#rustic bar stools and counter stools | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

artists-ally · 7 months

Text

{Show Me Where It Hurts} Azriel x Reader x Xaden Riorson

Sooooooo I had a thought. And then this happened. That's all I'm gonna say. Just two shadow daddies doing unspeakable things. Title inspired by this song. Enjoy!

Word Count: 7,238

Warnings: ACOTAR x Fourth Wing, alcohol, smut, MMF, Oral (m and f receiving), DP, dom/sub vibes, use of the nickname "pet", bondage, shadow play, degrading, spanking, choking, spitting, unprotected sex.

Tagging: @needylilgal022 @librafairy @cyrygher @agent-anna @thelov3lybookworm @blessthepizzaman @bubybubsters

Summary: After a miserably failed night out, you decide to head to a local bar to drink away your sorrows. Two males, one of them being your Court Spy Master, the other a stranger, approached you.

~~~~~

“Are you kidding me?” “I understand your frustration but-”

“My frustration?” I shouted, eyes wide. “What do you mean he did book a reservation?”

“There has been no reservation made under that name. I am truly sorry, Yn. But it looks like he may have… done it on purpose?”

“No,” I shook my head. I could not fathom being stood up let alone whatever this was. “No this cannot be right. I-I spoke with him this morning, he said that our table was reserved for tonight.” The hostess offered me a kind look as the realization slowly settled in my bones. “Oh my gods… he set me up.”

“If I were you,” the pretty Fae came around her stand and took my hands in hers. “I’d find a way to forget about that damned male. He clearly is undeserving of you or your kindness. I wouldn’t sweat it, a pretty one like you won’t go unnoticed for very long.”

I tried to smile, but a grimace was the best I could do. “I feel like such an idiot. Thank you for all your help…” I paused to look at the little tag on her black tunic. “Jasmina.”

“My deepest apologies, Yn,” Jasmina waved as I exited the restaurant and the bitter Velaris air nipped at my bare shoulders.

What a fucking lame excuse for a male. How dare he stand me up on a date? He was the one practically begging on his knees to ask me. I should’ve known better. Males like him do not like females like me.

In an attempt to not let the night–or the fierce outfit I put together-go to waste, I went a couple streets over to a tavern. It had a nice ambiance and a surplus of good liquor. The dark, rustic interior greeted me with a ploom of warm air and the scent of cheap ale and wine.

After hanging my coat on the rack at the front, I weaved through the rather crowded space to hopefully snag a stool at the bar. I was lucky enough to get one at the end, only one person to my left and the wall to my right.

I just sighed. What a shitty day. I had spent a few hours getting read, and for what? To be made a fool? To be embarrassed? I shouldn’t have to pay the consequences for something I didn’t have control over. I swear to the gods that if I ever see what’s-his-face again I’ll put my fist through it.

“Evening, milady,” the polished man behind the counter said. He had a thick beard and a mustache that curled up on the ends. He had a thick accent too, probably from somewhere in the hills. “Celebrating tonight?” “More like mourning,” I huffed, bracing my chin on my palm.

“Terribly sorry for your loss,” his eyes softened. “Oh,” I gave a chuckle. “No, not a death. I just came in from what was supposed to be a date. Turns out I was set up and he wasn’t going to be coming.”

The male scoffed. “The boldness from some of the males in this city.”

“Tell me about it.”

“What can I get for you?” He asked, wiping a few glasses down and setting them atop a stack.

I looked at the board behind him, the list of crafted beverages going on and on. “Maybe something sweet?”

“Do you like cherries? Passion fruit, pineapple maybe?”

“Cherries are wonderful,” I sat up a little straighter. “I honestly couldn’t care less about what alcohol is in it. You had me at cherries.”

The male smiled, “I shall put in an extra just for you, darling.”

“Thank you,” I smiled and watched him get to work.

The tavern was far more crowded than I expected for a weekday. There were more people than tables and chairs to accommodate them. Some even sitting on the tables. But the hum of voices and clinking glasses was the type of ambient sound that could put me right to sleep if I laid my head down.

I felt incredibly comfortable and safe here. Not that I didn’t other places in the city, but something about being here was… calming. People were enjoying themselves, and it was like I was the only person in here with a scowl on their face.

The crack of billiards had my head turning the other way as I saw a group huddled around a green velvet table with colored balls scattered around. I recognized one immediately as our High Lady. And right beside her was the High Lord.

“This is called a cherry sour. It is made of distilled vodka and lemon. I added some cherry syrup to give it a little extra sweetness for you,” he said, placing the drink in front of me.

“It looks lovely.” I smelled it and it was strong. When I took a sip, it was like my brain blew up. The most strange combinations of flavors, yet somehow it all worked. The brutal burn of the alcohol mixed with the bitter lemon and sweet cherry made my stomach burn. “I see the High Lord is in tonight.”

“Yes,” he nodded, “he is here with the High Lady and a few of their courtiers. The commanding general as well as the Morrigan. And the shadowsinger is here… somewhere. He was with another male when he walked in.”

“I have visited other Courts before. I have never seen any of their High Lords step foot outside of their palaces to so much as wave at their people let alone live amongst them like Rhysand does.”

The craftsman nodded in agreement. “He is not the traditional Lord our continent has come to know, and that is what makes him a vital part of our city. He’s our founder. He built our sanctuary not for us but for himself, too. It is only fair that he dines and plays games where he chooses.”

“Have you ever met them?” I asked curiously.

“Of course, they are here a few times a month. Morrigan and Cursebreaker’s sister are in here more.”

I glanced again, finding a few more heads now joining them. The general, Cassian, was in conversation with a shorter male, his brown hair glistening in the overhead light. He had a tattoo on the side of his neck and it disappeared underneath the collar of his black shirt.

At first I thought it to be the shadowsinger but it wasn’t him. His hair was too light. The more I looked, the more I realized that he looked a little out of place. He had darker skin than either of our Illyrians, and he didn’t have wings. For just a second he turned his head and I caught a glimpse of a scar on his face. Above his left brow and below his eye.

He was very pleasant to look at.

“I will be back, I need to break up some ice in the back,” the bartender spoke generally to the crowd. In a second he was out of sight and out of mind. I could not stop looking at this male.

The curls in his hair looked soft and fluffy and I really wanted to run my fingers through them. Though he was shorter than the general, he was at least a head taller than me, if not a half more than that. Whoever he was…

That couldn’t be the shadowsinger, could it? From all that I’ve heard of the illusive male this did not match any of the descriptions. He was just as tall– if not taller– as Azriel, but the hair… It was too light. And now wings. No shadows. Our High Lord can summon his wings, maybe the others can as well? Plus, I’ve heard that the scars the shadowsinger has on his hands are rather brutal. This male didn’t have any scars on his hands that I could see.

The air around me cooled and I shivered, wishing I had brought my jacket with me. It was like a door just opened and a draft seeped in around me. Up my legs and around my ankles.

To not appear creepy I looked elsewhere, not finding any of the other males in the room as interesting as the one with the brown fluffy hair. There was a couple sitting in a booth across the room, very clearly struggling to keep their affection tame. Another was dancing together and I became painfully aware of just how awful my dating life had been.

I threw back the rest of my drink, just as the bartender returned and ordered a few shots of something stronger. Much stronger by the smell of it. The warmth of it spread through my arms and fingers and the room seemed to get a little rowdier.

“Before I pour another, milady, I would just like to ask if you have a safe way to get home,” he asked kindly.

I smiled at the tenderness in his voice. “Yes, I live right down the way in the set of townhouses by the Sidra. Two minute walk.”

“Excellent.” Another shot was placed in front of me.

I kept sneaking glances at our High Lord and Lady. They looked so magnificent. Like a true emperor and empress. And they looked so happy to be together. Not with just themselves but with the general and whoever this other male was. Perhaps someone from Illyria?

Again, the whole no wings thing was throwing me off.

Wait, where did he-

“Excuse me,” a deep, rough voice said from beside me. My eyes met the most beautiful set of eyes I’ve ever seen. A dark, almost black color with flecks of amber and gold. It was the male I had been gawking at for the past half hour. He had an accent like I’ve never heard before. “I am Xaden.”

I stared at his extended hand for a moment before shaking it. “Yn.”

“Yn,” he practically purred. “A very beautiful name.”

It was hard not to blush. “I don’t mean to sound rude but are you-”

“Hey, there you are. We were just about to start another game did you…” The Spy Master of the Night Court stopped right beside him. His hazel eyes locked with mine and my stare darted between the two. The two very attractive, tall, muscular males in front of me. “Hello there.”

“This is Yn,” Xaden introduced me. “I was just about to ask if I could buy her a drink but I think you had a question for me?”

All thoughts leave my brain. Just above the shadowsingers shoulders lay his wings, and curling around them were those infamous shadows. The most lethal male on the continent stood two feet from me. And he was looking at me like… I didn’t let myself finish that thought.

I cleared my throat, “I was going to ask where you’re visiting from. You have a very… foreign accent.”

Xaden smiled a little and I thought I’d collapse on the ground. “I come from Navarre. A place far from here.”

“I’ve never heard of Navarre,” I said truthfully. But if males like him came from there then maybe I need to visit.

“It’s not entirely accessible,” he folded his arms across his chest. His very muscular and sculpted chest. “I am just visiting a friend.”

I looked at Azriel, who, much to my surprise, hadn’t taken his eyes off me. I shifted in my seat. “You two are friends?”

“Only recently,” Azriel spoke and I felt his voice crawl down my spine. “Xaden here is the closest thing to me that his puny world has to offer.”

“Puny?” Xaden’s eyes went wild. “Take away your wings and siphons and see how well you do as Basgiath. I doubt you’d last five minutes on Sgaeyl in a basic flight maneuver.”

“Basgiath? S-Sgaeyl?” The names were so weird in my mouth.

“Basgiath is the name of our War College. And Sgaeyl is my dragon.”

His what?

“Riroson here thinks that I couldn’t mount and ride a dragon. I’d like to see you take on the Bogge or a Naga with those tiny daggers of yours,” Azriel broke his gaze away from mine to take a sip of whatever was in his glass. “Pathetic.”

“You have a dragon?” I most certainly didn’t hear him correctly. “But they’re-”

“Not where I’m from, they’re not. See, we don’t have magic like you do here in Prythian. Back home, we have to study, bond with a dragon, and then we get the ability to channel their power. Mine just so happens to be shadow-wielding. Apparently this one could feel it across our world and tracked me down. He’s been teaching me for a few years now.”

“And somehow you still can’t manage to winnow,” Azriel rolled his eyes playfully.

“Some of us haven’t had centuries of practice, asshole,” Xaden retorted. If I had known anything about Azriel, I fully expected him to flatten out this Xaden guy.

“You’re not Fae?”

“No offense, but who would want to live forever?” He shrugged. A valid response. It was only then that I saw the roundness of his mortal ears.

Azriel grumbled a curse. “I apologize for him. He is cranky after his long flight here. I’m Azriel, I’m not sure I introduced myself.”

“I know,” I forced myself to look anywhere but his gorgeous face. Easily the most attractive Fae I’ve ever seen.

“Are you here with anyone? I saw you walk in about an hour ago and haven’t seen you talk with anyone,” he asked. He saw me walk in? “If my night had gone any better than yes, I would be here with someone. But, instead, he had other plans and never showed up for our reservation.”

Both of the males stood completely silent. I watched Azriel’s eyes narrow, his jaw clench. “Who was it?”

“It doesn’t matter.” I could feel that bubble of emotion rise up in my throat, pricking my nose and eyes. “He’s just some nobody I was seeing. His loss.”

“Biggest fucking mistake he’ll ever make,” Xaden scooted in closer, leaning his forearms on the counter. “What were you drinking? Next one's on me.”

“Oh, that’s kind of you but I would like to wake up in the morning without any regrets. A water will do,” I smiled sweetly at him and he returned it without a second thought.

I felt Azriel move closer to me and I could just barely see him in my peripheral vision. I tried not to look. It was so hard. All I wanted to do was look at him. Then he was closer. A lot closer. His arm across the back of the stool I was sitting in.

Oh gods his scent.

“For you,” Xaden slipped a cool glass of water in my hands. “To you, Yn.”

I blushed as I knocked my glass with theirs.

“Not to impose, but I would like to know more about this asshole who stood you up tonight. Because clearly he’s not right in the head for leaving you. Especially when you look so good.”

I couldn’t help the flush that spread down my neck and up my ears. “I don’t know, we met over the weekend and he asked if we could go on a date. I said yes. And I think what makes it even worse is that I was looking forward to it. I was excited to get all dressed up and go out for the first time in months. Now I just feel like a fucking idiot for getting my hopes up and wanting to-”

“Hey.” Xaden’s finger pulled my chin to look up at him. “You are not the problem. That mother fucker has another thing coming if he thinks he could’ve ever given you what you need.”

I’d like to focus on the latter part of that statement, but all I could think of was his face– inches from mine– and his other hand at my knee. My heart thrashed and I was so still I wasn’t sure if I was breathing or not.

“I think you’re scaring her, Riorson,” Azriel said from behind me. Then I became aware of just how close he was to me. He practically spoke right against my neck. A hand brushed at my right shoulder and I shuddered.

“If you’re willing, we’re offering.” Xaden has this gleam in his eye and a smirk on his lips.

I had to sit up a little so I could start seeing clearly. “I-I’m sorry ‘we’re’?”

“You don’t have to say yes,” Xaden grinned. “But, if you’d like to erase this guy from your thoughts, all you have to do is show me where it hurts. I promise I can make it all better.”

Is he asking what I think he is? I looked at Azriel who had the same look Xaden did. Full of mischief.

“You… You can’t be serious.” They were playing games with me. They have to be. There’s no way that our Court Spy Master and whoever this guy was from Navarre were willing to share.

“Az?” Is all Xaden said.

Fingers brushed my hair over my shoulder and tucked it out of the way. I gasped when Azriel kissed down my neck. I think I’m shaking, though it could just be my pulse beating so wildly through my veins that it feels like I’m shaking. But I definitely can't feel my fingers anymore.

Xaden stepped in a little closer and blocked most of my view of the rest of the bar. “May I?” He held out a hand. I swallowed and nodded as best as I could with Azriel gently nipping at my throat. Xaden quickly placed his mouth on mine.

I got lost in him. In both of them. All the bells and whistles in my body were going off at once. I’ve never done anything like this before. I had two of the most attractive looking individuals in the world right here. Both kissing me.

In a few seconds Xaden pulled from my mouth and Azriel went with him. I was suddenly so cold and needed them back exactly where they were. My thighs clenched together.

“What do you say, want to take out all your anger, your frustration and disappointment, on us?” Xaden asked softly, right into my ear. The way he pulled it between his lips made it very difficult to say no. Not that I wanted to in the first place. I’d be a fool to say no.

I nodded eagerly.

Azriel clicked his tongue and made me look at him. “Need you to say it, Yn.”

“Yes,” I said without a second thought. “Yes.”

Both of them chuckled. “Let’s get out of here.”

As we made our way down the street, both of the males on either side of me, I was burning with desire; every so often– about every three or four steps– one of them would have to pause, spin me around, and kiss me until I saw stars. They ‘just couldn’t help it’.

Not that I minded.

“Apologies if the place is a mess,” Azriel said, unlocking a door. It looked vaguely familiar, and when I looked up and across the street, I realized why.

“Hey, that’s my place right there,” I smiled, looking at the small rose bushes lining my little walkway.

“Would you rather go there instead? No pressure if you do,” Xaden’s hands went down my sides and hips as he spoke.

I nearly collapsed onto the floor. “No, no this is fine I don’t think I can wait.” “Impatient, are we?” Xaden murmured into my hair.

“Well,” I blew out a breath as he nipped at my ear. “I’m not exactly dreading being taken to be by two males.”

“Hopefully we won’t ruin you for any other lovers.”

Was it bad that I hoped they would?

The door gave away and it was flooded with Azriel’s scent. A mixture of Xaden’s too, but it was hard to differentiate them. His was far more subtle than the shadowsingers. They guided me inside, lights coming on along the halls and overhead.

“Have you ever…” Xaden trailed off and I flushed a deep red.

“No, I’ve never done this before.” My laugh was a pathetic attempt to hide my nerves.

“Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you,” Xaden grinned and gave my mouth what it wanted most. His tongue was hot against mine and I pressed as close to him as I could get. For a moment I couldn’t see or hear anything, and then we were in a bedroom that seemed far too massive for this little townhouse.

I looked around; a massive bed was standing right before me, dark curtains over a door that led to a balcony.

