gentle laugh before turning and walking back towards her own room. opening the door, she saw bucky laying under the covers with the tv on, watching some documentary about who knows what. changing into her pyjama shorts and a loose shirt, lily washed her face and let her hair down before climbing under the soft covers and turning towards bucky. a surge of confidence rang through her. when he caught her eyes though...
        well she just couldn't help herself.
       she just prayed she stayed quiet enough for rose not to razz her about it.
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