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arcielee · 1 year

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Farewell Wanderlust

Warnings: Death mentioned in graphic detailing, night terrors, SA implied/mentioned, overall sexism because it is the 9th century. MDNI, 18+ Pairing: Osferth x OFC Word Count: 2136 Summary: Torn from her home country, Keavy finds herself trying to survive across the Irish sea. She happens across Uhtred and his motley crew, and finds herself befriending a monk who is determined to become a warrior. Author’s Note: This will be a hybrid of the books and TLK show. The timelines will be adjusted for the plot and the names will match the Old English/9th Century. Please be mindful of chapter warnings as this shit will have dark moments and mature themes. Thank you to my darling beta reader @aspen-carter for helping me with this first chapter and to my darling @killergirlfuria to help me with the summary, as I am terrible at them. UPDATE: Thank you for this gif! @itbmojojoejo ♥ Please let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist! Dividers are by @saradika Taglist (Tumblr kindred spirits): @aaaaaamond @annikin-im-panicin @watercolorskyy @schniiipsel @aspen-carter @aemondx @fan-goddess @babygirlyofthevale @randomdragonfires @httpsdoll @tssf-imagines

Chapter 1

The day was warm and bright, a beautiful day suitable for the celebration of the marriage between Æthelred of Mercia to the trueborn daughter of King Alfred. Wessex swelled from the festivities, with the bittersweet smell of ale, foods, and sweat that meshed with the wave of bodies gathering within the city walls.

Osferth was tall and lithe, able to see over the heads of the crowds, and surefooted to slip in-between the masses as he searched for one man in mind, as his uncle had encouraged.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

Before this, his life had been spent in the shadows of the monastery, well aware of his paternal heritage but unallowed to breathe a word about it. His clandestine confinement consisted of the repetition of scripture and prayer to atone for sins that were not his own, and it did not feed his faith, but instead allowed his bitterness for his banishment to fester within.

This changed on his thirteenth name day when Leofric came for a visit; he remembered him to be large, his voice low and grizzled as he regaled his time spent with the Dane slayer and he even shared about his mother; she had died during childbirth, but his uncle swore her strength was passed to him.

“I know you are angry, little man, but this is the safest place for you right now,” and his large palm rested on his thin shoulders, a fatherly squeeze for reassurance.

Osferth was heartsore when he learned of uncle’s death; the memory of those days they spent together was something he cherished, replaying in his mind and becoming a balm for his bitterness. His grief allowed a moment of complacency until his eighteenth name day when the abbot brought him a sword and a piece of parchment; he realized the scrawl of words belonged to his uncle and they brought a newfound peace, a drive with how Leofric spoke that a man could be set on a path, but only his steps could create his own destiny.

The letter ended with a mantra, destiny is all.

So he left the monastery, wearing his weatherbeaten albe and with the baldric wrapped around his slim waist, that kept the gifted sword sheathed at his side.

He traveled, following the trail of celebrators into Wintanceaster until he saw him ahead, lounging on the steps and surrounded by his men; their eyes were watchful as Osferth pushed forward, he only stopped when he saw the blue eyes of the ealdorman-of-many-monikers focus on him.

“Lord,” he began, “you knew my uncle, Leofric.”

He saw how his eyes softened at the mention of the name and Osferth knew he held his attention. “Leofric was a great man,” Uhtred tilted his head up, looking over the young man.

Osferth nodded. “I have come to serve you, to be at your side as my uncle had.”

The motley men that surrounded Uhtred varied from Dane to Saxon; he heard the scoff and lilt of a dark haired, dark eyed man who muttered how they had no need for a baby monk. Osferth swallowed, “I have come to serve as a warrior, lord.” His eyes did not leave Uhtred.

He could see the quiet assessment from Uhtred, how his blue eyes surveyed him, and then he heard a smaller man, who was standing apart, who spoke out loud of his heritage beyond Leofric–that he was Alfred’s bastard.

“You are Alfred’s son,” Uhtred said, in part a question, but also a clarification. “Your father would not be pleased to learn you’ve come to offer me your sword.”

“And what has he done for me?” He struggled to smooth the bitterness that edged his tone. “Sent me away so I could become a priest or a monk, to be forgotten or simply denied my very existence altogether?” It was his turn to scoff. “But if I were to stay in Wessex, what would I expect to find? Favour?”

Uhtred raised his brows with his words and looked over at his Irishman, who only shrugged in response. “You may never see Wessex again,” his eyes did not break away from him.

“Then I would give my thanks to God for that,” and their looks showed Osferth it was not the expected reply. “It is the stench, lord,” he clarified, his eyes flitting around the people crowding the city.

Uhtred grinned, but before he could speak further, a guard called to his attention that the king called for him. Osferth shifted his weight under the guard’s gaze and Uhtred stood up, his eyes rolled over him once more before he said, “If you have a sword, you may stay,” and followed after the guard.

His lips curled with what he considered his small victory and his hand fell to the hilt, a pat on the pommel to reassure it was there. He felt the dark eyes of the Irishman focus on him. “Can you wield that, baby monk?” he asked Osferth.

“Well enough,” he replied and he heard a chuckle, looking behind to see a Dane with his arms wrapped around a woman whose auburn hair burned more red in the sunlight. “Though, I am willing to learn…”

“Well, thank the gods for that,” and the Irishman stepped down and placed a palm onto his shoulder, a squeeze to show comradery, or perhaps to feel for his strength, with a hold that reminded him of his uncle; his grin showed beneath his beard. “Let’s leave this noise and see what you are capable of then, baby monk.”

+ + + +

Keavy would allow her mind to return to the days she spent at the nunnery, a brief reprieve that allowed her to relive the only bit of peace she experienced since she arrived across the sea.

It began with the abbess and her pitied look when the slavers rolled through; Keavy was barely ten years of age, thin, quiet, and did her best to stay hidden. She remembered the warmth in her kindly brown eyes when the abbess looked to her and called for the cost of the little girl.

He had scoffed at first, but when she pressed, he only requested a cup of ale in exchange and it was quickly provided. Keavy watched the bob of his neck, how it spilled from the corners of his mouth and stained his tunic as he downed it. He belched when it was finished and shoved her forward. “She is yours, nun, but know that she has been cursed.”

She fell to the ground, her legs weak from the weeks at sea, unable to stop herself from hitting the dirt path. Keavy felt the burn in her palms and knees, her scars that lined the left side of her jaw and cheek–a parting gift of desperation from her mam the night their village was raided.

It was a night seared within her blood and that often returned to her with violent flashes when she slept. She was haunted by the cries from the villagers, how her daid handed her his dagger before taking a sword and leaving to fight with the other men. Her mam had begged and screamed for him not to leave, as anyone could see from the flames curling from the rooftops, licking the night sky, to the blood soaked earth that this battle was already lost.

Stories had terrorized the coast of Irland of the blood-lust traders and slavers who ravaged the shores, taking whatever they deemed profitable. They spoke of how villages would be nothing but ashes, how the surviving men would be sold off as slaves, of the horrors of what would happen to women and girls.

Her hands shook as she tied the belt around her waist, hiding the sheath beneath the layers of her skirt while her mam continued her screams. Keavy clung to the dagger as if it would keep her tethered to her daid, crying when her mam finally ripped it from her hold; her own hands shaking as she attempted soothing sounds that were choked by her tears. “I will not kill you, child,” she breathed and Keavy saw the manic fire in her blue eyes. “But you are far too pretty to survive across the sea.”