“Did we just-”

“Winnowing,” Azriel explained, pulling me out of Xadens arms and into his own. “This is far easier when we have room. Like Xaden said, we’re gonna take care of you. Any time you feel uncomfortable just tell us to stop and we will. We do this at your pace, you control it.”

Weirdly enough, my heart ached at the tenderness in his voice. But my body did not want to be in control. It wanted everything but. “And what if I said that I didn’t want to make any decisions. That I just wanted to feel and nothing else.”

I saw Azriel look up first, then felt Xaden press against my backside. I was squished between them and I thanked the Mother that I never went on that date tonight. But they looked at each other.

Azriel grinned. “You’re sure?”

“Absolutely. I need it.”

“Aww, you’re that desperate already?” Xaden pulled me into his body, one hand gripping my face to make me look at him, the other wrapped around my stomach. “We haven’t even touched you yet, pretty thing. Haven’t even tasted you.”

“What are you waiting for?” I have no idea where this boldness is coming from.

Xaden stepped away from me and laid at the top of the bed. “Come here, then.”

No turning back now.

I crawled to him on my hands and knees. The dress I was wearing did nothing to hide my ass any longer. Xadens hand reached out, and when I was close enough, he grabbed me by my throat and pulled me into his lap. Pulled my mouth on his. I let out a very pathetic noise.

His other hand made me sit right on his cock and I could feel everything that was waiting for me. I moved my hips in a circle and he let out a breath, his dark, almost gold flecked eyes looking at me with hunger.

The bed dipped and Azriel pulled my hair back so I looked up at him. “You don’t have to be ashamed if you want to scream our names while we fuck away the pain, Yn.”

I nodded, wanting to twist so I could kiss him but Xaden firmly planted my hips to his. “I didn’t tell you to stop moving, pretty thing.”

I obeyed him. It was such an odd angle; to have my head thrown all the way back but my hips moving. It made it hard to breathe.

“I think she’s getting impatient, Riorson,” Azriel said as if I wasn't even there.

“Yeah I can feel how wet she is.” Xaden curiously slipped a hand between my legs, a few fingers trailing the crease of my thigh. “You really are impatient, aren’t you?”

“Please…”

“Please what?” Azriel pulled my hair harder. “Come on, use your words, Yn. Don’t be shy.”

I whimpered. “Please touch me, Xaden.”

“How can I resist when you ask so nicely.”

Azriel released his grip and Xaden lifted up my hips, pulling down my thong. His fingers were cold against my pussy. I shivered. His fingers were so long. It took everything in me to not fuck myself on them. The shadowsinger remained behind me and slipped the thin straps of my dress off my shoulders.

“Arms up.” Azriel commanded. The dress was lifted off my body and I felt very exposed. But soon enough he was against me, his hard chest against my back. “Kiss him.”

I burned red at the tone of his voice. But I kissed Xaden with enough force to make him bite my lip, catching my tongue between his teeth next. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my chest to his. I jolted as he brushed my clit and he let out a dark chuckle, doing it again and again.

“So easy,” Xaden muttered, pushing me on my back effortlessly. I watched as he stuck his two fingers in his mouth. “Fuck do you taste good, pretty thing.”

His massive hands spread my thighs apart after he threw my underwear somewhere in the room. Those brown curls felt just as soft as I imagined. I didn’t care if I was being desperate, I needed his mouth between my legs. The first pass of his tongue made me go limp. I let my head fall back, my knees parting even further.

My body welcomed him as he explored, tongue flicking, hands bruising my skin. Fingers brushed my chest, so faintly I thought I might’ve imagined it. Azriel had gone somewhere, but I was too focused on Xaden to care at this moment. When I looked down, those were not fingers playing with me, but rather tendrils of shadow circling around.

“What the-”

“Shhh, it’s okay, you’re okay Yn,” Azriel said from my right, standing further in the room. He was undressing, the fighting leathers he had been wearing folded neatly on a desk. His wings were... dear gods his wings were massive. “It’s just me. Nothing to be afraid of.”

Pleasure and fear coursed through me at the same time. My brain and body were on fire with emotions as I watched them drift and encase my body. They were cool to the touch, a stark contrast to the boiling temperature of my skin. As I watched, I settled. It was quite fascinating.

A sharp smack to the inside of my thigh had me looking at Xaden. “Focus on me.”

I nodded and I became aware of just how close I was to my release. I panted and writhed, itching for something to grab onto. Something to touch and yank-

My hands were above my head two seconds later and I was dragged to the edge of the bed.

“Hey,” Xaden shouted and another wave of fear crashed through me. “I was in the middle of something.”

“Well, it’s my turn, Riorson,” Azriel gritted his teeth, taking himself in his hand. “You can still have her legs for now. But I need to feel her mouth.”

Were they fighting for me? For my body? I smiled. So wide it hurt. I obediently opened my mouth and stuck out my tongue, enticing him further. In tandem, I spread my legs as wide as they could go for Xaden.

“You’re so well trained, pet.” Azriel wasted no time forcing his cock down my throat. I couldn’t breathe, but that’s how I wanted it. He thrusted in slowly, stopping when he was all the way, then pulled back out. “You take my cock so well, Yn. I’m so proud of you.”

“If you think her mouth feels good, wait till you get inside her pussy. She’s so warm and tight.”

I moaned around Azriel, knees fluttering off the bed as Xaden sucked my clit. The shadows continued to writhe around my nipples and I felt so exposed. I couldn’t keep still. My legs trembled and I felt that coil in my stomach clenching and clenching. I wanted Xaden’s cock between my legs more than his tongue, but I couldn’t tell him that with Azriel down my throat.

“Do you think she can take both of us?” Azriel asked, brushing a hand across my cheek, then it gently wrapped around my neck. I choked hard enough for tears to streak down my face.

“Hmm,” Xaden hummed around me and I thrashed. “Well, that was adorable. As for fitting both of us? It’s possible. Probably gonna hurt. Don’t worry, he’ll work you open on his cock so good you won’t have a choice but to take both of us.”

“We don’t want to hurt her, Riorson,” Azriel cupped my cheeks. “Unless you want us to, pet?”

I nodded immediately. He pulled out and I heaved for fresh air, eyes glossy as I looked up at him. “Don’t be gentle.”

The way Azriels’ eyes darkened should have made me afraid. Instead it filled me with a primal desire. The force of his hips was brutal. The slight salty taste of his skin was intoxicating. I gagged around him with every press of his tip at the back of my throat, tears burning down my face.

Without any resemblance of a warning, my release barreled through me and I shook, legs kicking out as Xaden continued to tongue fuck me until I saw stars. He kept going. He didn’t stop.

I tried to get him to ease, to let up but my hands were bound at my sides. That same cool feeling sliding around my wrists as it did my chest. It was so much. Already too much.

“Alright, she’s had enough,” Xaden finally pulled away from my throbbing cunt, caressing my thigh and the bruises there. His chin glistened with my cum, and he didn’t let any of it go to waste as his tongue dragged over his lips.

“I’ll tell you when she’s had enough. Get back up on the bed. Strip.” With a more than heavy shove, Azriel sheathed himself inside me one last time, held just long enough to make me panic for a breath. “Good girl, Yn.”

I hiccuped a small sob, already teetering on my breaking point. Azriel sat me up and pushed me down on my hands and knees. In front of me was Xaden. His very hard cock straining up. The shadowsinger’s hand fisted in my hair and I was forced to take his cock down.

“Stay right there, pet. Don’t move. You came without permission. Since you decided to be so greedy, you’re gonna get Xaden off while I punish you.” A merciless hand smacked my ass hard enough to make an outline of his hand. “Got it?”

I nodded around Xaden’s cock and yelped when another smack came down. Xaden groaned, his sculpted abdominal and chest flexing. One arm was behind his head, the other on my head. He was far more gentle than Azriel was, but I could see his control slipping as he thrusted up in time with Azriel’s hand on my ass.

“Fuck she feels good, Az,” Xaden praised, cupping my cheek. “And you look so pretty full of my cock. Gods I can’t wait to be in that pussy.”

I squeaked out an embarrassing noise when Azriel dragged his cock through my cunt, coating himself in my release. Just the tip of him had me stretching and I had to squeeze my eyes shut to block out the sting. With a snap of his hips, he slid in deeper and deeper and deeper-

“That’s it, pet. Take all of my cock. Good girl, Yn. Good girl.” His cooing made it impossible not to cry out around Xaden. As Azriel pulled back, slowly, he grabbed my hips and took me with him. I scrambled to try and keep Xaden’s cock in my mouth, but I was too far away now.

“Look at how desperate she is for you, Riorson. She wants your cock soooo badly she’s fighting me for it.” Azriel ran his nails down my spine. “How about we play a little game, pet. When I pull out of you, you have to keep your mouth on him or else you get a smack. How does that sound?”

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Xaden. He had a flush to his cheeks. The same primal hunger I had in my eyes. There wasn’t anything I wanted more than to have him come down my throat. A sharp crack rang through the room and I screamed.

“I want an answer. Now.” Azriel demanded, yanking me up and forcing me down on his thick cock.

“Yes yes yes,” I babbled. “Please let me make Xaden feel good.”

“You’re so pretty when you beg like that,” Xaden mumbled, dragging me back down to him by my wrist. I wrapped my lips around him and worked up and down. He was just as big as Azriel. But the shadowsinger was bigger.

Azriel’s hands on my hips hurt almost as much as the hand that smacked me. I’m sure it was bright red and swollen. Every time he thrusts into me, he forces my body back into him. A few times I was pulled off of Xaden and I got punished. New tears running down my face after every one.

“F-Fuck Az stop doing that,” Xaden growled out. “I barely have her for two seconds before you’re ripping her away again.” His two hands gripped the sides of my head, forcing me all the way to his pelvic bone. “Now stop holding back and fuck her like you mean it.”

“Think she can handle that?”

“Of course she can, look at her. Split open wide on our cocks, taking them like she’s been doing it for years. She’ll be fine, won’t you, pretty thing?” I nodded, blinking up at him. “See, she wants it. Such a good fuck toy. Such a good pet.”

“If you can’t, say so now, Yn,” Azriel gripped at my hips to pull Xaden's dick out of my throat. “Well?”

“D-Don’t… don’t hold back.” Gods my voice was raw. “Please don’t hold back. I need it.”

“See? Now go, I’ve been on the edge for the past ten minutes,” Xaden said rather impatiently.

I could not have prepared myself for the force of Azriel’s thrusts. Or the grip Xaden had on my head. I thought my neck was going to rip from my shoulders with how hard I was being pulled in opposite directions. I only got a breath every two or three drives of Azriel’s cock.

Both of them were a whimpering mess. Xaden especially. I prayed to the Mother that these walls were thick enough so no one would hear us.

Minutes ticked by and I became a limp mess. A mere boneless thing for Azriel and Xaden to play with. My arms were trembling beyond use and my legs and toes were numb with euphoria. I couldn’t keep myself up any more.

“Fuck, Yn,” Xaden panted, hips bumping into my nose every time he snapped his hips. “Gonna come.” I just let all my weight fall onto him, letting him go deeper and deeper down my throat. “You’re such a good girl, Yn. Such a good fucking girl.”

Azriel shoved his cock as far as it would go, forcing me to take all of Xaden’s cum down my throat in one go. I didn’t even get to taste it. Xaden fucked into my mouth, hands firm on my head as he continued to spill. I dared a glance up and I saw shadows, slightly different than Azriel’s, caressing his shoulders.

How the hell did I get so lucky?

I was pulled off of Xaden and I was completely limp. “What do you say to Xaden, pet?”

“Thank you,” I stuttered out as Az continued to fuck me.

“Good girl. Now clean him up so he can take my place.” On my own accord, I picked my heavy head up and lapped at his cock, gently cleaning him with tiny flicks of my tongue. Up and down and up and down. He tasted so good. Salty and tangy. “Still got more, Riorson? I forget you humans can’t reset as quickly as we can.”

“I have stamina that’ll put you to shame, Illyrian.” Xaden had a devilish grin on his lips. “My turn.”

Xaden’s hands wrapped under my arms, guiding me off of Azriel. I tried to get my legs to move, but it was a useless effort. I could barely think let alone tell my body what to do.

“Easy, Riorson. I know you’re eager. And trust me, you should be. Fuck is she tight.”

Xaden let out a teasing noise, pumping a few times to get himself hard again. “Aww I bet she is. Gonna take my cock next, pretty thing? Yeah you are, and you’re gonna take Azriel's, too. Come on, sink down and- yes just like that, yes Yn. Good girl.”

Riding him made this so much easier. He was far stronger than I was and helped me rock back and forth. It was wonderful stimulation for my clit, too. For a few minutes he bounced me up and down, filthy praises spilling out of him like it was his job.

“I told you,” Azriel’s voice was right up against the back of my neck. “Worth the wait.”

“What if I told you I didn’t want to share her anymore?” Xaden sucked on my nipple and rubbed my clit at the same time.

“Too late for that, Riorson. She’s all ours, aren’t you?” I felt the press of Azriel’s cock against my hole and jumped. “Relax. It’ll hurt if you don’t.”

I nodded, getting lost between the two sets of hands–the two sets of lips and tongues and teeth. I was one with the stars, completely suspended in a place I didn’t know but I sure as hell didn’t want to leave any time soon. I tried to remain still as Az slowly–very slowly– pushed in bit by bit. I was reduced to nothing but mumbling noises and begging whines.

“Should’ve asked Cass if he wanted to join us so she could have something to do with that mouth of hers,” Xaden blew out a breath. “Need something to suck on, pretty thing?”

I just nodded, too overstimulated to speak. I just needed. I don’t know what I needed but I needed it.

“Gods you really are such a good pet,” Az pulled my head back. With a firm grip on my jaw, it fell open and he spat in my mouth. The shock of it damn near pushed me over the edge. My eyes crossed and my vision blurred as he stuck his fingers in my mouth for me to suck.

It took several minutes but then I was balancing between both their cocks, vibrating with energy and a need so deep I knew the second they would move I’d come. And I’d keep spasming around them as they did as they pleased.

Hands expanded every inch of my body. “Ready?”

“Mhmm,” was the best response I could get out. Xaden pulled me towards him, then slowly pushed me back onto Azriel. Then Az slowly pushed me onto Xaden. I was weightless in their hands, practically being held up by them alone.

“You are doing such a good job, my pet,” Azriel pulled out his fingers, gripping my throat. “So tight and wet. That’s it, just relax. Let us take you, Yn.”

“She’s being so good, don’t you think she deserves a reward, Az?” Xaden plucked both of my breasts.

“Of course she does.”

My ears were ringing. Sweat soaked my hairline. I could feel Xadne and Azriel’s pulse against my own, and I swore I could’ve felt them all sync up for a beat or two or five. Endless shadows swirled across my skin, hands fighting for leverage on my hips. I knew I’d be marked and bruised in the morning.

“I got her here, you take care of her down there,” Azriel instructed. Both of his hands cupped my chest, pinching brutally. Xaden snaked his hand between our fronts and just barely grazed my clit before I was coming so hard my vision blacked out.

I screamed, throat burning with pain as I writhed and begged for nothing and everything. I cried out over and over as they continued to push me. Lips and tongue slid over my throat, Xaden’s forcing its way into my mouth to swallow my screams.

Azriel bit down on my shoulder and snapped his hips a few times, trying and failing to suppress his moans. It came from deep in his chest and it rumbled through me. “Gonna take my cum, pet?”

I couldn’t respond. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get words to form.

“Give it to her, Az. She needs it,” Xaden said for me. “Don’t worry, pretty thing, Az is gonna give it to you. Just be patient.”

His hips worked into me, fucking me onto Xaden. With one hand wrapped around my throat, the other on my side, Azriel came inside me, the thick, bitter scent sending my mind spiraling. His thrusts didn’t stop, even as Xaden warned him he was close.

Azriel stilled then, panting hot against the back of my neck. “You’re clenching so hard, pet. Such a good job at keeping it all inside you. Now do the same for Xaden. Let him fill you up, Yn.”

Xaden was far less controlled, those shadows over his shoulders whipping wildly as he fucked up into me hard enough to touch places he hadn’t yet. With a handful of movements, Xaden brought our hips flush together and he strained his neck, baring his teeth into the air.

His noises would’ve been enough to set me off again had I not been so previously spent.

It could’ve been hours that I laid between them, their cocks still buried inside me as they stroked my skin, stroked my hair and kissed me lazily.

______

“Yn.” A gentle press of lips to mine. My eyes fluttered open and Xaden’s face became clearer. “There she is.”

“She awake?”

“Mhmm,” Xaden kissed my forehead. “Feeling better?”

I wiggled my toes to see if the feeling had come back. I just nodded, snuggling in deeper to his chest. “Yeah.”

“Good good,” he wrapped his arms tighter around me. “You were so good for us, Yn.”

“The best,” Azriel seconded, and a warm body pressed up behind me. “You were pretty out of it for about an hour. We cleaned you up as best we could with you mumbling about how much you loved to please us.”

I flushed in embarrassment, putting my hands over my face. “Cauldron damn me.”

“It was quite adorable,” Xaden murmured, prying my hands from my face. “And you were incredible.”

“So fucking incredibly,” Azriel agreed, tucking in close behind me. I carefully flipped over, looking at the shadowsinger. “You did such a good job.”

“It was easy when I had you two doing all the work for me,” I smiled, leaning up to kiss him. “Still cannot believe I just did that.”

“Do you regret it?”

“Absolutely not.” I squashed down that possibility the second their hands had been on me. “It was perfect.”

“Don’t feel pressured to answer, but Xaden visits every so often to Prythian. When he comes back, how do you feel about doing this again?” Azriel asked cautiously. “If you would like some time to think about it then-”

“Yes.” Why would I ever say no to being worshiped? “Absolutely yes.”

Both of them chuckled, Xaden molding his body to fit mine, arm laying across my stomach. “Told you we might ruin you for anyone else.”

#azriel #acotar fanfiction #acotar #acotar fanfic #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x reader #azriel x reader x xaden riorson #xaden x reader #xaden riorson #fourth wing fanfic #fourth wing #fourth wing smut #acotar smut #fourth wing fanfiction

2K notes · View notes

misshoneyimhome · 3 months

Text

「LUCK OF THE PUCK FIC EXCHANGE」

A Little Bit of Luck I Nico Hischier 🌺

🍀 Summary; When Erin's life takes an unexpected turn and she finds herself in need of a little bit of luck, Nico Hischier unexpectedly enters her life. However, fate operates in mysterious ways, and nothing unfolds as straightforwardly as one might hope.

🍀 Tropes & warnings; some language; strangers to friends, complicated frienship; friends to lovers; just a lot of fluff 🌺

🍀 Other notes; Alright babes, here's my submission for @callsign-denmark's Luck of the Puck fic exchange, where I've had the privilege to write for @laurenairay 🤍 It's been an absolute joy to take part in this, and I do hope it's not overly lengthy 🙈 Just a heads up; I cross my fingers everything makes sense, as I've relied on Google for some research on New Jersey & New York (sincerely, a European who knows nothing about the US) 😂 Nevertheless, I hope you all find it enjoyable 🥂

🍀 Word count; 7.9K

・✶ ｡ﾟ

On a brisk Thursday evening in January, Nico Hischier found himself seated alone in the inviting atmosphere of the Grasshopper, a local Irish pub radiating warmth and familiarity. The subdued lighting cast a gentle, amber glow throughout the room, highlighting the rustic appeal of the establishment, with vintage Guinness posters and framed photographs of Irish landscapes adorning the walls, enhancing its quaint, vintage allure.

Perched on a stool at the bar, Nico waited patiently, the soft creaking of the wooden floor beneath his feet echoing the bar's rich history and the myriad of tales it held. The crackling of a nearby fireplace added to the comforting ambiance, its flickering flames casting playful shadows around the room.

With a drink in hand, the 25-year-old hockey player surveyed the bar, observing groups of friends engaged in lively conversation, their laughter mingling with the gentle strains of Irish music playing in the background. Although unfamiliar with this particular bar, Nico had accepted his friend's invitation for a casual double date, thinking it would be a pleasant experience.

However, as time passed and the crowd gradually dwindled, Nico's friend failed to make an appearance. Despite the cosy atmosphere of the bar, Nico began to feel a growing sense of annoyance, his watch indicating that he had been waiting for over thirty minutes.

Increasingly frustrated by his friend's absence and the lack of communication, Nico finally expressed his irritation when he managed to reach him over the phone.

"Hey, where are you? I've been waiting here for almost 40 minutes..." his voice tinged with irritation, his Swiss accent adding a touch of assertiveness to his words. "What? Why didn't you let me know? Seriously, I'm sitting here alone, feeling like a fool." Frustration evident, he sighed heavily before ending the call with a resigned tone. "Alright… well, catch you later."

It was a disappointing revelation for Nico, realising his friend had failed to inform him about cancelling their double date for the night. Despite the setback, he determined to salvage the evening, knowing he had a day off tomorrow. Choosing to linger a while longer at the bar, he decided to order another drink, surrendering himself to the comforting atmosphere.

Spotting the blonde bartender behind the counter, Nico called out to get her attention.

"Hey, can I have another one?" he requested, his tone still holding traces of annoyance from the earlier situation.

Turning towards the hockey player, the bartender offered a gentle smile before responding. "Please..." she challenged him, taking a step closer. "Can I have another one, please?" Her sweet smile accompanied the motion of pouring another drink.

Perplexed by her response, Nico furrowed his brow. "What did you just say?" he questioned, slightly surprised by her playful comeback.

"It's polite, you know," she chuckled lightly as she placed the drink on the counter.

Still surprised, Nico let out a soft sigh. "Well, thanks," he muttered quietly.

"Erin," she indirectly introduced herself. "Thank you, Erin."

Momentarily taken aback by her casual yet outgoing manner, Nico wondered if she was trying to flirt with him. However, as Erin turned to attend to other tasks, he pushed aside the thought, though he couldn't deny being charmed by her sweet smile.

"Nico," he suddenly found himself replying. Feeling a pang of guilt for his earlier behaviour, Nico decided to offer his name in return, casually striking up a conversation, as he noted that it wasn't too busy and another bartender was handling the rest of the bar. "And I'm sorry," he blurted out, trying not to seem too forward. "I'm usually not like this... I just had a bit of a situation or something..."

Erin turned towards Nico once more, her expression softening into a gentle smile as she leaned casually against the counter, her hands busy polishing a glass.

"I had a feeling," she teased lightly, her tone playful yet empathetic. "Trouble in paradise with the girlfriend?"

"No," Nico shook his head, feeling a blush rise to his cheeks at the assumption.

"Boyfriend, then?" Erin quipped, her words delivered with a hint of curiosity and a touch of humour.

"N-no, nothing like that," Nico replied quickly, his embarrassment evident in the slight stammer of his voice. "Just supposed to meet up with a friend... and, um, some girls."

He couldn't help but feel a pang of apprehension as he admitted to the failed date plans, despite the casual setting; confessing felt oddly nerve-wracking. Briefly, he glanced down at his drink, the amber liquid swirling in the glass, providing a temporary distraction from the intensity of the moment.

"Ah, so you’ve been stood up by a date?" Erin's question caught him off guard, her tone devoid of judgment, instead tinged with genuine concern.

Nico simply nodded in confirmation, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of vulnerability and relief. "Yeah, I guess so."

Erin chuckled lightly, the sound echoing softly in the intimate space of the bar. Setting aside the glass and towel, she took a step closer to Nico, bridging the gap between them with ease. "Well, then consider this one on the house."

Meeting her kind smile, Nico couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over him. Despite the unexpected turn of events, her generosity offered a glimmer of warmth in an otherwise disappointing evening. Surprisingly nervous, he chuckled, his fingers unconsciously ruffling through his hair as he struggled to find the right words.

"You really don't have to do that," he protested weakly, knowing his finances weren't a pressing concern for him.

“Oh, I know, but it's just good service, you know? The bar showing concern for its guests," Erin offered Nico a friendly smile and a playful wink. "Can't have a handsome lad like you just sitting here feeling down."

Nico found himself slightly taken aback by Erin's amiable nature, sensing an inexplicable pull towards her. It wasn't necessarily romantic or sexual, but he couldn’t deny that there was an undeniable magnetism. She was remarkably friendly, especially towards a stranger alone in a bar after being stood up, going above and beyond her duty.

"Well, maybe I should make this a regular thing then—pretend to be stood up to get more free drinks," Nico tried to casually joke, a chuckle escaping him as he took another sip of his drink.

“Well, in that case, I'll have to keep a good eye on you," Erin bantered back, her tone light-hearted.

"Hmm, I guess you do,” Nico added with a playful grin. “Or I can try with a disguise….”

"Oh yeah, that could be an idea," Erin laughed along, her smile infectious. "And who knows, maybe with a bit of luck, next time you won't have to drink alone."

Nico couldn't help but continue laughing. Erin's smile was becoming more and more enchanting, and he had to admit a small part of him wished she was flirting. Yet, he couldn't be certain.

"Maybe..." he replied simply, allowing a moment of silence to linger between them.

Erin's blue eyes met Nico's honey brown gaze, a subtle connection forming as the room buzzed with chatter and the strains of Celtic music filled the air.

And as the evening progressed, their conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on a variety of topics ranging from their favourite European travel destinations to their shared love for music. Her relaxed and calm demeanour, paired with her inviting smile and open attitude, had Nico feeling at ease; their encounter felt natural and comfortable.

Erin shared stories from her travels, recounting adventures in far-flung destinations that sparked Nico's curiosity and admiration. In turn, Nico shared tales from his experiences growing up in Switzerland, painting vivid pictures of the picturesque landscapes and charming traditions of his homeland, unintentionally avoiding mentioning his career as a hockey player. For some reason, it just didn’t seem to matter.

And as they chatted away, Nico found himself drawn in by her genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Her zest for life was contagious, and he discovered himself sharing more than he had anticipated, revealing personal anecdotes and aspirations with a newfound sense of comfort.

However, their rapport was interrupted when Erin was called over by her colleague, signalling the end of her shift. With a tinge of disappointment, Nico watched as she prepared to bid her farewells, slipping on her coat to depart for the night.

"Well, I suppose I might see you around again,” she remarked, her tone tinged with uncertainty as she glanced back at him.

"Yeah, maybe..." Nico replied, feeling somewhat unsure about how to proceed. Despite enjoying their interaction, he couldn't shake the insecurity of expressing his desire to meet her again. Yet, he reasoned that as a bartender, Erin was likely accustomed to engaging with strangers, and he was probably just another customer to her.

"It was nice to meet you, Nico," Erin smiled warmly before turning to leave the bar. As she vanished into the night, Nico couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not being more upfront about his intentions.

Erin Carroll, a 24-year-old from Cardiff, navigated life's unexpected challenges with resilience and determination.

Following a recent breakup of her engagement, Erin sought solace by visiting her father in New York, who despite not always being present in her life while she was growing up, had always been her go-to person during difficult times.

Erin's parents had divorced when she was just 10 years old, her mother remarrying multiple times since then, and though Erin didn't fully understand the reasons behind her parents' divorce, she had continued to live with her mother until she was old enough to strike out on her own. Where soon after, she met Tom—a man many saw as a perfect match, with his stable life and mature demeanour. However, real life proved to be far from a fairy tale, and their four-year relationship ended with their engagement ending abruptly, prompting Erin to seek refuge elsewhere.

Reconnecting with her father was a welcome reprieve, and after spending a week immersed in father-daughter bonding, Erin made the decision to remain in the United States to pursue her passion for working in marketing. Yet, her transition was not without its challenges. Job hunting proved to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows and finding affordable housing in the bustling city proved to be equally daunting. So eventually, Erin settled in Newark, New Jersey, taking on a temporary job as a bartender and sharing an apartment with a roommate, Bonny.

Fortunately, Bonny's warm and outgoing nature proved to be a source of comfort for Erin, helping her to adjust to her new surroundings and regain her footing amidst life's uncertainties.

Every day seemed to bring nothing but positive developments for the young woman, and within just a few months, she found herself sharing a deeper connection with her new roommate than she had ever imagined possible with a stranger in such a short amount of time.

About a week after her first encounter with Nico at the bar, Erin still found herself occasionally thinking about him. His presence had left a lasting impression, and she couldn't entirely shake off the feeling of connection they had shared, even if it was brief. Feeling a bit of regret of not having tried harder to get his phone number.

On this particular morning, she decided to go for a jog, hoping to clear her mind and get some exercise in, especially after Bonny had entertained a guest overnight. Unfortunately, their nocturnal activities hadn't been discreet, and Erin had woken up to overhear everything through the thin walls.

And deciding to avoid the awkward situation, she slipped on her running shoes. The brisk Sunday air refreshed her as she jogged, each step helping to quiet the thoughts swirling in her mind. And along the way, she reflected on the unexpected turns her life had taken since moving to New Jersey.

Returning home, sweat beading on her brow, Erin anticipated finding the apartment quiet and empty. However, upon entering the kitchen, she was met with a surprising sight—a naked man standing by the counter, casually munching on a bowl of cereal.

Erin froze in shock, her mind racing to comprehend the situation. Then, as the man turned to face her, she realised with a jolt of recognition that it was Nico—the same friendly stranger from the bar.

"Oh, um, hi there," Erin stammered, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she struggled to avert her gaze from Nico's nakedness.

Nico's eyes widened in surprise as he hastily attempted to cover himself with one hand while clutching his cereal bowl with the other. "Erin, hey," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. "I, uh, didn't expect to see you... or anyone here."

Erin couldn't help but chuckle nervously at the absurdity of the situation. "Yeah, I can see that," she replied, trying to regain her composure. "I, uh, didn't expect to find you... like this either."

Nico's cheeks flushed pink as he stood uncomfortably in the middle of the kitchen. "Yeah, about that... Bonny said her roommate was out, so I thought I'd grab a quick bite to eat," he explained sheepishly.

Erin nodded, understanding dawning on her. "Right, of course."

And as the initial shock slowly wore off, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity. "So, uh, you and Bonny... are you...?" she trailed off, unsure how to phrase her question.

Nico shook his head lightly, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "No, uhm… I mean yes,” he replied. “I mean, we're just friends, sort of. She, uh…”

“…Was one of the girls you were supposed to meet last week?” Erin gently finished his sentence.

“Yeah… We just met a few days later instead… and then again last night…” Nico explained. “I’m sorry… I wouldn’t be naked like this if I knew you were coming back so soon.”

Erin chuckled again, feeling a slight sense of awkwardness at Nico's presence but also finding the situation somewhat amusing. "Well, I'm back now," she said, mustering up a smile. "But, uh, feel free to finish your breakfast. I'll just, um, go take a shower."

And with that, Erin quickly made her way through the room, trying not to stare too much at Nico’s rather good-looking naked body, leaving him to finish his cereal in peace. As she stepped into the bathroom, she couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. Though she knew she had only met Nico once and hadn’t shown any overt interest, she couldn’t shake the slight tinge of hurt knowing he was now involved with her roommate and good friend.

Meeting Nico again was completely different from what Erin had anticipated, especially in such an unexpected manner. His sudden appearance, whether naked or not, caught her completely off guard. However, what ensued afterward added real depth to their reunion.

Bonny, despite her forgetfulness and spontaneity, was incredibly kind. With her outgoing nature, she always made sure to include Erin in her social activities, one of which was regularly attending hockey games at the Prudential Center.

Although Erin wasn't a die-hard hockey enthusiast, the vibrant atmosphere of the arena and the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd quickly drew her in. It was an unparalleled experience, made even better by being with Bonny.

Moreover, the game against the Montreal Canadiens was undeniably thrilling.

With the Canadiens scoring the first goal and taking an early lead, the game quickly became a high-scoring back-and-forth affair. Both teams battled fiercely, trading goals in a relentless display of skill and determination. Even Nico managed to score during the second and third periods. Not just once or twice, but with an impressive hat trick. And in the end, the Devils emerged victorious with a hard-fought 6-4 win over the Canadiens.

The Prudential Center was alive with excitement as the crowd slowly filed toward the exits. However, much to Erin's surprise, Bonny instead pulled her toward the stairs leading down to the players' locker rooms.

Thanks to her newfound connection with the team's captain, Bonny had gained access behind the scenes and led Erin straight into Nico's arms when he greeted them in the hallway.

Although Nico and Bonny hadn't yet explicitly planned to progress beyond occasional hook-ups, it became inevitable as their interactions evolved over time. Days turned into weeks, and they gradually developed a connection - primarily sexual in nature, but a connection, nonetheless. Without any formal labels, they shared genuine laughter, inside jokes, and what appeared to be more than satisfying sex. Fortunately for Erin, they spent more time at Nico's place rather than staying over, where she could hear every loud noise during their passionate moments.

And as the hallway buzzed with cheers and conversation as players gathered with their families and friends, Bonny's phone suddenly rang amidst the jubilation.

"Could you two keep each other company for a moment while I take this call from my sister?" she asked, not really waiting for a response as she hurried away to answer the call, leaving Erin and Nico alone.