Her daid kept the blade sharp, his prized possession that came from his father before and his before that. She did not feel it until it nicked into her jawbone and only then did she cry, the blood spilling onto her clothes; she screamed for her mam to stop and fought back to pry it from her hands when the door barged in.

They were faceless, large and covered in blood and grime. Her mam was killed without so much as a scream and another grabbed her, searching for cloth for her wound and unaware as she tucked the dagger back into its sheath beneath her skirts. There was the tear of fabric and he pressed it to her face, before dragging her from her home, dragging her towards the shore.

She would never forget the heat of the flames, how she choked on the soot and smoke as she stumbled over the fallen bodies around; her hand pressing the cloth on her face and the other gripping her side, holding the handle of the blade. There was a bold moment that seized her chest, to plunge it into his side and run to find her daid, but then she saw him, one of the dead amongst the many bodies, with his sword in his hand and his eyes empty as they bored forward.

Keavy remembered how the fear replaced and gripped her heart and her vocal chords; she would not scream because she knew that no one would come for her.

She did not know how she survived crossing the sea, nor could she remember much more than the crude stitches that were given onboard, an attempt to save her, and the burn of her fever that ached her bones. “It is because God has a plan for you, little one,” the abbess would tell her later.

“I am cursed,” she would say, partly in defiance, partly to watch the reaction of the abbess and her wide brown eyes.

“Hush, child,” she would scold her, as always. “That man was a godless heathen and knew not what he said. He thought your worth was equal to a cup of mead!”

The nunnery she was brought to was built to overlook the rolling fields of Ebchester, with a river that curved through the hills. Here the abbess seemed relentless for the salvation of Kaevy’s soul and Keavy would allow the repetition of her fables and scriptures, all while palming the Celtic silver cross she wore beneath her plain tunic.

She remembered the day when Lady Gisela arrived, how her kindred spirit called to her and the lady was all too pleased with the bold Irish girl who shadowed her steps. The abbess allowed her to stay, Dane or not, and Keavy was delighted with her company over the other Saxon nuns.

Gisela had a kind smile and took care to answer her questions about her life before Ebchester. Keavy admired her worldly insight and her attention was rapt to the stories she told her about the love she shared with Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

“My lady, how do you know he will come for you?” Keavy asked, with a genuine curiosity of the faith Gisela held that seemed comparable, if not stronger, to the faith the nuns held for their Christian God.

“It is something you know,” Gisela smiled and it was as bright as the sun that warmed them. “You will know this when you are older.”

Keavy saw a glimpse of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, of Uhtred Ragnarsson, when he arrived as the savior promised. The day began with the arrival of strange men who spouted of the power of their God and how it allowed them to marry Gisela against her wishes; the abbess held onto Keavy tightly as she struggled forward, choking on the same helplessness she felt the night her village burned.

Uhtred was a force when he arrived, barging through the doors; when the abbot refused to be quiet, he killed him to silence him. The nuns cried, but Gisela and Keavy watched him. “Child, look away,” the abbess had whispered, but she was a young woman now and could not help the sense of satisfaction she felt as she watched the abbot bleed out on the wood floors.

Keavy remembered when they had left and for the first time she had prayed, not to a deity in specific, but the quiet prayer for Lady Gisela to enjoy her happiness. The stories she had shared stayed with her and allowed a sense of hope that she had not felt before.

Chapter 2 | masterlist

#the last kingdom #the last kingdom fanfic #the last kingdom fanfiction #osferth #osferth fanfic #osferth fanfiction #osferth x ofc #we need more osferth fanfic #slow burn #farewell wanderlust

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itbmojojoejo · 1 year

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Crimes Of Passion | Masterlist

Pairings: Finan x OFC & Sihtric x OFC

Summary: 1950's London. Uhtred runs his business from his pub - Bebbanburg's Beacon with hopes to upgrade it to a Gentleman's Club. After his own and multiple other businesses under his protection are targeted in a string of attacks and robberies he seeks the help of his brother Ragnar, who owns high end club The Dunholm to battle the ongoing issues caused by other crime lords in the area. Cnut's younger sister Runa who aids their mission to squash the brothers Erik and Sigefrid captures the attention of not just Sihtric, but also Finan.

On this journey navigating the world of disloyal organised crime and the ever changing power dynamics which man will gain and keep her affections, if any?

Series Warnings: MDNI18+ NSFW Content. This series includes themes of a sexual nature and cheating(ish), alcohol consumption, smoking, gambling, violence including torture and murder, and other crimes throughout.

Here is my playlist for this series xox

Runa mood board below the cut xox

#masterlist #the last kingdom fanfic #sihtric x oc #finan x oc #sihtric fanfic #finan fanfic

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mrsalwayswrite · 2 years

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Of The Same Stone - Masterlist

Summary:

"You will tell me your story." He whispered into her ear.

Because if there was one thing he knew in his chaotic life, it was the need to know her past. For they were both similar and different. Molded by the world of both Saxon and Dane. Refined by the fires of betrayal and vengeance. While he wielded a sword, sworn an oath to a king to bring about his dream, she lived quietly in the background. Yet there was something that kept drawing him back to her, even more than his curiosity….and he knew she felt it too.

She smirked as she drew away from him. "If you say so, my lord."

*****

Warnings: canon-typical violence, swearing, brief mention of implied rape,

*****

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

*****

Sneak Peek #1 with banner

Sneak Peek #2 with banner

All moodboards and banners made by the lovely @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie

#of the same stone #mzwrites #the last kingdom fandom #the last kingdom fanfic #the last kingdom imagine #the last kingdom #finan the last kingdom #uhtred ragnarsson #uhtred of bebbanburg #uhtred x oc #finan the agile #finan #sihtric kjartansson #sihtric #osferth #tlk uhtred #uhtred x ofc

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morosemagick · 3 years

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Mernie's Master List !!!!

The Last Kingdom Prompts | Open on Fridays!

Game of Thrones Prompts (Closed)

Listed here are all my finished (and unfinished) fics, one shots, drabbles and multichapers! Thank you for checking them out!

Finan the Agile

• Finan Wifey Multiverse are fics that borrow a combination of mine and my friends OCs and usually have to do with Finan, all OCs will be linked back to original creator in fic!

Listen, Before I Go | Finan x Reader

Meet Me By The River Bend | Finan x Reader

Warriors of Menance | Finan x Reader

You Deserved More | Finan x Reader

You, My Everything | Finan Reader

If You Don't Kiss Me... | Finan x Reader

Won't You Come Inside? | Finan x Reader

Experimentalist | Finan x Reader

Songs of the Unbroken | Finan x OC ✓

Longing | Finan x OC

Children of The Unbroken | (wip)

What Led You Here | Finan x OC

Built From Broken Things | Finan x OC ✓

Sucker Punch | Finan x OC (wip)

Finally Woken | Finan x OC ✓

Should We Fall | Finan x OC

What Happens Here | Finan x OC

Maybe Now. Maybe Never. & Yet, Always • FWM (wip)

Say You'll Remember Me • FWM

For My Sisters, May Love Consume Me • FWM

A Gift for Protection | Finan x Ingrith

Snap for Help | Finan x Eadith (hiatus)