They shared a brief moment of uncertain laughter before Nico turned to Erin with excitement evident in his handsome features. "So, how did you find the game?"

"Oh, it was fantastic," she exclaimed, her smile stretching across her lips. "And congratulations on the hat trick! Bonny mentioned that the Devils hadn’t been doing too well lately..." she added, her tone tinged with concern, careful not to dampen the cheerful mood.

"Yeah, we've had a bit of a bad phase," Nico admitted with a wry smile.

"Well, it looks like things are turning around now," Erin replied, trying to convey her newfound support for the team.

"I think so too," Nico chuckled in return. "And maybe you should come around more often since you seem to be my lucky charm."

"What?" Erin inquired nervously.

"Well, I just mean that whenever you're around, good things seem to happen to me – first, you rescued me from a disappointing evening, and now you've broken the bad streak at tonight's match."

Erin felt a slight flutter in her heart at Nico's kind words, a small surge of excitement leaving her wondering if there was still a lingering connection between her and the handsome Swiss captain after all these weeks.

Yet, feeling a twinge of insecurity, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and briefly glanced down before meeting Nico's dark gaze again.

"I'm hardly a lucky charm..." she chuckled lightly, trying to brush it off as a casual joke. "Or maybe I'm just rubbing off on you, and then there's nothing left for me."

The words were meant to be light-hearted banter, but as they left her lips, Erin couldn't shake off the faint sting of sadness that lingered. And it seemed that Nico felt it too, as his eyes suddenly took on a more concerned expression.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so dramatic..." Erin attempted to laugh it off, but Nico's gentle expression remained.

"Hey... don't worry. With a bit of luck, things might turn around for you too," Nico spoke with a gentle tone. Their eyes met once more, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if time had stood still, with only the sound of their heartbeats echoing in the air.

However, the brief enchanting moment was abruptly interrupted as Bonny returned, re-joining the conversation.

"Hey, ready to head out?" she asked Nico with a broad smile.

"Yeah, sure," he muttered softly, avoiding eye contact with Erin, who suddenly felt like she was just tagging along beside them.

"Okay then," Bonny chuckled. "You're sorted, right?" She then turned to Erin. "You know the way back to the apartment?"

"Yeah, no problem," Erin simply chuckled.

"Awesome, well, catch you later then."

And with that, Bonny and Nico departed the hallway together, leaving Erin to her own thoughts.

As January transitioned into the following month, Erin found herself edging closer to her dream job. Finally securing a couple of call-backs for interviews, she eagerly awaited a final response. Though they weren't monumental opportunities, any one of them would undoubtedly be a step up from her bartending gig, potentially opening doors to further prospects. Starting as an assistant in a prominent company was always a promising foothold.

The wait for responses was agonising for her, however, thanks to Bonny's frequent invitations to hockey games and outings with her new circle of friends, Erin found her mind preoccupied as she relished the lively company.

Though she sometimes felt a little out of place at Devil gatherings with Bonny, with Nico present, she somehow felt more at ease. Amidst larger groups of friends, he made a concerted effort to engage Erin in conversation and ensure she felt included.

Initially, she attributed it to his responsibility as team captain or perhaps his natural inclination to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Yet as they spent more time together during events and hockey nights, Nico's presence around Erin became almost constant.

It was as if the connection they had shared on their first night together was resurfacing in its organic form, instantly deepening their bond. Their friendship became comfortable, filled with laughter and playful banter. And as Erin expressed her growing affection for the sport that was Nico's life passion, he eagerly took on the role of mentor, eager to impart his knowledge.

Nico even suggested to Bonny that Erin should join them when they went out for ice skating. However, not wanting to feel like a burden or third wheel for the entire day, Erin initially declined the invitation. It was only when Bonny suggested bringing along one of Nico's friends, Mike, that Erin eventually agreed to join them.

The day turned out to be quite enjoyable. Despite the girls' numerous falls and near ankle twists every time they got back up, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. And after the cheerful activity, the four of them went to savour some hot chocolate.

As they settled in at a cosy spot to enjoy their warm drinks, laughter continued to resonate, yet, despite the merriment, Erin couldn't help but notice the interaction between Bonny and Nico. The way they constantly touched each other, stroking each other's arms, and leaned in while laughing captivated her attention. And she found herself unintentionally fixating on it. Without even realising it, she was suddenly observing their behaviour when Nico pointed out that Bonny had whipped cream on her upper lip.

With a playful grin on her lips, Bonny leaned in to share a deep kiss with Nico, transferring the cream from her lip to his.

"Now we both have whipped cream on our upper lips," she chuckled, and they all continued to enjoy their drinks.

"It's not easy, huh," Mike suddenly spoke softly, ensuring that Erin was the only one to hear it.

"Huh?" she inquired, snapping out of her reverie.

"I said it's not easy - seeing someone you like with somebody else," he elaborated with a sweet smile.

But Erin found herself slightly bewildered. "I'm not quite sure what you're on about," she attempted to flash a gentle smile, though hints of confusion were reflected in her eyes.

"Oh, come on," Mike chuckled lightly. "I can see the way you two look at each other... the way you talk and share genuine laughter."

"He acts the same with Bonny?” Erin tried to casually deflect the insinuation. But he wasn't easily dissuaded.

"Yeah, sure, but it's different when he's with you," Mike explained. "He's just... different when you're around. Not in a negative way. He seems more composed and relaxed..."

Erin felt a warmth slowly spreading across her cheeks, a flutter of joy in her stomach as he described Nico's behaviour when she was present. However, she knew she had to shake off those feelings. There was nothing more than a pure friendship between them. Nico was with Bonny, and Erin was simply there as a friend for support.

"You're overthinking it," she chuckled lightly, shaking her head in disbelief. "Nico and I are just friends – nothing more."

"Maybe," he conceded, leaning back in his chair as he finished his drink. "But I still believe you mean something to him. And she's not the right one for him. But hey, maybe he just needs a bit of luck to realise it," he finished with a grin.

"What did you just say? A bit of luck?"

But before he could respond, the couple decided to call it a night, prompting the four of them to part ways. Well, most of them. Bonny naturally went home with Nico, leaving Erin to make her way back to their shared flat alone.

And as she stepped into the comfort of her home, she couldn't help but dwell on what Mike had said.

Throughout these weeks, Erin hadn't felt any jealousy or similar emotions when observing Nico and Bonny together. Most of the time, she genuinely felt happy for them. However, as she reminisced about the somewhat heartfelt conversations she'd shared with Nico, she couldn't deny the growing sense of connection between them. Perhaps something that transcended mere friendly banter.

"Shit," she muttered to herself, feeling her emotions laid bare and vulnerable. And in the quiet solitude of the flat, she took a long, warm shower, attempting to wash away the unwanted feelings she was developing for her roommate's romantic interest.

Days turned into weeks, and Erin found herself unable to shake off the lingering feelings she harboured for Nico. Despite her best efforts to bury them beneath layers of denial, they continued to resurface, leaving her feeling conflicted and unsettled.

It seemed that every time she saw Nico and Bonny together, a small pang of jealousy gnawed at her heart, no matter how hard she wished for it to dissipate. Their easy rapport and affectionate gestures served as constant reminders of what might have been, leaving Erin feeling like an outsider in her own home.

"Just my luck…" she muttered to herself now and then.

Despite trying to distract herself with work and social outings, her thoughts invariably drifted back to Nico—his warm smile, his gentle touch, the way his eyes lit up when they spoke. It was a magnetic pull she couldn't seem to resist, no matter how hard she tried.

However, amidst the chaos of her swirling emotions, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a job offer. After weeks of anxious waiting, Erin finally received the news she had been longing for—an opportunity to work as an assistant at a prestigious marketing firm in downtown Manhattan.

On the evening of this long-awaited good news, Erin immediately called her father to share the joyous update. Since Bonny would be out for the night with some girlfriends, she decided to celebrate solo with some of her favourite Italian takeout and snacks, indulging in her favourite movie while wearing her comfiest pyjamas.

But just as Erin hung up the call with her father, a sudden knock sounded on the front door. Given that she had already received her takeout, she wondered who could be at the door. Perhaps it was just Bonny, who had forgotten her keys.

Yet it wasn't Bonny. It was Nico.

With a baffled expression, Erin seemed to freeze in her position, confused as to why he'd show up when his date wasn't even home. "Nico, what are you doing here?" she inquired with a friendly smile.

"Um, I'm here to meet with Bonny?" he explained with a soft chuckle, which only left Erin more puzzled.

"What? Bonny isn't here... she's out with some girlfriends..." she gently clarified, noticing the confusion spreading in Nico's eyes as she shared the information.

"Oh... fuck, she must have forgotten to cancel on me then... again," he muttered, running his fingers through his dark hair as he let out a sigh.

"Yeah, sorry Nico... she can be a little..." Erin tried to flash a concerned, reassuring smile.

"I know... it's just... it's like the third time this happens... and with my schedule, you know the way it is... it's just not easy..." Nico's frustration was palpable in his voice, his expression betraying nothing but defeat.

"I get it... but..." Erin paused for a moment, reconsidering what she was about to say.

"What?" Nico's curiosity was piqued.

"Oh, nothing..." she attempted to brush it off, but she knew it was futile.

"Come on, Erin, what did you want to say?" he offered a soft smile, trying to meet her eyes.

"I just... um... well, if you're feeling down, I've got enough Italian takeout for like five people... and, it's just me, so if you're hungry..." Erin struggled to speak, finding it unusually difficult to talk to Nico. It was a feeling that had developed within her ever since she realised she might have a slight crush on him.

"I'd love to," Nico simply chuckled, prompting Erin to step aside, and let him in to join her.

"Oh, okay," she smiled.

"So, it's just you?" Nico inquired, shedding his coat and shoes before making his way into the living room.

"Yup, just me, myself, and I," Erin chuckled. "I'm just having a little celebration all by myself."

"Well, that explains the outfit then," Nico laughed, settling onto the sofa.

"Huh?" Erin reacted with surprise, only now realising she was dressed in a slightly oversized t-shirt with some cheeky wording printed on it, without a bra, and a pair of rather short shorts. "Oh yeah... I can go change if..."

"No, no, you don't have to change," Nico chuckled. "At least not for my sake."

Feeling a small sense of relief, Erin joined Nico on the sofa to indulge in her delicious takeout dinner.

"Well, dig in," she flashed a smile at the man beside her, already feeling much more at ease. No intrusive thoughts lingered in her mind as she sensed her friendship with Nico comfortably settling in the air between them.

Maybe her crush didn't really matter after all, she thought. Perhaps it was just the idea of being with someone again that had caused her feelings for Nico to grow. It didn't have to be about him, right?

Breaking her train of thought, Nico spoke with his sweet voice. "So, what are you celebrating?"

"Oh, just that I finally got a job in marketing," Erin flashed him a wide smile.

"What? Erin, that's amazing – where and when?" Nico's excitement for his friend was evident.

"Well, it's just as an assistant in a major firm downtown Manhattan, and yeah, I can start in two weeks," she explained.

"Oh, congratulations!" Nico exclaimed, setting down his cutlery and pulling her into a tight hug. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I just found out this morning so... I mean, Bonny doesn't even know yet," Erin replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Well, I'm really happy for you," he flashed her a sweet smile, his eyes locking with hers for a tender moment.

"Thanks, Nico," Erin almost whispered, her eyes flickering as she admired his honey-brown hues.

Once again, it felt as if time stood still. Warmth hung in the air as the two friends shared a moment of soft intimacy. And as minutes passed without either of them speaking, Erin suddenly felt her cheeks flush slightly, the feelings for Nico once again stirring within her.

Quickly breaking the eye contact, she shook off the emotions and attempted to steer the conversation in another direction.

"So, do you want to watch a movie or something while we eat?" Erin asked, trying to sound casual.

"Sure, whatever you like," Nico replied simply, flashing his signature sweet smile.

As Erin scrolled through the options on the streaming service, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness in her chest. Having Nico here, alone with her, felt both thrilling and daunting, and she wanted nothing more than to enjoy his company without letting her growing feelings interfere.

Finally settling on a light-hearted comedy, she pressed play and settled back on the sofa beside Nico. And as the movie began and they finished their meals, both finding themselves laughing at the witty dialogue and slapstick humour, Nico suddenly leaned his arm back, resting on the back of the sofa behind Erin.

She wasn't entirely sure if he was doing it intentionally or simply for comfort, but she tried her best not to overthink it. Leaning only slightly into his embrace, she simply relaxed and enjoyed the film.

Nico felt a bit surprised at how relaxed Erin acted around him, yet he couldn't deny that he enjoyed how effortless it felt with her. Simply lounging on the sofa with a silly movie and some delicious takeout felt nothing short of amazing.

Despite the disappointment of being stood up by Bonny, he couldn't help but feel good. There was just something about Erin that he couldn't quite describe. Her calm and easy-going attitude was soothing to him, unintentionally drawing him in as if he wanted to be around her all the time.

But Nico also understood that he'd missed his chance when he hadn't acted at the bar during their first meeting, instead opting to pursue her roommate, leaving him with only the option of being a close friend.

Which he didn't mind at all. In fact, he loved having her around. He always made an effort to be near her and ensure she felt at ease at every gathering, something Bonny wasn't always good at. She often left Erin to herself. And despite being an independent woman, he still felt a need to make sure she was alright at all times.

As the movie continued playing, Nico couldn't help but steal glances at the beautiful girl in his embrace. Though they weren't entirely cuddled up, he still felt her warmth against him. And as the minutes passed, he couldn't deny the pleasurable sensation Erin stirred within him, something he hadn't quite experienced with Bonny.

Catching Nico's gaze, Erin offered him a confused expression. "What?"

Caught off guard from his train of thought, he shook his head lightly. "Oh, sorry," he said with a small smile. "Just... thanks for saving my night. Again. I just... I can't help but think that maybe you really are a lucky charm."

Erin mirrored his light chuckle, feeling slightly nervous at his compliment.

"I, um... I'm just glad I can be of help," she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

The air hung heavy between them, silence prevailing amidst the faint jingle echoing through the small living room as Nico's eyes remained locked onto Erin's, the connection deep as they stayed still in their positions.

Erin felt a warm sensation coursing through her body, unable to tear her gaze away from the Swiss captain. It was the same pleasurable feeling he had stirred within her on the very first night they met, and she couldn't resist studying his face, taking in every small detail and feature—the brown stubble along his jawline, his bushy eyebrows, his pink lips. Even a fleeting thought of feeling those lips crossed her mind.

However, realising suddenly how close they were sitting, she shook her head and sat up straighter.

She shifted slightly in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position without getting too close to Nico, as she couldn't shake the feeling that their proximity was dangerous—a slippery slope that could lead to heartbreak and complications. Yet despite her best efforts to maintain a safe distance, she found herself drawn to Nico like a moth to a flame. His presence was magnetic, his easy charm and genuine warmth impossible to resist.

And Nico felt it too. He wanted to say something, yet he was afraid he'd say something stupid or maybe reveal something he shouldn't. Though he tried not to act on the simmering feeling, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Studying her composed features, his gaze drifted to her thigh, where a creative mark caught his attention, piquing his curiosity.

"You've got a tattoo?" He suddenly asked, trying to divert from the tension.

"Oh, yeah," Erin flashed him a bright smile, shifting a little to show him her slightly large thigh tattoo.

"Wow, it's... uh," Nico chuckled lightly.

"Big?" Erin laughed.

"Yeah, but really cool. What's it for?" He then asked, looking back up to catch her eyes once more.

"Oh..." slightly taken aback by Nico's sudden interest in her tattoo, Erin briefly struggled to find the words. "Well, um, it's a sun and a moon... I got it a few months back, when things, uh, didn't go so well," she explained, half-smiling as she recalled the demise of her previous relationship, looking down at the ink on her skin. "It's a symbol that there always has to be a balance, that we can't have light without darkness, and vice versa," she continued, then looking back up at Nico. "That sometimes when we feel hurt, we need to be reminded that it won't last and eventually we'll feel good again."

At first, he didn't say anything, but then a smile formed on his lips. "Wow, that's really cool."

Nico's genuine interest in her tattoo warmed Erin's heart, easing some of the tension that had been building between them. His smile felt like a balm to her soul, a reassuring sign that despite the uncertainty of their situation, there was still a connection between them.

"Really? I mean, thanks," she replied, returning his smile with a shy one of her own. "It means a lot to me."

Nico nodded, his eyes lingering on the tattoo for a moment longer before meeting Erin's gaze once more. "I can see why. It's beautiful."