Aethelstan of England

Must You Do This? | Aethelstan x Osbert

He's Handsome, Isn't He? | Aethelstan x Osbert

The One With All The Cheesecakes | Aethelstan x Osbert

Please, Take Him Back | Aethelstan & Cynlaef

Heaven is here (If You Want it) | Aethelstan x Osbert

Sihtric Kjartanson

On Your Lips, Like a Prayer | Sihtric x Reader

Don't Peak | Sihtric x Reader

Jealously | Sihtric x Reader

Dead Eyes | Sihtric x Reader

Don't Deny Me The Sun | Sihtric x Reader

An Awakening of Color | Sihtric x Reader

Lead Us Into Temptation | Sihtric x Reader

Lost Voices | Sihtric x OC (wip)

Valhalla Can't Have You | Sihtric x OC

Far From Over | Sihtric x OC

In Sickness & Health | Sihtric x OC

You Look Like You Need Me | Sihtric x Ealhswith

One of Us | Sihtric Drabble

Uhtred Ragnarson of Bebbanburg

Lady of Coccham | Uhtred x OC

We Could Be Enough | Uhtred x OC

For My Sisters, My Heart Will Mend • FWM

Osferth

Sweet Like Berries | Osferth x Reader

Follow Your Heart | Osferth x Eadith

The Last of The Real Ones | Osferth (wip)

Stiorra Uhtredsdottir

Young, Wild, Free | Stiorra x Sigtryggr

Sigrid Kjartansdottir (OFC)

Behind the Character | a Summary of Sigrid

Body and Blood | Sigrid x Finan

Where I Can't Follow | Sigrid x Finan

Keep Pulling, We'll Make It | Finan x Sigrid

Bruised Souls (Scared to Be Lonely) | Finan x Sigrid

Till our last breath, I am Yours | Finan x Sigrid

Leave Me, Like You Do | Finan x Sigrid

Be My Rock (While I Crumble) | Finan x Sigrid

Hold Me, I'm all yours | Finan x Sigrid

And What Are Songs Worth? | Finan x Sigrid

Take Me Back (To The Night We Met) | Finan x Sigrid

The Irishman Who Loved Me | Finan x Sigrid/Lucinda • FWM

For My Sisters | Finan x Sigrid • FWM

C'est Ça L'amour | Finan x OC • FWM

Drabbles

From the Skies, Watch them Fall | AU ✓

Bebbanburg, At Last | Y.Uhtred & Stiorra

At Least They Tried | Finan/Sihtric x Reader

NSFW Head Canon | Finan 2

NSFW Head Canon | Sihtric

NSFW Head Canon | Uhtred

NSFW Head Canon | Osferth

NSFW Head Canon | Aldhelm

Game of Thrones:

Jonerys

Children of Spring and Snow | WIP

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emilyhufflepufftlk · 3 years

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Em’s 100 challenge masterlist:

Thank you everyone for participating! I have loved all your lovely creations so much 💜

My Dearest Eliza (Anthony Bridgerton x OFC) by @quantumlocked310

Moonlight (Uhtred x Gisela) by @solinarimoon

Past, Present and Future (Jesper x reader) by @for-bebbanburg

Amorous Little Girl (Uhtred x OFC) by @fandomhopped

Far Away (Finan x OC) by @solinarimoon

Sinners and Saints (Sihtric x reader) by @mrsalwayswrite

Gisela moodboard by @flowers-in-your-hayr

Till our last breath, I am yours (Finan x OC) by @morosemagick

An Awakening of Colour (Sihtric x reader) by @morosemagick

Intertwine (Finan x reader) by @geekandbooknerd

Jesper x reader by @sophies-crow-club

Kaz x reader by @sophies-crow-club

A Good Place To Start (Finan x OC) by @magravenwrites

I Would Ruin You (Uhtred x reader) by @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie

Although the deadline has past, if you picked prompts and haven’t had a chance to finish them, please take your time. Post them whenever you finish them and I’ll add them to this list 💕

#ems100 #the last kingdom #bridgerton #shadow and bone

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midnightswithdearkatytspb · 1 year

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MidnightsWithDearKatyTSPB's Recommendation List: February '23 Part 2

Welcome to February's recommendation list, part two. If you haven't already, you can find part one here. The last list had 32 fanfiction recs in it this one might come in a little under as I have my cousin coming to visit me the last few days of the month. If you are interested in having your writing challenges featured here, or your stories, or even just your blog, please feel free to tag me, in your works, message me, or use the hashtag MidnightWithDearKatyTSPB. I hope your valentines day was a good one and those partaking in Lent, you got this! Happy March everyone!

WE REACHED THE LIMIT ON THIS LIST! FROM NOW ON, I'LL TRY & NOT TO MAKE IT SO LONG. SORRY!

🌹 February '23 Pt 1

March '23 🍀

Masterlist

Billy The Kid: The Playlist (Billy O'Grady) - "So what is wrong with another sin?" - "Rock You Like A Hurricane" by Scorpions

King Billy O'Grady (Moodboard)

Playlist for Uhtred the Berserker - "You'll be a man, boy!" - "Run Boy Run" by Woodkid

Uhtred the Berserker (Moodboard)

Thomas Micheal Shelby - "There was no doubt that Tommy Shelby had a soul and a heart that beat."

Luca Changretta (Moodboard)

Thomas Shelby "I Need My Girl" (Mood Board)

A Daughter's Return (Moodboard)

Tommy Shelby Pinterest Ask Game (Moodboard)

Lavender Haze >> Tommy Shelby x Estella Holland (Moodboard)

ONE-SHOTS:

*36 Minutes by @acewritesfics >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Reader gets stood up, but is it really so bad? | Ace delivered again in her Valentine's Day Fic Special. Cranking out some of the best works, I've ever read.

*As The World Caves In by @areyenotfondofmelobster >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: What would you do when your world comes caving in? | I did indeed cry at this beautifully written masterpiece.

Bound By Blood by @noforkingclue >> Dark!Vampire!Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: You never expected that working for the Shelbys would be easy. However, you never expected you would gain the interest of Tommy, let alone what would happen next. | This was so freaking good seriously. I never knew I needed Vampire!Tommy till I read this. I need more Vampire!Tommy.

*A Christmas Journey by @notyour-valentine >> Tommy Shelby & Secretary - Summary: A Journey back from London in the Christmas Season with his secretary doesn't go as planned. | If I’m being honest, I’m not one for Christmas, but this could get me in the mood for Christmas. I love how this takes you into the mind of Tommy and how his secretary influences his view. So well written.

Daddy's Girl by @gypsy-girl-08 >> Tommy Shelby x Wife!Reader - Summary: Tommy's world revolves around his two girls, his wife, and his daughter. | This was cute and a nice change of pace to read. I would like to see more Dad!Tommy and Uncle!Finn as well.

*For A Good Cause by @peacexatxlast >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Tommy is in a mood and snaps at Frances. His wife does not approve... | So hot and so well-written!

*Mama Bear by @acewritesfics >> Tommy Shelby x Wife!Reader - Summary: Inspector Campbell thinks he can get to Tommy through his daughter. Mrs. Shelby finds out and is having none of that. | So good. It's a good reminder to never mess with a mother who loves her child and her family.

Punishment by @mxpseudonym >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Tommy’s wicked games leave you breaking the rules, but punishment for you means punishment for him too. Who can hold out the longest? | This is perfectly Spicy!

Red Lipstick by @cupidsheqrts >> John Shelby x Reader - Summary: You feel flattered when Charlie Shelby asks to marry you while your husband feels like he could strangle his nephew. | This was so adorable to read. I loved everyone's reaction as you read along.

*The Recovery by @cillmequick >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Tommy ruins his own specially planned Valentine’s evening and has to work hard to get back in his wife’s good books. | This is so good! I think I may have blushed while reading it was so good.