Though his words were directed at the creative work on her skin, a part of him couldn’t deny that he spoke just as much about her. Her beautiful face with its sparkling eyes and full lips. The way she formed small dimples when she smiled, her rosy cheeks giving her a sweet and almost innocent look. Yet her personality shone just as brightly—a perfect blend of kindness, care, intelligence, and strength.

The air between them seemed to shift, the tension easing as they shared this small moment. Once again, they were locked in their own little world, the outside fading away. However, breaking the spell, they both suddenly heard the sound of keys turning in the doorway.

"Hey!" Bonny greeted with a smile as she entered the condo, prompting Erin and Nico to swiftly look away from each other and adjust their positions slightly. "Nico... What are you doing here?" she questioned, slightly confused by his presence.

Clearing his throat, Nico slowly rose from his seat. "Um, I just... I thought we had a date tonight," he spoke gently, taking a step away from the coffee table.

"Oh, shit! Did I forget to cancel again?" Bonny apologised, trying her best to flash him a sweet and innocent look.

"It's alright," Nico reassured, coming closer to her where she wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him in for a hug and a kiss.

"Well, I am really sorry," she spoke seductively. "Perhaps, I'll show you just how sorry I am..."

Erin felt herself third wheeling on the sofa again, and to her dismay, she suddenly felt a pang of jealousy. Like a stab to the heart, she felt hurt witnessing Bonny seducing Nico right there next to her. But to her relief, he turned her down.

"Actually, I think I better go home," he flashed Bonny a soft smile. "Maybe some other time."

"Alright, baby, I'll make it up to you another time..."

With a nod, Nico then turned to leave, but he didn’t forget about the amazing girl who had once again saved his night. "Hey Erin... thank you for the dinner."

"Any time," Erin merely replied, watching as he made his way to the hallway.

And as Nico left, Erin couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Relief washed over her that he had chosen to leave rather than stay with Bonny. Disappointment lingered, that their moment had been interrupted before it could fully blossom into something more. And confusion gnawed at her, leaving her wondering about the true nature of their connection.

But as Bonny turned her attention back to Erin, all she could do was plaster on a smile and nod along to her roommate's chatter about her night out. Inside, however, her mind was still reeling from the unexpected turn of events.

Later that night, as she lay in bed trying to sleep, her thoughts kept drifting back to Nico and their shared moment earlier. She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something between them, something that went beyond mere friendship. But with Bonny in the picture, she wasn't sure if it was worth pursuing.

Torn between her feelings and the fear of causing any rift between her and Bonny, Erin drifted off to sleep, her mind still searching for answers in the darkness of the night.

As the seasons shifted into brighter, more cheerful times, Erin's luck seemed to follow suit. Surprisingly swiftly, days turned into weeks, and soon she found herself starting her new job. Everything fell seamlessly into place; her work was satisfying, surrounded by inspiring and kind colleagues, and she even managed to secure a place of her own, closer to her workplace.

Luckily, Bonny appeared to take it all in her stride, showing no signs of dwelling on the budding connection between Nico and Erin. So, after a few weeks of settling into her new routine, Erin found herself among new colleagues and friends, away from the familiar surroundings of the hockey arena.

The change brought a sense of renewal and excitement to her life, as she threw herself into her work with passion and dedication, relishing the challenges and opportunities that came her way. Each day brought new experiences and achievements, and Erin felt a sense of fulfilment she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Her new friends welcomed her with open arms, and she found herself enjoying their company more and more. They shared laughs over lunch breaks, collaborated on projects together, and occasionally met up for drinks after work. And Erin was beyond grateful for their camaraderie, thankful for the sense of belonging they provided in her new environment.

With each passing day, thoughts of Nico became less frequent, fading into the background as she immersed herself in her new life. She no longer felt the pang of jealousy or longing when she thought of him, content with the path she was carving out for herself.

But fate had other plans.

One night, while out with her friends, Erin suddenly found herself back at the familiar bar, the Grasshopper, this time as a guest instead of a bartender. The dimly lit space was alive with music and laughter, casting a warm glow over the faces of the patrons.

Yet as she laughed and chatted with her friends, she couldn't shake off the feeling of déjà vu that washed over her. It was as if she had been transported back in time, to the night when she and Nico had first connected. But trying to shake it off, Erin went to the bar to get a few more drinks, where while waiting she absent-mindedly scanned the room.

And then, as if by magic, a familiar face appeared. Across the not-so-crowded room, Nico stood, his eyes locking onto hers with a mixture of surprise and delight. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they gazed at each other, the din of the bar fading into the background.

Erin felt her heart skip a beat as a rush of emotions flooded over her. Despite the passage of time and the distance she had put between them, the connection between them remained palpable.

With a few long strides, Nico made his way towards her, standing almost in the middle of the room. No words were exchanged, only the soft melodies of Celtic tunes playing in the background, blending with the murmur of the guests.

“Hey,” Nico gently initiated the conversation.

“Hey…” Erin replied softly, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. Despite the surprise of encountering him again, she couldn't deny the warmth that enveloped her in his presence.

Nico smiled, a familiar sparkle in his eyes. "So, I suppose you still come to this place?" he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

Erin chuckled nervously, feeling a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. "Yeah, I suppose I do," she replied, offering him a tentative smile.

Another moment of silence settled between them, yet it felt comfortable and familiar. "I have a confession…” Nico suddenly spoke.

“Oh?”

“I hoped… I hoped to see you here…” Erin's heart skipped another beat at Nico's confession, her cheeks flushing with warmth. She struggled to maintain her composure, her mind buzzing with a flurry of thoughts and emotions.

"You did?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Nico nodded; his gaze steady as he looked into her eyes. "Yeah. I've been thinking about you a lot lately," he admitted, his tone soft yet sincere.

Erin's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing at his words, as she’d never considered that Nico might share her feelings, that he had been thinking of her.

"I've been thinking about you too," she confessed, her voice barely audible over the music.

And slowly Nico's smile widened; a glimmer of hope evident in his eyes. "Really?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Erin nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yeah. Seems like you’re not so easy to forget about,” she added, her voice trembling with emotion.

Nico reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've missed you, Erin," he admitted, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Tears welled up in Erin's eyes, her heart overflowing with emotion. "I've missed you too, Nico," she whispered, leaning into his touch.

In that moment, surrounded by the soft glow of the bar lights, Erin felt a profound sense of belonging. And after all this time, Nico gently pulled her into a tender kiss, filling her with a deep sense of peace.

Pulling back slightly, Erin looked up at Nico.

“Bonny?” she asked, but Nico simply shook his head.

“I accidentally called her by your name,” he confessed with a light chuckle. “But it made me realise that I couldn't forget about you… And it was the push I needed to try and find you. But I didn't have your number or anything, so I hoped for a bit of luck and came here…”

Erin felt a rush of relief wash over her at Nico's words, a weightlifting from her shoulders.

"Thank you for finding me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Guess it was you all along.”

And in another heartfelt moment, they leaned in again. Their lips meeting in a tender yet passionate kiss, and Erin felt a surge of emotions overwhelming her. It was as if all the uncertainty and longing she had experienced over the past months dissolved in that moment, leaving only the warmth of Nico's embrace and the sweetness of his kiss.

Nico held her close, his arms wrapped around her as if he never wanted to let her go. After all this time, Erin had been right. All he needed was a bit of luck, and this time, he wouldn’t be alone.

#luck of the puck fic exchange #nico hischier imagine #new jersey devils imagine #nhl fanfiction #nhl imagine

113 notes · View notes

whxtedreams · 3 months

Text

Chapter one - Fuckin' Tourists

Lovesick In Jackson

Summary: Your first day in Jackson, meeting a rather rude local and settling into your new home

Word Count: 4,5k

tags: Ellie being Ellie, Joel being a caring father figure, Joel being an ashole to everyone but Ellie, Ellie does mention not wanting to eat (let me know if i miss any)

an. thank you so much for all the love on the prologue! Im stoked you guys are just as excited for this fic as I am to write it! I hope you like it :)

if you saw me post this without the cut and photos - no you didn’t.

Series Masterlist - Main Masterlist

The inn is warm and inviting as you step through the heavy front door, the heat from the lit fireplace warming your icy skin as you enter the building. While winter has almost come and gone, and the spring season teases its arrival, the fresh cold air that lingers outside still covers the land with its icy grip. You take in a deep breath as the warmth from inside envelopes you, savoring the warmth as you admire the rustic interior of the small inn.

Fire crackles from the fireplace, a light glow filling the room. The light dances on the display of unique mugs that hang with grace from the wooden beams that line the ceiling above you. Fairly lights are strung up and intertwined with vines around the beams, adding to the soft and warm glow of the room.

You wander into the middle of the room, your fingertips tracing the small crevices and grooves that line the wooden tables. The table feels smooth under your touch, the wood itself worn down and smooth as well. Setting down your backpack on the stool beside you, you roll your stiff shoulders and hear your bones cracking with relief as they loosen up again. The long train ride across state lines had been tough, with your body screaming to stretch and move after only an hour of being confined in the cramped cabin.

The clock above the fireplace ticks, catching your attention as you read the time. You frown to yourself as you look back around the empty bar. The clock had just ticked over nine-thirty, you would have expected at least one person in the bar at this time of night.

You turn at the sound of a door opening as a soft hummed tune flows through the room. A girl with black hair tied in a bun and a light dust of freckles littering her face walks through a door behind the bar. Her eyes are cast down to a glass shes cleaning with a rag and with a smile on her face as she slowly sways to the music playing in her headphones.

“Excuse me?” You try to gain her attention without startling her, but your effort is futile as she turns away from you and sets the glass down before grabbing another.

You lean against the bar with your arms crossed, your eyes roaming the room as you wait for her to turn back around. Suddenly, there's a startled gasp, as if caught in surprise. She yanks the headphones out of her ears, and her breath is labored with shock. She stares back at you, her eyes meeting yours for the first time.

“Oh fuck, I didn’t hear you come in.” She lets out a huff of a laugh, her mouth twitching into a smile as she realises her mistake.“I’m sorry about that,” she says, apologetically throwing her headphones on the bar in front of you and leaning against it with her hands. “We don’t normally get people in this late on a Tuesday” She shrugs, her face and body language seemingly relaxed despite the initial shock.

“That’s okay, I’m normally not out this late if I’m honest.”

“No? So what’s got you visiting the great Firefly Inn this late at night?” She smirks as she leans over the bar.

“Dina stop flirting with the poor girl.” Another girl teases as she walks out of the back room, rolling her eyes as she jumps to sit on the counter behind Dina.

Dina scoffs.

“Don’t you have a boyfriend anyway?” Ellie leans over and takes an apple from the fruit bowl, raising her eyebrows at her friend.

Dina turns around and snatches the apple from her hand before she’s able to take a bite and takes a bit for herself as Ellie frowns at her.

“No actually, we broke up again.” She shrugs as she takes another bite of the apple.

“Again?” Ellie groans, leaning back until her head hits the wall behind her.

You look between the two teenagers, feeling like you’re imposing on their private conversation. You wait patiently for one of them to acknowledge your presence, but they continue to bicker back and forth like children. They seem almost oblivious to any other presence besides their own, their voices growing louder and their playful arguments becoming more passionate with each turn of phrase.

“Is there any chance I could get a room for the night?” You attempt to break their conversation and their heads snap in your direction, successfully silencing them.

There’s a moment of awkward silence as the three of you stare at each other, no one seeming to know what to say or do. Your request finally registers in Dina’s head, and she smiles slightly in embarrassment, breaking the tension between the three of you.

“Oh fuck. Yeah of course.” She mumbles as she dashes into the room out the back and returns with a thick book you assume is for the bookings.

Dina scribbles down your details while Ellie crunches on the apple she successfully stole back from her friend, her smug smile suggesting that the victory tasted a lot sweeter than the apple itself.

Dina leads you up a set of stairs to the second level of the inn, the candles that line the narrow hallway casting a soft and flickering glow around the vicinity. She unlocks an adjacent room and hands you the key, the space itself offering a warm and cozy atmosphere that feels more like a private home than a room at an inn.

You mumble a thanks as you step into the room, about to close the door behind you. Dina's foot suddenly blocks your attempt, jamming the door from closing completely. She smiles sweetly at you as you glare at her through the crack in the door, the exhaustion from the journey and the teenager starting to wear on your patience.

“Breakfast is at eight, if you want any.” She offers and removes her foot from the door and disappears down the dimly lit hallway.

“Weird.” You sigh as you close the door, making sure to lock it.

The town square is buzzing with activity as you walk down the main street, the morning's chill and overcast skies making the townsfolk more eager to get to their destinations inside the warmth of the next building.

Children are out and about, laughing and racing on their bikes as they speed by you with little to no regard towards any other pedestrians in their way. They seem to be racing each other to get to school in time, their speed increasing with each turn in the road.

With the dull gray skies overhead, the fairy lights strung across the town square provide a much-needed burst of warmth and cozy charm to the town's atmosphere. The lights glow dimly and softly, reflecting off of the damp pavement and casting a gentle glow against the trees and other surfaces that the lights have been tied to. You find yourself smiling at the sight, drawn in by the comforting atmosphere of the town and the familiar charm of the lights. You could definitely see yourself making a life here, and the thought makes you feel a sense of calm and happiness.

You don’t remember living here as a child, but you would have remembered this.

Your eyes scan across the town square as if searching for something to give you a further boost of energy after the tiredness of the morning, and there it is. A coffee shop sign, the words and colors of the sign beckoning you in like a magnet. You let out a yawn that seemingly came from your bones, your eyelids feeling heavier and your body screaming for a caffeine boost to help pick you up.

The bell above the door rings as you enter the cafe, the soft jingle announcing your presence. It's a small and quaint cafe on the inside with a few tables scattered throughout the middle of the shop. Brown leather couches are pushed up against a rustic brick wall where an older woman is seated with a book in her hands. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the cafe.

Walking up to the display case, you notice it’s full of pastries and cakes and your mouth waters at the sight.

You hear the familiar ding of the bell as it rings again, grabbing your attention from the mouth watering food. Ellie, the girl from last night, walks in with an older man following in behind her. He looks just as tired as you feel, his dark brown eyes heavy with sleep as he holds the door open as she passes through, and she gives him a small smile in return before she bee-lines to the counter. There’s a smirk on her face as she leans over the counter, reaching for the bell and obnoxiously hitting the bell.

“I thought I hid that.” The tired sigh of the barista behind the counter is a testament to the constant and obnoxious dinging of the bell. His back is turned as he finishes making a drink, seemingly used to the incessant noise that constantly plagues his ears.

“Not well enough Jesse boy.” She draws out his name, as if to mock him and his inability to hide the bell. There are a few annoyed glances from other customers who are growing resentful of her loud and disruptive behavior, but she remains unfazed as she continues to hit the obnoxious bell as if it were a toy.

The older man that walked in with her shakes his head in disappointment as he reaches over and takes the bell from her. A small frown settles on her face as she watches him take it from her, her mood being spoiled as she realizes she cannot continue her disruption. She lets out a small and annoyed huff as he places the bell on top of the display case, where his eyes meet yours for a brief moment. His face settles in a soft frown as he looks at you, muttering fuckin’ tourist under his breath before returning his attention to the girl by his side.

Your face shows your shock at the rudeness of the older man, your eyebrows shooting up in surprise. You shake your head in disbelief, still unable to process that someone could behave so rudely to a stranger. “Grumpy old man” You mutter under your own breath.

You look back down at the pastries, feeling a bit put off after the interaction but still considering what to buy.

“Come on kiddo, enough of that.” He mutters as he digs his wallet from his back pocket.

Hmm, maybe a croissant, or a muffin?

The barista turns around with a grin, pushing two mugs onto the counter. “A hot chocolate for the troublemaker,” he says, gesturing to Ellie as he pushes the mug towards her. “And a black coffee for the poor tired soul that has to put up with her,” he jokes, pushing the second mug towards the older man standing beside her.

Maybe a cinnamon roll?

“You got that right.” The man softly chuckles as he takes out his card.

“Whatcha say Joel, you want your usual breakfast or are you finally going to try something else? We make mean waffles here.”

“Just the bacon and eggs.”

The muesli slice looks good.

“Alright, alright. I’ll change your mind one of these days.” The barista, Jesse, sighs with a grin as he taps the order into the tablet. “What about you Ellie?” He asks without looking up from the screen.

“Nah, not hungry.”

“Oh come on kid, you gotta eat something.”

“I’m not hungry Joel.” She shrugs as she crosses her arms over her chest.

A woman with dark brown hair boxed braided and tied neatly into a bun walks in, her eyes quickly scanning the crowded café until they land on you. Her eyes instantly lock onto yours, her warm smile signaling that you're the person she's looking for. She politely asks, "Am I right to assume you're Rose's granddaughter?"