Tommy Pressing His Forehead to Yours by @zablife >> dark!Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Ambushed by the Italians, the Shelby family, especially Tommy does everything he can to figure out who did it. | You know it’s good writing when the writer can get your heart to drop to the bottom of your stomach. Lee does what she does best, writing.

MINI-SERIES:

SERIES:

Betrayal by @cillmequick >> Tommy Shelby x Reader x Luca Changretta - Summary: Tommy and Y/N have been together, in secret, for some time, after growing up together on the streets of Small Heath. Tommy was poised to have everything he ever wanted until a colossal error of judgment comes back to haunt him and he finds himself on the wrong side of the woman he loves. | If you haven't read it yet, please do yourself a favor, grab a drink, and get ready to be blown away.

DRABBLES:

Day 14 by @acewritesfics >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: This is a request I made where Tommy gets the marriage license for their marriage. | I'm so happy with how it turned out. It felt like I was getting a Valentine's Day gift.

MINI-SERIES:

Try a Little Tenderness by @ramp-it-up >> Mob Boss!Steve Rogers x Reader - Summary: Steve can't win you with presents. He's got to try a little tenderness. | I came here for the pairing and stayed for the plot. It’s so hot, the plot, that is. Please enjoy this as much as I did.

ONE-SHOTS:

His Most Prized Possession by @bucky-barnes-diaries >> Dark!Mob!Bucky x Wife!Reader - Summary: You’re the wife of the most feared man in all of New York City, James Buchanan Barnes, the mob boss of the biggest mafia in town. Your his—his girl, his beauty, his love, his property, his most prized possession. He will torture and kill anyone who dares to make any advances on his woman, and he won’t hesitate to show them who you belong to in the most sinful way possible before their end. | Just the kind of hot you need on a cold winter's morning. It is 🥵 🥵 🥵 y’all! Remember to read the warnings ⚠️!

Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture by @world-of-aus >> Pornstar!Bucky x Pornstar!Reader - Summary: Bucky loves to take pictures to remember you. | So very spicy, and I loved the writing and teasing!

The Video by @becca-e-barnes >> Pornstar!dbf!Bucky Barnes x Reader - Summary: You find out what your father’s best friend does for work. | Don't ask me why but Pornstar!Bucky and Steve are some of my favorites to read and this one does not disappoint me. You get a good dose of feels, along with a good dose of spiciness in this.

Unattainable by @heavysoldat >> dbf!Bucky Barnes x Reader - Summary: The reader has a horrible, no, good day, in which Bucky comes to save the evening. | If you want something hot to read on a lonely night, this is it for you.

What Goes Around by @navybrat817 >> BFD/DBF!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader - Summary: Bucky is your friend's dad and your dad's friend and nothing more. Until he isn't. | This is hot, it’s got the shameless smut, and it’s got the possessive Bucky. What more could you really ask for?

Why Wait by @fatecantstopme >> DBF!Bucky Barnes x Plus size!reader - Summary: You've known Bucky for years, but the dynamic between you had begun to shift since you'd graduated college. He suddenly found himself struggling to act normal around you and you decided to make it your mission to find out why. | The jokes in this were fantastic. It had me laughing. The writing in general, was just fantastic, especially when you get to the hot stuff. Highly recommend!

ONE-SHOTS:

In The Shadow by @littlefreya >> General Kirigan x Reader | Geralt x Reader - Summary: Geralt and you are captured by the Darkling and about to find out his means of punishment are quite unusual. | I would have never thought of this crossover, and I'm so glad the writer did. Please read the warnings, its dark but oh-so-good!

*Stories of Us by @writingdumpster >> Jonah Heidelbaum x Hunter!Reader - Summary: Jonah tells the reader he wants to have a family but she doesn't think she's worthy of motherhood after all she's done. | Do you hear that in the distance? That would be my heart breaking and slowly being put back together all in one one-shot. That is how well-written this is!

TEACH ME + R U SHY? by @ramp-it-up >> Lloyd Hansen x Reader - Summary: Lloyd's had his eye on the maid for the past three days, thinking he's struck the gold mine when he's found a 19-year-old virgin. | This is *chefs kiss* perfect. You will not believe the ending.

MINI-SERIES:

Lost Without You Pt. 1 & Pt. 2 by @gypsy-girl-08 >> Cillian Murphy x Reader - Summary: Your six-year relationship with Cillian, comes to an end. Can you both move on? | This made me feel everything I wanted to feel in a two-shot/mini-series. You have the heartbreak, the love, and the devotion the characters have for one another. Very beautiful.

SERIES:

Begin Again Pt. 2 by @teds-mustache-wrangler >> Ted Lasso x OFC!Penny - Summary: When Penny starts working at AFC Richmond as their new head photographer, she catches the eye of a certain mustached, happy-go-lucky, head coach of the team. But can their spark endure through the season’s pressures and the demons of their past? | You don't understand how honored I am to be able to read this before it gets posted, and also to get to see the characters develop. I didn't ever recall laughing at a story before, but this one, this one makes me laugh.

@zablife - Let's take a moment to say happy one-year anniversary to Lee here on Tumblr! She has over 100 writings she accumulated over the year she's been on here, sharing with us. Lee writes for the Peaky Blinder fandom and the fandom is so very lucky to have her.

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medievalfangirl · 2 years

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Chapter 33! Uhmm, please don’t kill me?

@geekandbooknerd @i-cordelia @prettythingsvs2 @inforapound @mrsalwayswrite @nzfangirl @itzmegaaaaaaan @joyofbebbanburg @misfitsandmuses @jessieray98 @obtuse91 @thunderhawk727 @stupefyslytherin @scarletvhope @blah-blah-blah-bla @trenko-heart @solinarimoon @morosemagick @emilyhufflepufftlk @lauwrite1225 @persephones-journey @osferth @naaladareia

#the last kingdom #finan x oc #finan #uhtred of bebbanburg #the last kingdom fanfiction #fanfic #the last kingdom fanfic #time travel #let's be danes ⚔️#finan x ofc #finan x original character #finan x reader #the last kingdom fandom

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medievalfangirl · 2 years

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Chapter 32 is up!! This one is angsty as heck, because we say goodbye to Gisela :(

@naaladareia @mrsalwayswrite @inforapound @jessieraye96 @thunderhawk727 @nzfangirl @geekandbooknerd @i-cordelia @prettythingsvs2 @obtuse91 @joyofbebbanburg @misfitsandmuses @stupefyslytherin @scarletvhope @blah-blah-blah-bla @solinarimoon @emilyhufflepufftlk @morosemagick @persephones-journey @osferth @trenko-heart @lauwrite1225

#the last kingdom #finan x oc #finan #uhtred of bebbanburg #the last kingdom fanfiction #fanfic #the last kingdom fanfic #finan x ofc #finan x original character #finan x reader

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medievalfangirl · 2 years

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Chapter 30: What That Wagon Do

Alfred forsakes Christianity (???) and Finan is his usual ridiculously attractive self.