"Oh, yeah that's me." You respond awkwardly, a bit taken aback by the familiarity of the woman's question. You have no idea who this woman is or why she's so familiar with you, and she seems to know more about you than you do about her.

“I thought so. I’m Maria, the Mayor of Jackson. I knew Rose very well,” She smiles warmly, her hand resting on your shoulder as she mentions your grandmother. “I’m sorry about what happened, she was a lovely lady.”

You nod along to her words, a vague sense of familiarity dawning on you as you try to recall where you heard that name before. As she continues to offer her condolences, you remember her name from the letter your grandmother sent you. You thank her for her condolences and look back at the display case.

“I recommend the white chocolate and raspberry muffin.” She points to the muffin and you nod at her offer. “I get it every morning.”

Jesse takes one of the white chocolate muffins from the display and places it into a paper bag, placing it on the counter alongside a takeaway coffee. “All ready for you Maria.” He calls out and she politely dismisses herself from your conversation.

You watch from the side as she pays and thanks the young boy for her order.

The woman turns back to you with a smile and a friendly gesture. "Now, I do have a few things in my office for you," she begins, her voice sounding genuinely friendly and welcoming. "If you want to come by today, I can give them to you and show you the farm?" she offers.

You quickly take her offer, explaining that you were already on your way to her office before stopping by the cafe.

You step towards the counter as the woman leaves, Jesse humming to himself as he wipes over the counter. He looks up at you as he notices your presence, a smile appearing on his face as he offers a warm greeting. "What can I get for you?" he asks, tossing the cloth aside.

You place your order, deciding on taking up Maria’s recommendation and a dirty chai.

Your eyes are instantly drawn to a small table by the window, the sunlight gleaming through the room and illuminating the table as though spotlighting it for you. The bookcase behind the table shows a small collection of books and board games, all seemingly put in a neat and orderly fashion. The entire room feels clean and organized, as if everything has been placed in just the right location and given the proper focus.

You take a seat at the small table by the window and ease into a comfortable position. As you relax, you start to scroll through your emails, going over the updates about the delivery of your belongings. According to the tracking and updates, your belongings should be arriving by tomorrow, and you hope that everything goes smoothly without any unexpected delays.

Movement outside catches your eyes, and you glance out through the window. You notice Ellie and Joel sitting on one of the benches outside, Jesse setting down Joel's breakfast as Ellie continues to talk to him. The two of them laugh at something Ellie is saying as Joel rolls his eyes and shakes his head in a playful and mock frustrated way.

There’s a waffle on Joel’s plate and he shakes his head, shooing Jesse away.

Your eyes find themselves involuntarily drawn to the back of Joel, the short brown hair that curls slightly at the ends and the few soft grays that are starting to sprinkle his head. The thick brown jacket he wears looks cozy and well-worn, a clear indication of years of use and comfort.

He hands Ellie his buttered toast and she shakes her head. He must say something because she sighs dramatically and takes the bread from him.

“Happy?” You can read her lips as she talks.

Joel nods.

You look away, not wanting to be caught staring.

You’re dreaming. You have to be dreaming. A dream is the only reasonable explanation for the check in your hand.

Half a million dollars.

“There has to be some sort of mistake?”

“I can assure you, there’s no mistake here.” Maria assures you, setting her hands on her desk as she gestures to the check.

You're sitting across from Maria in her large office at the town hall. The light wood furniture in the space is sleek and simple in style, the minimalist design giving the office a clean and welcoming atmosphere. The room is filled with natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows behind her, the sunlight breaking through the gray clouds reflecting off of the wood furniture and making the room feel bright and airy.

A few photo frames sit proudly on her desk. There’s one on her wedding day, kissing her husband with a smile on his face. Then there’s one next to it, the two of them holding a new born baby in a hospital bed, smiling down like proud parents.

Your eyes are frozen on the check though, the number staring back at you as you struggle to comprehend it. You're at a loss for words as your brain tries to wrap itself around the amount listed on the check, Maria's light chuckle drawing your attention.

She digs around in her draw momentarily before setting another note on the table.

“This is a lot to take in, I’m sure. This is a list of everything she did for the town. It’s rather long but if you want to pick up anything she did, you can. No one is expecting you to replace Rose, honestly I don’t think anyone could,” she slides over the list and your eyes widen more at the long list of jobs she did around town.

Farming of fruit Farming of vegetables Farming of flowers Raise cows, provide dairy products Raise Chickens, provide eggs Raise sheep, provide wool Beekeeper, provide honey Fishing, provide fresh fish Deep diving, cleaning ocean Volunteering at town events

You slowly look up at Maria with a raised eyebrow. “I can’t do all this, this is crazy.” You scoff as you look back down at the list.

She laughs at that, sighing and agreeing with you. “She was a very busy woman. But if you want to continue her farm or sell it, let me know. I’ll help you in any way I can. Rose was an outstanding member of our community. If you do decide to continue the farm, even just doing one of these, it’ll be a massive help.”

You let out a sigh, sinking into the chair as you read over the list again. Your grandmother sounds impressive and you wish you had known her, or at least remembered her.

Farming doesn’t sound too bad?

“Alright then, show me the farm. Let’s see what I’m dealing with.”

You stand before the front door to your grandmother's house, a place long forgotten and now abandoned. Cobwebs and critters are scattered all across the exterior of the house, the once meticulously maintained walls now covered in unkept vines that are slowly crawling their way up the structure. The exterior has an eerie and uninviting aura to it, as if the place has been left to become an echo of time lost to memories.

At the center of the front door hangs a small piece of paper, its edges frayed and fluttering in the breeze as the rusty nail it's held to struggles to keep it in place.

Heard someone was moving back in to Rose's place, if you need a hand rebuilding, let me know. Joel Miller ps. I used to work in construction, I know what I'm doing.

You rip the note off the front door and sigh as you look back over the farm, its beauty all but fallen apart since your grandmother's absence. The farm, once a beautiful and lively space, seems almost lifeless now. The plants are all unkempt and overgrown, most of them withered and dry while others are covered in a thick layer of weeds. It's a sad sight, one that reminds you of how much time has passed since she was last here.

How long it's been since you've been here.

“Who’s Joel Miller?” You ask as Maria follows you up the stairs to the front porch.

“That would be my brother in law, owns a sheep ranch down the road. Why?”

You hand her the note and huffs in surprise at the note. “That’s oddly nice of him. Guess he always had a soft spot for Rose. But don’t expect that from him, he can be a bit…” She trails off her sentence, her face scrunching up in thought.

“Rude?”

“Oh so you’ve met him then?” She laughs.

“I think so, took one look at me and muttered ‘fuckin’ tourist’” You try your best to impersonate his southern accent and Maria lights up at your attempt.

“Yep, that sounds just like Joel. But don’t take that personally, you’re not a fuckin’ tourist, you’re officially a Jackson resident.” She hands the keys to you and gestures towards the front door. “This is your home now.”

The sound of the door unlocking sends a nervous feeling through your stomach, your nerves already on edge from the anticipation of moving into your new home. The door creaks as it opens, a stale and musty smell filling your nose and signaling that the house had been shut up and sealed away for far too long.

The house is beautiful.

Your eyes take in the large entry as you step into the house, your eyes drawn to the two hanging black chandeliers with fake candles. A large black wooden sliding door can be seen to your left, and a set of glass doors in front of you leads out to the back porch.

You ease the black doors open, entering the open-floor plan space with a slow and careful step. The modern and rustic wooden kitchen fills your vision, a large dining room sitting to the left as you step over and slide your palms across the white counter tops. The space has been empty for a while, a thick layer of dust on the counters.

“She took a lot of pride in her home.” Maria speaks up as she follows you into the room.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Would you like a tour?”

“I’d love one.”

You follow along as Maria opens a set of dark wooden doors to the right of the kitchen, the door leading into a small laundry room that connects to the back porch. The laundry room is small but spacious, and the view out to the back porch over a pond is quite peaceful.

To the right of the kitchen, a wooden dining table is situated next to the glass windows that lead into the small greenhouse, the space filled with dead and rotting plants.

To the left of the dining table, a small living room that includes a fireplace and wide wooden stairs that lead to the second floor is also visible. Both the fireplace and the stairs have seen better days, their condition clearly being a testament to the neglect the house has seen.

She leads you upstairs, and as you enter the room at the top of the stairs, your jaw falls wide open at the sight. The room is vast and spacious, with its floor-to-ceiling windows on one wall offering a magnificent view of the pond and farm. Built-in bookshelves line the other two of the walls, with couches built in under the windows, giving the space a cozy and welcoming vibe. The books on the shelves display a wide variety of topics, from classic works of fiction to non-fiction books on various scientific subjects.

“Joel helped her do this.” Maria points towards the bookshelves and couches and you nod in awe.

“Maybe I will take him up on the offer to help.” You chuckle as she leads you into a room across from the top of the stairs. The bathroom is fairly run down and rusted, but you can see what it used to be like in all its glory. A cracked tub sits in the middle of the room with an open shower to your left.

Maria leads you to the bedroom, the final room of the upstairs, which is located to the left of the stairs. The room is decently sized, with a big window that faces out towards the farm. The window lets in plenty of lighting and fresh air. To the left of the room, there is a narrow corridor that leads to a small balcony.

“Is the power and water turned on?” You inquire, following her back downstairs to the ground level of the house.

She gives you a quick nod, confirming that she had already planned to have everything ready for your arrival. Everything had been taken care of before your arrival, ensuring that the utilities would be fully functional for you to use as soon as you move into the house.

“Well, it’s been wonderful to meet you. Rose used to talk about you a lot, so it’s been nice to meet you. If you need anything,” She digs through her bag before handing you her card. “Call me, I’ll do whatever I can to help.” She offers before leaving you alone in your new home.

You find Joel’s offer again that night, folded on a table in the entry way while you’re snooping around and attempting to sort through your grandmothers house — or you guess your own house now.

You sigh at the number scribbled at the bottom of the note. Did you really want the help of someone who was so rude to you?

As you look down at the note in your hand once more, you can't help but exhale.

“Fuck it,” you mutter as you enter his number into your phone before sending him a text.

Hey Joel, I just moved into Rose’s farm and found the note you left. Would love to take up your offer! - Fucking tourist

You smile to yourself as you send the text and hope to god that he remembers you from the cafe this morning.

Your phone vibrates as you get out of the shower that night.

Glad your not a tourist. We can grab coffee and discuss what needs doing. Tomorrow work for you? - Grumpy old man

You huff a laugh at his response, glad he has a sense of humor. You shake off the smile on your face, remembering how much of an asshole he was this morning. You text back agreeing to his offer and he sets a time for eight in the morning.

You drift off to sleep with a smile on your face, and you tell yourself that it’s not because of Joel but rather due to your own excitement and happiness about the move. He may be a rude asshole but he offered to help and from the looks of the house and farm, you’re going to need it.

And if Joel Miller wants to help, you’ll make him work.

Chapter 2 - comming soon

Notes

I am having way too much fun with this fic! So, our first look at Dina, Ellie, Jesse, Joel and Maria! I hope you like how i've incorporated them into the story! I’m having Dina and her sister run the inn (which is also a restaurant) Jesse work at the cafe (so far, there’s more he does too) and I cant wait until you find out what Ellie does, yall are going to LOVE her in this story. And then there’s Joel. Please excuse him, he’s just a grumpy old man that needs his coffee and hates tourists. But I really loved his interactions with Ellie.

Tags @jupiter-soups @anavatazes @ruthyalva96 @pastawench @littleblackcatinwonderland @joeldjarin @chiyo13 @readingiskeepingmegoing @northennlights @peachiestevie @brittmb115 @jiminstinypinky @xxrookexx

If you want to be tagged, please comment on the masterlist for this series and I will add you. If you want to be taken off, please DM so i don't miss your request.

Every comment, like and reblog means the world to me. please let me know your thoughts about this, i want to ramble about this story so much.

#joel miller #the last of us #joel tlou #joel fanfic #joel x reader #tlou #tlou joel #tlou fanfiction #joel miller x reader #pedro pascal #joel miller x you #joel miller x f!reader #joel x fem!reader

124 notes · View notes

witchysquirrel · 2 months

Text

Epiphany

Chapter Fifteen

WARNING: suggestiveness, smut (oral sex: m receiving, face fucking, etc.) 18+, minors DNI

Cassian ran to Ravenna, cheering as he picked her up and swung her around. She giggled as he spun her, overjoyed at the fact that he’d been able to take to the skies again. She thought back to when she'd first seen his wings, completely macerated. She'd never thought she'd see him leave the ground again. He set her down, and she continued to laugh as he pressed kisses all over her face.

He pulled away, taking her face in his calloused hands. “I didn’t think I would ever fly again, when I first woke up that day in the healing tent,” he told her. “But I have you. So somehow I’m alive and I just did it.” His eyes were watery, and she hugged him tightly, then kissed his jaw. Cassian sniffed, digging the key Rhys had given them out of his pocket to open the front door to the cabin.

As they got closer, Ravenna discovered that it was a beautiful oaken cabin, with a wrap-around covered porch and stained glass accents in the windows. It was nestled in a clearing surrounded by trees and forest, and although it was dark, Ravenna could hear the river running nearby. It was utterly peaceful, and as they entered, they each marveled at the huge wood-burning fireplace and hearth that were situated on the far wall of the living room. The living room, kitchen, and sunroom downstairs were all outfitted with the finest furniture, luxury sofas, silken area rugs, glittering chandeliers that somehow meshed with the rest of the more rustic accents. Upstairs they found three bedrooms, one of which was where they left their bags and shoes, and changed into comfier clothing.

“Ooh, look at this,” Cassian called from downstairs as Ravenna was making her way down.

She joined him in the doorway to the basement, which appeared to contain a throne room of sorts. It was beautiful. Why a throne big enough to accommodate Illyrian wings would be needed in a wooded cabin was beyond her, but she supposed that was Rhysand’s business and none of hers. She asked Cassian's opinion anyway. “What could he possibly need a throne for in a cabin in the forest?”

Cassian shrugged absently. He had already begun to imagine himself sitting atop the throne, Ravenna hovering over his–

“Hungry?” she called from the kitchen then, snapping him out of his fantasy. He shook his head to clear his mind, then crossed into the kitchen to find her pulling ingredients out of the cabinets one by one. Either Rhys had anticipated them, or this cabin just had everything you could possibly ever need. Bowls and platters of all shapes and sizes, spoons and spatulas, all basic ingredients and seasonings.

“Cookies?” he asked, beaming at her across the island counter.

She nodded. “Sit with me while I bake.” He took a seat at one of the bar stools, leaning over the counter to watch her. “By the way, if I didn’t say it before, I’m proud of you for flying so fearlessly.”

“Thank you,” he replied. “I was fucking terrified for a second though.” They both laughed as Ravenna began creaming together butter and sugar in a blue ceramic mixing bowl, tucking her hair behind her ears to keep it out of her face. “Your power has always astounded me, but you basically restored my wings entirely.”

She glanced up at him as she went to work on the bowl with a mixing spoon, giving him a half-smile. “Good thing you kept me around,” she answered, then pointed at him with the spoon. “Don’t be mad at me when they’re sore tomorrow, though.”

He rolled his eyes at her playfully, then smiled. “How did you figure out you could heal?” he asked, leaning in. “Were your parents healers as well? I can’t believe these are questions I’ve never asked.”

She laughed at him as she cracked a couple of eggs into the bowl, tossing the eggshells into a trash can underneath the sink. Ravenna wiped her hands on the navy blue apron she wore around her waist. “My parents both came from families of healers, but weren’t healers themselves,” she explained. “They were a bit surprised when their four year old created a hospital for injured chickadees she found on the sidewalk... It’s just something I was born with. They didn’t send me to Dawn until I was thirteen though, someone must've told them it was valuable or something."

He nodded along as she spoke. “It’s interesting to me that they sent you to Dawn alone,” Cassian said. "Why didn't they go with you?"

Ravenna shrugged as she stirred quickly. “I guess I’ve never thought about it,” she replied. “You were all at Windhaven alone. And with more dangerous powers than mine will ever be.” She let a small laugh pass her lips as she began to fold in the flour.

“Hey, I’m sure you could heal someone to death if you put your mind to it,” Cassian said with a chuckle.

“I’m good without the death part,” she replied, scrunching her nose up as she poured bits of chocolate into the bowl. Cassian watched her float around the kitchen gracefully, mixing the chocolate in with the dough. He pondered what she’d said. He knew she obviously didn’t prefer the gore and death they were so accustomed to, but for the first time he wondered how much it affected her. Almost like he could feel some sense of regret or anxiety trickling down the bond.

Ravenna had always been such an enigma; delicate, yet fierce, graceful and bold, quiet, with the loudest, most infectious laugh in every room. He’d seen her unleash on enemies when she needed to, but most of the time he'd watched her outsmart them – she was quick, decisive, knew when to run and rescue, and when to fight. There was a prayer she said over each of the fallen she came across or attended to as they died, he’d heard her say it so many times he knew it by now; ‘Be free, be proud of who you’ve been, rest, you have loved and are beloved.’ She was the gentleness, the eye of the storm in every battle he'd been part of. It all made sense now that they were mates, how much he admired her, why he loved her the way he did. She was everything he needed.

She’d just put the first batch of cookies into the oven and started to wash some of the dishes. Cassian came up behind her, resting his chin on her shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. He placed a kiss under her ear, a spot of hers he’d discovered earlier that night. She tilted her head to the side for him but continued washing the dishes. He sucked at the soft skin there and she made a muffled sound at the warmth of his lips there.

Ravenna sighed into her mate. “We’re going to be here a really long time if this is day one,” she breathed. Cassian chuckled into her neck.

“I won’t do anything,” he said, his voice low near her ear. “We need sleep so we’ll have the energy to do all of the things I want to do to you tomorrow... and the next day, and the next day....”

The timer on the counter went off, which was exactly the interruption Ravenna needed in order to be able to ignore the bulge straining against Cassian’s pants. She set down whatever dish she was holding, completely unsure if she’d cleaned it or not, and retrieved the cookies from the oven. Cassian followed, arm snaking around her waist as he stood at her side. He began reaching for a cookie, but Ravenna smacked his hand away.

She looked at him, incredulous. “First of all,” she began. “I’m supposed to offer you the food, you don’t take the food. And second, they are so hot right now, you will absolutely burn your tongue if you put that in your mouth right now.”

“I’m sorry. They smell so good,” he replied, sheepishly. She smiled and shook her head, transferring the cookies to a cooling rack.

“Now we let them cool,” she told him, leading him to sit back down. “Already hard again, huh?” Ravenna quipped, gesturing to his crotch.

His eyes flashed to hers. “I can’t help it,” he replied, adjusting his pants. “And don’t act like I can’t smell you right now. The frenzy goes both ways.”

Her cheeks turned bright pink as her core burned with arousal at his words, and she had to cross her thighs together. “Well I couldn’t ignore you,” she said. “Especially now that I know what you’re hiding in there.” She gestured to his crotch where the leather looked like it might tear open to reveal him at any second.

“That is exactly how I feel about everything you are currently wearing right now,” he said. “Now that I know what’s underneath, I don’t think it should be there any more.”

Ravenna scoffed, then transferred a cookie onto the white saucer she’d found in one of the cupboards. It was warm and gooey, cooled enough to eat. She came back over to Cassian and set it on the counter.

“Gourmet, just for you,” she said, picking it up to bring it to Cassian’s lips. He held her gaze as she lowered it to his mouth. He took a bite, watching her as she popped the rest of the cookie into her mouth. The crisp dough melted in your mouth, especially fresh out of the oven warm like they’d been, the chocolate rich in contrast. When she’d finished chewing and swallowing, she brought her fingers to her lips, depositing them into her mouth to lick the leftover melted chocolate from them. Cassian’s eyes tracked her mouth, his lips parted slightly as he watched her. She made him continue to watch her as she stood, took the plate to the sink, and washed her hands. She took a drink of water from a nearby glass, then turned back to him.

“We’re officially mates,” Ravenna said, turning back to him. He was already standing again, staring at her.

“Yeah,” he breathed, the corners of his mouth turning upwards.

They met each other halfway, lips crashing together, hands reaching for somewhere to grip. He held her face in his hands as his tongue dragged along her bottom lip. Ravenna was finished with any form of teasing as desire for Cassian took over, and her hand immediately moved to his pants. She palmed him a couple of times through the fabric, allowing him to moan into her mouth when he finally had some friction. Finally though, she took him by the hand and dragged him into the room with the throne in it.

“Sit,” she said, her voice echoing through the marble room, dark eyes boring into him. He licked his bottom lip, wordlessly obeying her commands. He took his place on the throne, arms resting flat on the sides, feet in line with the dais beneath. Cassian looked up at her from below his brows, adjusting in the seat. She made her way towards him, crawling into his lap. Ravenna kissed him, from his lips, across his jaw, down his throat, to his collarbones. Her hands finally drifted to his waistband, undoing the laces and pulling the zipper down firmly. She kissed down his chest, lips grazing the hard muscle of his torso as she made her way down.

Cassian gasped as she tugged his pants the rest of the way down and took his length in her hand, kneeling between his legs. She looked up at him so sweetly as she took him into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the tip. She hollowed her cheeks out, taking him deeper and deeper, growing wetter at the noises he made in response.

“You take my cock like it’s nothing,” he muttered, panting as she bobbed her head, ungodly noises coming from her mouth as her saliva leaked down his inner thighs. She looked up at him again as she came up for air, and he took a handful of her hair in his fist, pulling her closer. She hummed against him, dragging her tongue over his slit before taking him down her throat again, choking on the size of him.

“Oh fuck,” he moaned, adjusting his hips on his throne. She pulled back, falling back on her heels where she knelt before him.

“You can do whatever you want…by the way,” she said, quietly. He nearly melted, leaning back further on the throne.

“Just tap my thigh if it’s ever too much or you need to stop,” he told her. She acknowledged him with a nod. Readjusting his grip on her dark mass of curls, he began slowly thrusting his hips upwards to meet her mouth.

“Ravenna,” he breathed, squeezing his eyes shut as he ground his hips up into her mouth. “You have no idea how fucking good this feels.”

She moaned against him as he increased his pace, earning a string of curses from his mouth at the vibration it brought. Cassian was surprised to find he was already about to cum, and he let himself go as he fucked into her mouth sloppily. He could hardly contain himself at the sight of her, eyes teary, spit running down her chin.

“You’re gonna make me cum, fuck,” he grunted, pulling her head down, the back of her throat bringing him closer and closer to his end. Finally Cassian let his orgasm rush through him, blowing his load down her throat. She licked up every last drop of his cum, bringing him close to overstimulation as she lapped at his twitching cock. Finally he lifted her to his lap and brought her mouth to his, kissing her messily, licking her mouth clean of him. He wiped her tears, kissing her face gently.

“I can’t get enough of you,” he whispered to her. She looked up at him, a smile in her eyes.

“I don’t think I ever will,” she replied, leaning into his chest. “Can you take me to bed?”

He lifted her easily in his arms, kissing her face a few times before carrying her to one of the bedrooms upstairs and laying her down gently. She crawled underneath the covers, curling up within the comforter. Cassian showered, and by the time he returned, Ravenna was snoring quietly under a curtain of dark hair.

He stroked her face with the back of his hand, then crawled into bed next to her, ready for sleep to take him.

Epiphany Masterlist

A/N: sorry yall but there’s gonna be a steady stream of smut for a sec…. it makes sense for the plot and I’m not gonna pass up an opportunity 🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻

#acotar #acotar fic #acotar oc #cassian acotar #acotar fanfiction #cassian x oc #acotar smut #cassian smut #spicy content #cassian angst

25 notes · View notes

simstorian-blog · 2 months

Text

Sandtrap Flat

(CC List + Links)

World Map: Oasis Springs

Area: Bedford Strait

Lot Size: 30 x 20

Gallery ID: Simstorian-ish

Packs Needed

Expansion Packs

Cats & Dogs

For Rent

Get Famous

Get Together

High School Years

Game Packs

Dream Home Decorator

Parenthood

Strangerville

Kits

Desert Luxe Kit

Build Mode

Felixandre

Soho Pt. 2 (Light Switch Medium, Metal Door Medium)

Harlix

Orjanic Pt.1 (Glass Roof 2)

Harrie

Klean Pt. 2

Klean Pt. 3

Kwatei Pt. 1 (Double Arch Short, Front Door Glass- Medium, Front Door Solid – Short)

Peacemaker

Rustic Siding

Pierisim

Tilable (Plaster)

Woodland Ranch (Wooden Ceiling)

Sundays

Juniper Terrazzo Floor C

Buy Mode

Anniee-sims

Lilah Prints (Mesh Needed)

Anye

Prio (Duvet)

Townhouse (Loopchair)

Awingedllama

Boho Living (Wooden Arch Floor Mirror)

BlueTeas

Curtains

Jasmine Teenage Bedroom (Pendant Lamp)

Allen Seating (Walt Ottoman V2)

CharlyPancakes

Lavish (Clothing Only)

ClutterCat

Baby Boo (Coloring Book, Pouf, Tulip Vase)

BubbleGum (Calendar, Color Candle I Big)

Busy Bee (Glass Jars, Pen Holder, Pencil Case)

Cozy Cocina

Fairylicious (Cushion Pile, Kids Art)

Sunny Sundae Pt. 1 (Candle Small)

Sunny Sundae Pt. 3 (Alarm Clock, Open Book, Vanity Mirror)

CowBuild

Minotti Ottoman I

Felixandre

Berlin Pt. 3 (Desktop)

Kyoto Pt. 3 (Bath Tray)

Shop The Look S1 (Magazine Stand, Tassel Rug)

Shop The Look S3

Soho Pt. 1 (Sideboard, Woven Rug)

Soho Pt. 4 (Ficus Planter, Stool)

Harlix

Baysic

Baysic Bathroom

Harluxe (AC Control, Book w Sunglasses, Light Switch, Makeup Tray, Mini Bar)

Jardane (Counter, Grill, Sink – Deep)

Kichen (Bowls, Glasses, Plates)

Livin’ Rum (Bookstand, Coffee Table Book, Frame Tv, Stacking Box)

Orjanic Pt. 2 (Foxglove Vase)

Harrie

Brownstone Pt. 1 (Sink, Shelves)

Brutalist Bathroom (Bathtub, Block Vanity – Centre/Curved Left & Right, Frame Mirror – Large, Rectangular Sink, Shower, Tiled Decorative Shelf)

Coastal Pt. 7 (Mirror)

Country (Bed Vase)

Halcyon Kitchen

Shop The Look (Wooden Bowl)

Shop The Look 3 (Coffee Tables, Cushions, End Table)

JoyceIsFox

Simple Live #7 (Cooking Utensils, Double Chopping Board)

KiwiSims4

Blockhouse Dining (Pendants)

Piha Living (Chandeliers)

KKB

Citrus Room (Samsung the Serif Ver1)

Ledger Atelier

Mohan Living Pt. 3 (Sofa)

Nordheim Bathroom Pt. 1 (Bathrobe)

LittleDica

Delicious Kitchen (Paper Towel)

LorySims

2021 Ford Bronco

MyCupofCC

Bathroom Collection (Woven Bath Mat)

Nordica Sims

Art Poster 01

No Style x Woodland

Annika Meabh Sofa

Peacemaker

Creta Kitchen (Bar Fridge, Short Lineal Light Beam)

Ellipse (Ottoman)

Kitayama Bedroom (Half Moon Headboard)

Kassova Sectional

Matilda (Backpack, Jacket, Knit)

Pierisim

David’s Apartment Pt. 1 (Books 3 & 4)

David’s Apartment Pt. 2 (Nightstand, Open Book, Pile of Jumpers 2, Pile of Trousers 1 & 2, Shoes, Wooden Side Table)

MCM Pt. 3 (Metal Sconce 2, Narrow Rug Long, Narrow Rug Short, Wall Mounter Accent Table)

MCM Pt. 5 (Hair Dryer, Hair Straightener, Wigs)

Winter Garden (Olive Tree)

Pilar

Osaka Lamp Oval Large

Plush Pixels

Calm Sofa

Ravasheen

Knit Happens Clutter

Procrafination

RusticSims

Kind of Modular (Books, Deco Jar)

Loft Pt. 1 (Lampara de Pie Petrea)

Sooky88

Justina Blakeney x Loloi Area Rug

Mixed Modern Square Rug

Sundays

Canggu Pt. 3 (Pillows I)

Kediri Pt. 1 (Throw Pillow – Solids)

Swell Pt. 1 (Bolster Pillow)

TaurusDesigns

Eliza Walk-in Closet (Clothing Only)

Tuds

CRIB (Pendants – Small/Medium)

Winner9

Yokeda Wall Lamp Triple

DO NOT REUPLOAD MY LOTS.

DO NOT CLAIM THEM AS YOUR OWN.

DO NOT PLACE BEHIND A PAYWALL.

Tray Files: DOWNLOAD

#simstorian #the sims 4 #sims 4 #ts4 #cc #ts4 simblr #build #sims 4 build #oasis springs #bedford strait #sandtrap flat #residential lot #colorful #interior design

18 notes · View notes

hotdilfs11 · 9 months

Text

Mafia Boss-Thomas Shelby x Reader pt4

✩summary: The Shelby knew this girl when she was very little. However, when her mother passed away (at 16) everything changed and everyone drifted away from each other. Now after seven years Veronica is a mafia boss in her fathers business. Her father sent her to Birmingham on business, will this play off well?

✩pairings:girl named Veronica(POC) x Thomas Shelby

✩warnings: none

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

The morning came early as I woke up in bed watching the sun leaked through my window. The morning air was crisp and fresh, and everything came into focus as I sat up from my bed and looked around the glib room. I started to remember what I have to do today, and the weight of frustration and stress started to fall on my back. I slowly crept out of bed, not wanting to do my task for today, but I knew I had to get it over with. My foot caressed the cold frigid floor as I started to step out of bed and to get dressed

1:50 PM

I was in my office going over some paperwork and some other tasks my father had assigned me for the week. I heard a roaring sound echo through the air as I looked down to realize it was my phone. I pick it up from the side of me and realize it's my father calling.

"Hello!" I say nonchalantly.

"Hey, dear, how was it with the peaky blinders?" he said tiredly on the phone. Then I remembered that the time is different in New York compared to here in Birmingham.

I glanced at my watch. "It's good I’m meeting them today at four o'clock; I’m about to leave in a minute."

"That's good, just give me an update about them every week. I don’t need anything going bad, and I know they're known for that." He was cautious about Peaky Blinders. I think he was actually concerned.

"Yes, I know, dad, I've got to go." I quickly hung up the phone with him. I forgot that half of the Peaky Blinders old businesses went to shit because they messed it up themselves. I honestly hope they know who they’re working for because if not, they're in for a ride.

I started to grab my things and put on my coat as I left my condo to ride to Birmingham for the first time in seven years. I felt like I wanted to throw up while the feeling of sadness overwhelmed me as I went into my hometown, remembering everything I loved and hated about it. All the good times and the bad times leading up to my mother's death

3:35 PM

I showed up at the garrison, and it looked like any other pub you'll ever see. It has a boxy shape with a mysterious jet-black exterior. On the top, it says "The Garrison Tavern" in yellow letters with a white outline.

"Madam," Dante says as he opens the door right in front of the garrison. I smile and say, "Thank you, Dante, and I only need one bodyguard today, not the other ones."

Dante was still holding the car door for me, waiting for me to get out of the car. I got out of the car and walked towards the pub, swinging the rustic door open. I walked through the door, taking in the smell of cigarettes and whiskey. However, I noticed how manly and vintage it looked, with a modern twist to it. I spotted Arthur working behind the counter, serving drinks to people. He quickly noticed me the second I walked in with Dante.

He looked at me. "Hey Ronnie," he said with a smile while serving drinks to a customer. He looked weirdly happy. I honestly thought he would be mad because of how I acted yesterday.

I started walking towards the bar, sitting on one of the hard and uncomfortable stools. "Hey Arthur, where are we all meeting again?".

"Uh..I think in Tommy's office maybe since it's quick," he said as he started pouring someone else a drink. "I think he's back there honest."

"Okay, thank you, dear," I say, getting up from the stool.

I walk towards Tommy's door, knocking on it softly. "Come in," he said with a husky voice.

The door knob creaked as I twisted it, opening the door and revealing Tommy behind his desk. I saw Polly and John sitting on two of the three chairs right in front of his desk.

"Come in, sit” ,Tommy demands.

I turned to Dante, who was hovering over me. "Stay out here, Dante; I’ll be okay," I told him. He stepped out of the room as I walked over to sit next to John.