Enjoy my loves xx

@joyofbebbanburg @geekandbooknerd @i-cordelia @prettythingsworld @itzmegaaaaaaan @misfitsandmuses @jessieray98 @inforapound @obtuse91 @thunderhawk727 @stupefyslytherin

#the last kingdom #finan x oc #finan #sihtric #uhtred of bebbanburg #the last kingdom fanfiction #hild #fanfic #time travel #finan x ofc #the last kingdom fanfic #finan x original character #finan x reader #the last kingdom fandom

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arcielee · 1 year

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Farewell Wanderlust

Warnings: SA mentioned in passing/implied, abuse implied, death mentioned in graphic detailing (because it was deserved) and overall sexism because it is the 9th century. As always, MDNI, 18+ Pairing: Osferth x OFC Word Count: 4857 Summary: Torn from her home country, Keavy finds herself trying to survive across the Irish sea. She happens across Uhtred and his motley crew, and finds herself befriending a monk who is determined to become a warrior. Author’s Note: This chapter is definitely a hybrid of the show vs the books, with me adding flare to what happened to fit the narrative for this story as it is the fanfiction way. Anyway, enjoy. 💜 Thank you to my darling beta reader @aspen-carter for helping me with this chapter. 💜 Please let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist! Dividers are by @saradika Taglist (Tumblr kindred spirits): @aaaaaamond @annikin-im-panicin @watercolorskyy @schniiipsel @aemondx @fan-goddess @babygirlyofthevale @httpsdoll @theromanticegoist @triscy @assortedseaglass @whoknows333 @shesjustanothergeek @heavenly1927 @greenowlfactif @larlarle @babyblue711 @fangirlninja67 @tinykryptonitewerewolf @lauftivy @tssf-imagines (bold means I was unable to tag you!)

Chapter 4

Coccham thrummed with the return of their lord, and his stride brimmed with an almost arrogance as Uhtred entered the great hall. Keavy thought it endearing to see how he greeted Gisela, how she glowed when his arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her in for a kiss.

“I have the monk you sent me,” she said, pulling back with her brow raised, her lips curled upwards.

Uhtred had his own roguish grin. “He has left that life behind and wishes to serve me instead.”

Now both her brows raised, with a hum to acknowledge what he said, and then Gisela beckoned to Keavy to follow behind as they moved back towards the small side room. With their entrance, Osferth pushed to sit upright, his dirty blonde hair mussed, and he smothered a groan. He looked expectantly around before his gaze settled on Gisela.

“I understand you left the monastery,” her tone held no judgment, and her smile remained on her lips. “You truly wish to serve a heathen, Osferth?”

Keavy peered at Uhtred and saw his brow quirked, his expression amused by his wife’s blunt tongue, but Osferth remained focused, his lips pursed in a thin line. “My uncle Leofric told me your husband is a good man, lady,” and he then looked up to meet her eyes. “A great man.”

“He said that?” Uhtred of Bebbanburg had a presence preceded by reputation; he was fearsome, tall and built solid, but with Osferth’s words, he seemed to soften at the mention of Leofric.

“Yes, he did, lord.”

Gisela ignored her husband, her eyes still focused on Osferth. “And yet, this good man will let you join him for one reason only,” and then she looked to her husband. “To embarrass Alfred.”

His gaze fell back to Uhtred and he nodded. “It’s true.”

Osferth brought his legs to the side, pushing himself to stand; though Uhtred was tall, he just peeked just past his height. “That may be the reason you allow me to join you, lord,” and there was a determination that burned, complementing the blue of his eyes. “But I will give you a reason to let me stay.”

Amusement flickered over his features again, and then Uhtred called for them both to be brought to rooms of their own, back at the barracks that housed his men; there were vacant rooms at the end, with Osferth’s next to her own.

And Keavy began to find a sense of comfort within Coccham’s walls, beginning with the friendships of Gisela and the abbess.

As a grown woman, Keavy had a newer appreciation for the wit and the conversation of Lady Gisela, and she adored Keavy in return, as well as the extra set of hands to help her with the homestead. The children were taken with the Irishwoman: Stiorra was fearless with her affections, whereas Oswald was more reserved, but still offered shy smiles and would always come when she called.

The friendship that blossomed with the abbess felt forced at first; Keavy eventually understood that Gisela must have confided in Hild and was relieved to know the abbess’ disposition never changed. Instead, she seemed to exude a warmth with her understanding, her blue eyes watchful and kind as Keavy began to share, little by little, what truly happened in Lunden. In return, Hild shared the horrors that Uhtred rescued her from, and she gifted Keavy the chainmail she wore for her years when she fought at his side.

Keavy felt choked from the gesture, from finally admitting out loud, “I feel broken, Hild.”

The abbess’ hands still held calluses, though they started to soften with prayer, and her touch was warm, like a balm to the ache that Keavy carried still. “I did as well, for a long time, and I burned through that anger I carried as I fought alongside Uhtred,” she began, and Keavy felt lighter with her confession. Hild smiled. “But it clouded my mind, kept me from the true purpose of my life and the plan that God–”

Keavy could not smother her groan and Gisela’s laughter was light above them, calling to the abbess. “Hild, remember we sit in a pagan hall,” she teased, a gold glitter that danced in her hazel eyes. “Keep your God within the four walls that my husband allows you and allow us our own beliefs.”

Hild held up her hands, her own good-natured smile worn, and Keavy looked to Gisela. “I believe in the true gods, Keavy, and I see that you have been brought here by fate,” she finished, her smile as though she was aware of more than she gave on.

Fate, how it echoed in her mind with uncertainty, something she pushed aside with crimson cheeks that accompanied her daily routine.

Which included her instruction to tend to Osferth.

Keavy would wake him with a soft tap on his door, bringing fresh bandages and a plate to share their morning meal. She enjoyed his company, how he was not shy to share about himself and she listened with rapt attention, with a rose color dusting her cheeks.

Osferth shared his origins, how he was King Alfred’s bastard, though the weight he put behind the word meant nothing to Keavy as she viewed that his blood still held royalty all the same. When she said this, she watched how his dimples lined his cheeks with his pursed smile, “It is not the same, my lady.”

And Keavy was lost in her thought of how handsome Osferth was, dimples and all. “I am not a lady,” she reminded him, her complexion almost crimson.

As time healed him, she saw how his skin mended together, the bold pink stripe of new skin across his chest, and how the bruising faded into muted shades of green, peeking beneath his chest hair. Osferth was lean, but without his shirt or his albe, she was able to admire the tone to his lithe figure and the pale planes of his chest; she was so lost in her thoughts, her fingers were soft to trace his scar, from his shoulder until the middle of his chest before she realized the intimacy of her touch.

Osferth was watching her, the brilliant blue of his eyes wide.

Her hand dropped to her side. “You are healed enough,” she announced, her voice too loud, moving to gather the clean cloths she brought with her. “You have no need for these…”

She burned, too focused to notice how he reached for her, her name fell from his lips, “Keavy…”

And she recoiled from his voice, her mortification boiling under her skin. “Excuse me,” she rasped, leaving his room and fleeing back to the hall where she found Gisela and Hild at the large table. They were startled with her abrupt entrance, their attention focused on the red that bloomed on her pale features.

While Hild tilted her head, her brows knitted above, Gisela wore her same knowing smile. “How is Osferth fairing today, Keavy?” her tone teasing, as always.

She was grateful that Osferth was a gentleman, not breathing a word about earlier and accompanying her when she took the children out from under Gisela’s step. He lifted Oswald to his shoulders, with a slight grimace still, and Stiorra rested on her hip and a quilt on the other, and they walked out to a knoll in a nearby meadow.

It was one of the last sunny days of the season and Keavy laid the quilt on top of the grass, a place to sit as she braided daisies into Stiorra’s curls. The boys found sticks and Oswald preened for the praise as Osferth corrected his stance, while the girls’ cheeks were rosy from cheering them on.