I turn towards John and Polly. "Ok, before we start, I want to apologize for how I acted, but you guys have to understand who I am as a person in this moment of my life," I said softly.

John made eye contact with me as his eyes softened up. "It's okay, V, I understand," he said in a sincere voice. My eyes widened as those words fell out of John's mouth. I wasn't expecting him to actually say he understood; I didn’t think he would be understanding at all. I was expecting more from Polly to say something, but she just gave me a blank, angry stare. She looked so disappointed at how I tuned out to be this way while everyone else seemed a bit happy or just unbothered. I expected the boys to be mad, not Polly, and now this just made me very upset with myself, but I also had a resentment towards her.

"Ok, so what's your answer?" I say quickly, looking back at Tommy, trying not to fill my head with emotion.

"Yes, we’ll go into business with you; I already told Arthur." Tommy says quickly as he analyzed me. He glanced over my body, sending me a chill through my me.

"Ok, great, now there are things I’ll need from all of you and Arthur," I say with a sturdy voice.

I tell them I need all of their personal information, including emails, where they live, family and friends, and who they live with, as a safety measure. I ask this just in case something goes wrong in the company and I need to notify them and their families.

"I need all this in two days before I assign you things to do, understood?" I ordered making eye contact with everyone in the room. I looked around the room while everyone nodded at me, agreeing to everything I said.

"Okay, I’ll be back in two days," I said as I stood up to leave. A rush went through my body as Tommy said, "Miss Hawthorn, can I talk to you alone?” He teased me, hinting everyone out the room.

"Of course, Mr. Shelby," I say, being coy. I know he keeps calling me Miss Hawthorn because he’s flirting with me and he knows how much he affects me.

As everyone is leaving the room, Tommy stands up from his desk. I start to walk towards his desk, keeping a good distance away from him, knowing how I’ll react while I’m around him.

"You wanted to talk to me, Mr. Shelby?" I say it with a mean face, showing no emotions.

"Why are you acting like that, Miss Hawthorn?" he says as he starts inching towards me.

"I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Shelby," I said with a grin on my face, acting innocent.

Tommy starts inching towards me, and my heart starts to beat like a drum as he gets closer to me. I placed my hand on the desk, bracing myself and trying to control my emotions as I started to get even more nervous than I already was.

"So you're going to act like there's nothing between us anymore, eh?" He said it in a flirty but harsh tone.

He looked at my hands as he started to caress them in a back-and-forth motion, making me tense.

"um..I" I couldn’t make out my words as his strong, rough hands started to move up and down my bare arm. A chill flooded through my body as the butterflies in my stomach started to grow stronger and stronger. I felt his steel blue eyes taunting me as he started to inch closer and closer to me, feeling his warm body hovering over mine.

"So you feel nothing towards us?" He said while he dragged his hand down my arm while his hands started to wrap gently around my waist. My body starts to tremble, and my face starts to get hot as his hands start to grip my waist a little bit tighter by the second. I put my hands on Tommy's firm chest, trying not to give into his touch, even though I wanted to. My breath shuddered and my mouth went dry. "Tommy, you know I can’t answer that," I said softly as guilt started to rush over me. I want him so bad, and I’ve always wanted him, but I can't. I’m in this business, and I’ll always be professional, even if it hurts sometimes. His head tilted in confusion as I spat out those words. His eyes grew soft and desperate as he spoke. "Why not"

I slipped out. of Tommys arms, backing away from his desk and keeping a fair distance from him. "Because I can't, Tommy." He starts walking towards me as I tell him, "I’m leaving, Tommy."

I turned my back on Tommy, trying to walk out the door. As I’m walking away from him, I feel Tommy's strong hands wrap around me, spinning me around in a quick motion. Now I’m closer to him than ever, feeling his warm body against mine. My body is rigid with tension, and my breath starts to quicken. I looked into his icy yet puzzling eyes, as he had a cold expression on his face. "No, I want you to answer my question. Do you feel anything, Veronica?" He spoke in a forceful and deep voice.

Guilt took over my body as I tried to give him an answer, but I couldn't. All I could do was stare into his cold blue eyes, unable to speak. My face was flushed as we got lost in each other's eyes; my heart was racing, and my mouth went dry as I was overwhelmed with pleasure and desire as Tommy grabbed me a little bit tighter. My eyes couldn't help looking at his lips as I unconsciously leaned closer and closer, brushing my lips against his. My stomach started to do turns until I heard a loud knock at the door of Tommy's office. My head turned in a swift motion, looking endlessly at the door.

"Tommy, we gotta fucking go," John said in his deep accent as he walked away from the door.

I snapped out of whatever I was about to do, noticing how close I was to Tommy and how close I was to kissing him. I whispered "fuck" while I backed away from Tommy, thinking about what I was getting myself into. I wasn’t fucking thinking about my future, my father's future, or the future of the company.

I was stuck, frozen, and unable to walk. I didn’t know what to do or how to react. "I…" I took a long pause, trying to capture my thoughts. "I have to go," I said as I slowly turned around, facing the door, until my legs went stiff when I heard Tommy speak for one last time. "Ronnie I want you to come to a ball at my house in four days," he says as I start to turn around.

His voice grew deeper as he said. "I want you to be there, love."

My brows furrowed as I started to shake my head in frustration. "Tommy, I said—" He cuts me off in the middle of my sentence. He begins to walk up to me while he puts his blazer on. "I just want you to be there," he demanded, making heavy eye contact with me. "Fine," I say quickly. I turned my back on him as I started to walk out of his office.

30 notes · View notes

actualbampot · 6 months

Text

Untitled Biker AU WIP

Paring: Cinder Fall/Ruby Rose Trans character with gender-neutral pronouns

Summary: Cinder is an ex-bike gang member trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow. Ruby is a reckless delivery driver on a rickety moped. They collide. Literally. AN: I'm posting a WIP because I'm bored of seeing this unfinished in my docs. Take it, god please. If you want to see art related to this: LINK LINK -

Ruby swallowed down a metallic taste.

She had been to a few bars, sure. Sometimes an in-town local for a solitary sunday lunch between her delivery shifts. Others, a popular spot in the upper-city blaring with colorful strobes and upbeat music. This was a little more…rustic than she was used to.

Ruby glanced at her surroundings. For better or worse, it took a while to notice how the poorly air-conditioned building heightened the stale tinge of old booze. Worn upholstery seats that had undoubtedly suffered more than a few drunken fights were dotted with dubious blotches, while underhand, a mahogany-stained bar top left behind the sticky residue of one too many spilled drinks.

Tinny acoustics drifted from one corner of the room, not sure if she could chalk it up to the ancient-looking jukebox, or if everything was just a little garbled right now.

All were things that sat somewhere in the backseat of her mind, slotted behind a firm wall of arctic adrenaline, hands and feet pulsing with an aching cold.

Her legs wobbled like viscous jelly, the beginnings of pain springing somewhere in the background, even if she couldn’t quite pinpoint where yet.

Maybe opting against the hospital, and agreeing to jump on the back of the very motorcycle she'd rear-ended wasn’t her finest moment. It was more a question of which one she could afford.

“Just give me the back room for a few-” "And pay off another peeler to ignore whatever shit you've just walked into my bar again? Do you think I'm made of money?"

Trying not to listen in on the heated conversation went about as successfully as expected: A dive bar in the dead of the afternoon didn’t exactly provide Ruby with many distractions. Trying hard not to listen in she squirmed uncomfortably. The leg that was raw red and exposed between her decimated jeans bounced on the footrest of her bar stool.

"It’s not like that. Not this time. I know I messed up the -"

"Two-thousand that i'll never see again,” Hissed a woman with an accent so far flung that Ruby was having trouble keeping up, “A bull in a fucking china shop is what you are, Cinder."

"Fine, not in the back- out front. Just till’ she's fixed up, then I'm out of your hair."

The sidelong glance Ruby couldn't help taking saw a thoroughly unimpressed frown as the angry woman shifting her weight, arms crossed. The sheer size of Cinder- that was their name- in comparison to the two others was staggering.

However it wasn't hard to deduce that this was something of a routine.

"She just went into the back of me.” Cinder urged, and something told Ruby that these two were not used to hearing the truth. “That’s it, I swear. C'mon C."

Flanking the angry woman who Ruby summarized to be the bar owner, The shortest of the three had stood, silent and assessing up until now.

Intrinsic ink stretched over broad shoulders and thick arms that were crossed in a similar fashion, blooms of watercolor spinning life among sleeves of flowers and skulls.

They leaned in, muttering something into the ear of the woman, C, who then looked up, over her shoulder and directly at Ruby, a pinpoint blue glare melting into resignation.

"I expect money to cross my counter,” C finally announced after a moment, “and then I want you and her out, you hear me?"

"Thanks for that, A." Cinder said, and it earned a narrow stare.

“Didn't you rip the centerpiece off the roof, and beat someone with it last time? On top of that you conveniently forgot to pay your tab before the police arrested you. So no, I didn’t do it for you.”

"Hey, he was a big guy. And I thought you hated that tacky chandelier?”

"I did. But she loved it." Candidness chased a flicker of affection warming in the bartender's eyes, as they watched the owner, C, flitting around the room cleaning tables in an angry frenzy.

Ruby thought It was kind of endearing.

"Looks like you could do with something stiff."

Ruby snapped to attention when she realized A's statement was directed at her. There was an easy, non-threatening kind charm in their expression that eased the intensity in the room.

Ruby skimmed the menu above the bar. Her orders had forever been whatever tooth-rotting drink was on the menu, typically topped up with so much caffeine that she could feel her hand vibrate on the throttle of her scooter during the drive home.

But perhaps this time the bartender, A, was onto something. Anything to steady her shaking hands sounded good right about now, and considering how much of a mess she must have looked right now it wasn’t like she’d be driving anytime soon.

"Have you maybe got Tilt? Or, uh, Dragon Soop?"

Ice clinked against glass, a low chuckle emanating from the bar stool beside Ruby. A tumbler of rich amber was tipped back between a shrewd, air-chapped grin, drawing Ruby to the warm color of her company's eye, alight with glinting amusement.

"What?" Ruby grumbled.

When the barstool next to her creaked under a shift of weight- a lot of weight- Ruby was trying not to look at Cinder. Which was very difficult.

“Another old-fashioned, A. And a coke for soft-boiled here.”

“I hate coke.” She didn’t, but she did hate the absolutely crippling loss of control she was experiencing right about now.

It wasn’t even about crashing her bike anymore. No, that was just the beginning in a string of poor decisions.

She was no expert, but the kind of patches littered on the leathers of a biker that was as broad as they were intimidating gave away particular gang allegiances, even if Ruby couldn’t be completely sure what most of them meant.

And of course, she had to T-bone the back of one of them.

The next was arguably not her fault, and started somewhere around the point she’d been scraped off of the ground, bleary and disorientated. She hadn’t quite realized that instinctually obeying the gruff request of ‘Hold On’ meant that her torso would be pressed to the rider’s chest, or that she’d be bodily carried under her thighs by a single arm.

Ruby didn't remember a lot about the walk other than it feeling like an eternity, not really thinking about the fact that she’d probably hit the ground some ways from wherever her vespa ended up, but that she was clung to a complete stranger like a stupid koala.

From there, it only got worse.

When she'd been placed on the tail seat of a large cruiser, Ruby remembered the proud throb of a v-twin engine thumping low in her breast.

An armored glove holding her face had kept her firmly centered while answered a few basic questions among the static.

3 things came to light: She had no money on her, her scroll and wallet were nowhere to be found, and the broad tower of leather above her was utterly intimidating.

As if bearing the sight of them-of Cinder- *without* all that leather wasn’t bad enough, the fact that it had been thrown around Ruby was even worse.

That heavy jacket hadn't moved from Ruby’s shoulders since the accident, though the surrounding weight was comforting, holding her together where adrenaline would see her shaken to pieces. Something about the smell eased her nerves too, old leather and tobacco sitting above the cutting smell of engine oil. Ruby was silently glad she hadn’t given it back yet.

“So are you going to tell me your name? Or do I have to wait for the invoice to repair my bike?” “It’s Ruby. And you already know I don’t have any insurance.” Otherwise she’d probably be sitting in A&E right now, not in this sweltering hole in the wall.

A returned shortly with both drinks, a bottle of coke with the cap intact and a bottle opener passed Ruby. A thin, knowing smile was offered with no prompt for payment before she and Cinder were left alone again.

Ruby didn’t question it and popped the cap anyway, until Cinder chimed in: “In case you think one of us is packing benzo’s.”

“I didn’t think that.” Ruby countered immediately.

“Maybe not, but I can tell that an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people is setting off all sorts of alarms between your ears right now.”

That she couldn't argue with.

“C has a temper like a banshee. And A could probably put me in the ground if I deserved it. But they’re good folks. Better than most.”

"Can I..uh..ask about the letter thing?" Ruby said after a moment.

Cinder shrugged, "You can ask."

Ruby didn’t, raising the coke bottle with a trembling hand and taking small, conservative sips. Her stomach was still full of knots, but admittedly the sugar was helping.

Polishing off a second glass in moments, Cinder sank forward on her stool, a curious, solitary eye burning heat in Ruby’s face.

She imagined its twin and missing left arm had all met the same fate; A stub at the epicenter of scar tissue consumed the entirety of one side, reaching across from beneath an oil-stained tank to color Cinder's face and chest like a jagged, broken web.

Despite that, Cinder was far, far thicker than Ruby first gave credit for, a stacked physique hidden beneath perforated leather when Ruby's trashed Vespa had been dragged off the road, dumped it on the sidewalk like it weighed nothing.

The stool next to Ruby made a creak of relief as Cinder stood, and Ruby's eyes nearly bugged out of her head when watching them sink to one knee. The hand around her leg was so large that Ruby’s ankle nearly disappeared under Cinder’s grip, rippling warmth felt even through her sock.

Angling Ruby’s leg a little towards the light, it was the first time she’d really acknowledged the state of herself: The road rash looked gruesome, raw red from calf to thigh with gravel and god-knew-what-else was caught in her skin. Her arm stung too, but she’d taken the worst of the fall on one side.

Her jeans hadn’t stood a chance against the road, mangled around her leg as Cinder lifted pieces of it away from her skin with shocking gentleness. It stung like heck, but it wasn’t responsible for making her cheeks warm.

“Could have been worse.” Cinder commented while Ruby burned under the inspection, “Could have been better.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ruby muttered, in case it came out in any way breathless. Cinder moved her foot, letting the sole of her shoe press on the top of a very broad thigh. Reaching for a back pocket, Ruby stiffened at the click of a pocket knife snapping free from its handle in Cinder's hand.

If Cinder noticed the tremble in her knee she didn’t react to it. The blade must have been kept sharp, watching as it sheared through the denim with barely a tear until cool metal kissed Ruby’s thigh.

Cinder leaned forwards, body pressed into the motion of the slice in the absence of another hand to steady the fabric. They smelled just like their jacket, burning oil and smoke with a stronger hit of cologne, grounded and spiced and so good that it made Ruby’s mouth dry up.

A complete stranger had a blade between her legs and she was thinking about everything except how dangerous this whole situation was. Typical.

“It means you scooter drivers end up as a statistic because you think you’re too good to wear some basic gear.”

Pursing her lips together and swallowing hard, Ruby tried to look anywhere that wasn’t the rolling flex of her broad shoulders. “I deliver takeaway for tips. What makes you think I can afford real riding gear?”

“Fine. So what were you doing?" Cinder asked, "Fucking around on your scroll?” Oh god. The way the cuss rolled low off the tongue like it was part of the sentence shouldn’t have been so..so..

"I told you I don't know.” Ruby grimaced, gripping the sides of her stool like a lifeline. “I just- I was distracted."

“The bike goes where it's told to.”

That was the first lesson the instructors had drilled into her and around half a dozen greenhorns taking their basic motorcycle training. Sure, she’d had some close calls before, a few angry shouts thrown her way when in hindsight, one maneuver or another hadn’t been her smartest move. She’d always scraped through. Barely.

“Must have been one hell of a distraction. I’m pretty hard to miss.”

Cinder’s voice was low and smokey, flashing Ruby a lazy grin that showed a glint of metal teeth. The bridge tracked back from a sharper incisor, probably lost by whatever had claimed the rest of their left side, and it wasn’t attractive, didn’t fill heat in Ruby’s cheeks like a jug.

"Thought I hit a pothole to be honest." The knife circled just a few inches above the knee, shearing from Ruby's inner-to-outer thigh. "Leg up." Cinder said.

#cinder fall #ruby rose #cinderruby #fallen petals #rwby #biker au #i'm open to title suggestions

15 notes · View notes