The evening was her own, as always; after supper was had and the children were tucked into bed, Keavy was able to wander through the village. Often, Osferth would join her, his long legs easily keeping with her pace, his eyes watchful as she explored what she considered to be her newfound sanctuary.

As the autumn months crept, an evening frost accompanied it, and a large bonfire was often made. They seated themselves on a log, talking under the night sky by the crackling fire, long after Coccham was lulled to sleep. Osferth stood, reaching for her hand, a habit that remained and she was always glad to take it still, and he walked her back to their rooms.

Her cheeks burned within his peaceful proximity, and she shyly admired his sharp features. In the daytime, she was able to speak freely, unabashedly, and enjoyed when she could cause cracks in his stoic demeanor, to see the upwards curl of his lips.

But in the quiet of the night, underneath the stars that sparkled against the navy velvet sky, she felt her tongue stick to the roof of her mouth, an inability to string two words together before they arrived to her door.

“I never thanked you,” she almost whispered and she peered up. His face was shadowed with dark, an offset amber hue from a lone torch still perched in the sconce outside; her cheeks grew warm, her gaze falling down. “For saving me that night in the woods.”

Osferth hummed, a finger curled under her chin and brought her eyes to meet with his. “You saved me first,” he reminded her, a soft curl to his lips. “Sleep well, Keavy.”

She slipped into her room, the door closed quick and quiet, her backside pressed against and she covered her face. She could feel the heat of her blush against her palms and her fingers flitted to her jawbone, to her marment; it was a reminder of her lot in life, of her place and purpose supposedly ordained by the Christian God, if she wished to entertain the words spoken by holy men and women.

She was a shadow of a nursemaid, serving an unpayable debt, and possibly cursed, if she chose to believe the slavers. And Osferth had the blood of a king that she knew thrummed underneath; he was honorable, and held no resentment with his disposition, just an understanding of his place in this world.

“I am cursed by God because of my birth, the sins of my father have already doomed me,” he once shared the night they watched Æthelflæd arrive with her new husband. Keavy could see the similarities between his sister, how they shared the severity that Osferth carried in his features.

“I am cursed as well,” was all she said in response, and she did not dare look to him.

His words embedded into her mind, pushing aside the so-called fate of the gods, and she saw his drive, his determination to create from nothing. There was a flicker of disappointment when Untred denied him to join the men to retake Lunden, how Uhtred pressed his fist into his shoulder and Osferth flinched, subtle, but enough to be decided that he would remain in Coccham still, to continue to gather his strength.

Silly girl, she chided herself, pulling from the door and undressing for bed. She knew soon enough that Osferth would be well to go and fight alongside Uhtred, and she would remain in Coccham, braiding daisies into a crown for Stiorra to wear.

And she laid down with the heavy acceptance of this fate that Gisela spoke of, though her last thought was his touch: how right it felt when he held her hand, how gentle his touch was when he tilted her chin upwards to meet with his gaze…

+ + + +

The first four years of his life was spent in the shadow of the family his father had, separate from the mother he never knew and who died bringing him into the world. His brother was too young, but his sister Æthelflæd always regarded him with a curiosity, a kindness that he did not receive anywhere else in the court.

Osferth only had one memory of his father, remembering how large his hands felt holding his own, and the hereditary severity that lined his features. Dusk was settling over Wintanceaster and the king walked brisk strides across the cobblestone, pulling Osferth to keep with his pace.

He recalled when they passed the queen, how her dark eyes glared at him in an unsettling way, in a way that pierced into his chest. Her gaze never faltered, holding his siblings tight at her side; Edward seemed sleepy, and Æthelflæd seemed confused with what was happening.

The queen’s heated gaze followed him, as he looked over his shoulder to see her, leaving Wintanceaster for what he thought would be forever.

Osferth was quick to understand that this haunted look would follow him throughout his life, something that would accompany the title bastard. Sometimes it did not hold the heat, the hatred of the queen’s eyes, but cruelty all the same with smirks and scoffs, always some visceral reaction.

This was, of course, until he met Keavy.

His first morning in Coccham, he laid in his bed and listened for the soft tap on his door; he groaned quietly as he sat up, the wound across his chest felt as if it was tearing open with his movement, with a bruising that bore down into his bones.

Despite the early hours, her smile was bright and she held a tray with fresh bread, cold cuts, cheese and some sliced fruit. He chewed quietly as she then fretted over his injury, unabashed with his shirtless state, her fingers flitting over the gash and a soft hum or tsk that rolled off her tongue.

He enjoyed how Keavy was open and honest with him, how easy it was to speak with her. There was no judgment that clouded her green eyes when he finally admitted that he was a bastard, how she did not even flinch at the word. “So, you have the blood of a king in your veins,” she stated, as if it was the simplest thing.

Until then, the taste of the word was bitter, something he had to learn to not react when it was spoken with venom. Though he was grateful that Uhtred housed both him and Keavy, there was the fluttered anxiety that rippled in his chest when his lady wife admitted to the real reason her husband allowed him to stay.

The short time with Leofric had him imposing the thought that a man’s worth was carried in his sword and Osferth was determined to be just that; he wished to create a name outside that bastard smog that followed his steps.

But for now, he did not mind the reprieve for his recovery, nor the company of Keavy.

His chest healed without infection, thank God or the gods–he was no longer certain. When Keavy came that morning, he watched how her pink lips pursed as she looked him over; the rose color that bloomed on her cheeks was lovely and his skin prickled from her soft touch as her fingers trailed his scar.

Osferth was silent, unmoving. He watched the sudden crimson to her cheeks when she realized, but he had been too slow to catch her hand as she pulled away, all by sprinting to leave his room.

It left him flustered, his mind cluttered from her touch, something that felt so intimate in the moment. But her reaction left his stomach curdling with a misplaced feeling. Guilt? His anxiety returned?

He dressed quickly with the intention to follow, instead running into the Irishman and the Dane. They saw the shades of red that plumed on his features. “What’s going on, lover boy?” Finan spoke up, his voice loud as always.

Osferth was aware that they did not consider Keavy the conventional beauty that they would lust over; any time alone with them involved them crowing about his crush, saying it would dissipate the moment his cock was wet. He ignored their words; Keavy was a kind of beauty that resonated from within, something so uniquely her own, with her fine figure, her fair skin, her eyes as green as the meadows that lead to Coccham…

He disregarded their unsolicited advice–”Go and just kiss her already!”–instead he sought her out, shadowing her task to watch the children that day. He knew that the evening would be their own, and that they would be able to speak freely, boldly, without prying ears.

This was when she opened about the horrors of Lunden, before they had arrived, and it awoke something within him that he had not felt before.

A bloodlust, a want for vengeance, and the need to gut the one-armed Dane, Sigefrid Thurgilson.

Uhtred denied him joining to go to Lunden, but took to heart his words spoken–to gather his strength. He found Finan and Sihtric, and they agreed to show him pell stances, ways to train and prepare to be a swordsman.

Osferth felt weak at first, a soreness that touched every muscle within his body, but it soon dissipated as he pushed through. Then the men returned and he saw a darkness that accompanied them, along with the news that his sister had been taken by the Danes.

It was a white heat of anger that flitted across his brow before his stoic nature settled again.

He had only regained his sister, remembering how he watched with Keavy from the shore as Æthelflæd climbed onto the docks, walking the shadow of her husband, her mouth a tight line.

Osferth saw her again later that night when she left the church the nun Hild brought up, hearing her soft steps and seeing her cheeks were wet with tears. He had been making his way towards the barracks, but held still at the sight and she stopped, spotting him, her hands wiping her face.

“Lady,” he was quick with a formal greeting, bowing his head.

“Osferth,” her voice was sad and he met with her eyes, glassy from her tears. “I… I have not expected to ever see you again,” and a soft smile came to her lips. “Did you come to Coccham to spite our father?”

Her words warmed his chest with how she openly admitted to the relationship that so many skirted around, or would openly jest–other than Keavy, of course. Osferth watched her for a moment, seeing how their father reflected in her posture, with the same severity of her gentle features.

“Yes I did,” and his own lips curled upwards in response.

He offered to escort her back to the great hall, where they would expect her husband. But with the mention of Lord Æthelred, he saw how his sister darkened, in the same way Keavy flinched with the mention of Dane Sigefrid. And he knew that he was not a good man.

It curdled in his stomach that night, the news of her capture rekindling that burning vengeance and he felt its grip on his heart.

“Lord,” he called when he saw Uhtred. “I will come with you.”

Uhtred noticed how his jaw ticked with his words. “You will come when we have reason to go,” he placed a hand on his shoulder. “When Sihtric and Rypere come back with news.”

Rypere returned and soon enough they were called by the king for negotiations, the similar echo to the time in Lunden–all ego, and without a satisfying conclusion. As they returned homeward, Osferth saw the worry that lined Uhtred’s face, though he did not learn its cause until a private moment with Finan, when Uhtred shared the truth of his sister, and what she was asking of them.

“She loves him,” Finan almost laughed at the idea, his tone incredulous. “Did we just not attend her wedding to another man?”

“He is not a good man,” Osferth cut through, and he did not expand. Instead, he looked to Uhtred. “What must we do?”

They returned to Coccham, to rest, to plan, to wait until Sihtric came; Osferth felt the anxiety knitting into his lower abdomen again, and his steps brought him to Keavy’s door, rapping his knuckles against the wood.

She opened it, pulling a shawl over her simple cotton dress, its burgundy tones bringing out the emerald of her eyes. “Osferth?” Her tone was a mixture of her pleasure, of her surprise. Keavy stepped aside, opening the door to allow him inside. “What is the matter?” And he was a dam broken, reliving the prior days and its events: from the debt of Wessex to his sister’s true-heart desire. Keavy held a quiet contemplation, allowing the spate of his words that broke down the concern he felt for his kin. “You only want the best for your sister,” and her simple words were a balm, a warmth that soothed the knot in his chest. “What do you need from me?”

He had not thought of that when he knocked, balking a moment before he said, “...I thought I would come for that promised haircut.”

The returned rose color that flushed her cheeks, her smile that tugged at his heart in a way he could not describe. “Very well, allow me to get the scissors from Gisela and we can do that later this evening, once Stiorra and Oswald are asleep.” Her eyes met with his own and he swallowed thickly when she added, “I will come to your room.”

Ofserth was waiting for her when she came that evening, the same soft tap to his door. Inside, he moved to seat himself on a stool, his legs long and his knees jutted up with his feet on the floor. He closed his eyes as she combed through his hair, humming when she replaced it with her fingers.

Keavy was methodical and he listened to the clipping sounds of the silver edges, his dirty blonde locks falling to the floor around him as she trimmed away the last remnants of his days at the monastery.

It was quiet and she set the scissors down; he felt her hands rubbing over his scalp, brushing away the stray hairs and it tickled his ears as it fell to the growing pile. She stopped, her hands paused to cradle his cheeks and he opened his eyes to see the green of her eyes watching him.

He reached to cup one of her hands against his cheek and her eyes met with his, with the slight quirk of her brow. Osferth took a breath, turning his face and pressing his lips against her palm, before releasing his hold and letting her hand fall back to her side.

Keavy watched him still, her pink lips parted and wet from her tongue, and he pushed to stand, daring to close the space between them, his large palms settling on the small of her waist. “Keavy,” his timbre low and he saw the flush of color deepen on her features. “May I kiss you?”

She nodded mutely and his palms knitted behind, cradling her lower back and pulling her against his chest; Keavy pressed to her toes, the sweetest sigh that spilled from her lips–

“Baby monk,” the unwelcome bark of the Irishman jolted them apart, accompanied with the hammered sound against the door. Finan pushed it open, his dark brows lifted at the sight of Keavy, a crinkle to the corners of his eyes as he looked Osferth over with a wry smile that spread across his jaw. “I see you have a new era about ya,” he teased, his hand running over his own low cut. “Looks good on ya.”

“Thank you, Finan,” Osferth was flushed, his eyes glancing at Keavy before returning to the Irishman and his smug expression.

“Sihtric arrived,” he finished. “It’s time to go.”

He then dipped through the door, leaving them behind with their broken moment. Osferth moved to grab his scabbard, though he wished to grab Keavy, to pull her close once more; instead he knotted the leather around his slender waist.

When he finished, he paused for a moment, his hands balled then his fingers flexed before he looked up to see Keavy. She was standing still, her hands folded in front, her eyes still watchful. Osferth nodded his head and as he left, something caught his sleeve and he looked back to see her fingers pinching the fabric of his albe.

“Return to me, Osferth,” she whispered, her eyes wide.

There was the subtle curl of his lips and he reached for her hold, bringing the back of her hand to lips for a kiss, savoring her smell of lavender and thyme. “I will, Keavy. I swear it.”

That moment replayed in his mind as he met with the men, the hurried relay of the note Sihtric brought and a quick departure from Coccham. They rowed eastward, easing the boat to dock a ways up and away the main docks of Beamfleot. The followed the shadows of the woods that lead towards the fort; Osferth felt the flutter of his nerves, as well as the gaze of Uhtred. “Are you afraid?”

“Am I even allowed to admit that?” Osferth asked back.

Uhtred shrugged. “Osferth, at times we’re all afraid. Courage is just finding the will to overcome that fear. Nothing more,” he reached and placed his palm on his shoulder. “But you must find that courage.”

Ahead, they spotted the Danes that lined the dock, more than was initially thought and a hazard to their escape; with Uhtred’s command, there was a frenzied onslaught and they left the bodies to litter the Temes.

They pressed until they reached the walls that surrounded the burh, a ruction echoing the stones. Osferth was offered to be hoisted upwards, and even with his lean length there was still a struggle to climb over the battlement, but he managed to land on the cobblestone curtain wall.

He followed this pathway, finding it unguarded, but remained low, unseen; once he understood he was truly alone, he dared look over at the clamor of Danes that drank and bellowed below in the fortress. From his spot, he also saw the smoke that began to pour from the Great Hall, accompanied with yells.

He was quick to return and called down. “Lord,” his chest heaving. “Fire!”

“Jump down, baby monk,” Finan called back. The gates creaked open and Danes poured through, spilling and coughing through the mouth of Beamfleot.

Osferth instead returned, ignoring the yell of the Irishman; he moved quickly, his eyes burning in the smoke that rose, but did not stop until he spotted Æthelflæd, the stream of her dark hair as she followed behind a blonde Dane; he pulled her with urgency, and the roar of his name echoed over the chaos.

“Erik.”

And Osferth saw him, the same Dane from Lunden, his eyes black and his knifed hand glinted from the growing flames. He moved, peering over the stone wall at the gate’s top, watching how the Dane escort paused, how Æthelflæd now pulled at him, begging him to run.

“You dare betray me, brother?” Sigefrid roared.

“I will pay your share of the ransom,” Erik pulled away from her, both covered in soot and she was stanced with the desperation to run still. But instead, Æthelflæd watched.

There was the disarray of Danes that fled the fire, paying no mind to the ruined fortress or the ruined kinship. Sigefrid laughed, dark and boisterous. “And how will you pay?” His voice was cruel. “In what? Piss?”

“I will pay the ransom,” he insisted, almost pleading.

Sigefrid moved towards him, swelled with fury, and only then did Erik unsheathe his own blade, both hands curled around the grip. “You couldn’t pay a goat to lick the sweat off your balls,” and with those words, Sigefrid lunged at his brother.

There was a clash of steel that rang out and Osferth saw the astonishment that played on his face as his brother parried, gutting him with the knife embedded on his arm. Æthelflæd screamed her heartbreak, watching the blood pour from this man she swore she loved, and she screamed again when Sigefrid turned his attention to her, pulling back his bloodied hand and stalking towards her.

“Æthelflæd!” Uhtred ran to the outside of the wall, Finan and men in tow. The distraction halted Sigefrid at the entrance and without a thought, Osferth drew his sword and leapt over, crushing down on top of Sigefrid, his sword piercing through his chest and lungs.

The Dane did not cry out, only the wet hissing sound of his life leaving his body as they both crumpled to the ground. His shins burned, but Osferth stood upright, looking to his sister, then to Uhtred.

He saw how his eyes shone with a new admiration of the bold behavior of the bastard; Uhtred then looked to Æthelflæd, taking her hand and he called for his men to follow.

Osferth pulled his sword from the dead man and then cut through his forearm, then reaching to grab the blade, the blood nub thumping to the dirt. He then slipped it around his waist and followed after, leaving Beamfleot to burn.

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#the last kingdom fanfic #the last kingdom fanfiction #tlk fanfic #tlk fanfiction #osferth fanfic #osferth fanfiction #osferth x oc #osferth x ofc #osferth x keavy #we need more osferth fanfic #slow burn #farewell wanderlust

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itbmojojoejo · 11 months

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Crimes Of Passion | Part 8

Pairings: Finan x OFC & Sihtric x OFC

Summary: The crew heads to The Beamfleot as Alfred requested and with her emotions clinging to her relentlessly Runa receives two very different offers but only takes one of them up.

Wordcount: 3.7k | Part 1 | Other works.

Warnings: Alcohol consumption, smoking, mentions of violence. If I have missed anything please let me know!

Authors note: Thank you for your patience while I worked through a creative rut but fear not, Runa is back.

Sunlight streaming through the living room window painted the walls with shadows of the netted curtains brocade pattern blotting out patches of lingering cigarette smoke. The whistling kettle on the burning stove had Runa running through her small townhouse half dressed and swearing under her breath.

With shaky hands she sent her china teapot clattering across the kitchen counter making her swear more and curse Brida for telling her to start her days with chamomile tea instead of coffee. Taking a deep breath she managed to pour the boiled water over the leaves sitting in a metal strainer and went back to getting dressed while it brewed.

Zipping up the side of her black pencil skirt she fiddled with the top button on the forest green satin blouse, giving her appearance a once over in the mirror of her bedroom Runa shifted her shoulders making the long cuffed balloon sleeves brush against her skin. The outfit choice she thought to be a smart decision was also a hindrance, but it would be less intimidating compared to her usual trouser suit showing that she was only at the Beamfleot to talk and nothing else.

Carefully walking down the stairs now fully dressed with her shoes in hand the floral and herby scent of chamomile hit Runa’s senses and she groaned, a peek into the teapot confirmed it had over steeped. Dropping her shoes and pushing her feet into them with agitation the small clock on the table said she was running late angering her further.

Runa had been given the nickname of ‘scatterbrain’ by Brida recently with her new found forgetfulness on top of her dwindling focus when out on a job and an overall absent-mindedness. She felt as though she was entering a new stage of her life and didn’t recognise who she was becoming, setting her on edge. All she had to do was help get Aethelflaed back to her husband and father, then she could go and piece herself back together in Denmark.

Pulling up outside Bebbanburg’s Beacon she noticed the wooden sign outside claiming the pub was closed for renovations. Runa pushed open the doors and her eyes widened at the state of the interior, the bar was missing having been ripped out with the floorboards covered in dust covers and the once full walls were bare missing their quirky ale barrel’s for décor. She carefully walked through the building debris towards the men grouped at the far end of an untouched corner they were using as their makeshift office space.

“You didn’t have to dress up for our benefit,” Finan chimed, taking in her appearance.

“It’s not for you,” Runa rolled her eyes with a smile.

“I’m a little envious that women only need to put on a skirt to sweeten up a situation,”

Sihtric and Uhtred shared a look at Finan’s comment anticipating Runa to respond with a snide remark, instead she laughed and kept her tone light,

“Give it a try sometime, you’d be surprised at how many people would like it,”

“I’m not having people ogling my arse.”

Runa went to make a further jest but swallowed it by pressing her smile into a line and jingled her keys hoping to hint at the men she was ready to get this over with as soon as possible.

“Finan will drive me, Runa you can take Sihtric and Clapa. No point in us getting cramped in one car,” Uhtred tidied up planning papers and stood from the table.

Sihtric followed behind Runa watching the subtle sway of her hips with the way she was forced to place one heeled foot delicately in front of the other by the restricting fabric of her skirt keeping her knees close together.

“Do you want me to drive?” Sihtric offered as they stepped outside into the afternoon sun.

“Why? You don’t like my driving?”

“You drive fine...it’s just,” He looked her up and down with a sigh, “Can you manage?” Runa laughed and threw the keys to him.

“Won’t say no to you being a gentleman.”

During the drive through the city Runa had found a pair of her sunglasses in the glove compartment and was more than happy to have them not only shielding her eyes from the bright sky but also preventing the two men from clocking her side eyeing Sihtric.

She may have made the decision to distance herself physically which was causing the so called ‘scatterbrain’ issue she was having but every time he placed his hand on the gear stick and changed gear the muscle’s peeking out from under the box sleeve of his shirt would tense, drawing Runa’s attention to him.

Walking up the stairs of the hotel and casino Sihtric looked to Runa, she didn’t meet his hazel eyes now full of nostalgia, this is where it had all started for them and a forming knot twisted in his gut. He’d barely seen her since the funeral and their talk of her trip but something about her reaction had been bothering him.

The group weren’t standing in the hotel lobby for long before Erik and Haesten approached after being notified by a receptionist.

“Uhtred, this is a surprise,” Erik greeted with a smile but his eyes revealed his apprehension at seeing the five of them in his lobby.

“Is it? I thought you would be expecting us at some point,”

“Not in this manner, perhaps. So, why are you here?”

“Aethelflaed.” Uhtred’s brows raised briefly and he pressed his lips into a thin smile.

“Why is she of any concern to you?”

“Are we really going to discuss this here?” Runa asked, jerking her head to the hotel guests that were coming and going.

The group followed Erik and Haesten through the large hallway Runa and Sihtric had been in the night they overheard Sigefrid speak of taking out Uhtred. She glanced at Sihtric who was walking beside her and when she saw he was already looking a smile played on her lips and his expression matched hers.

One of the larger sets of doors were opened to reveal a conference room lit brightly by large arched windows with a long dark oak table in the middle, as they all took seats Sigefrid joined them and sat opposite Runa and they began to discuss why they were all there.

“Explain this to me, why would the secretary of state send you to handle this?” Sigefrid asked, finding it hard to believe that Uhtred would agree to do anything on Alfred’s behalf.

“You didn’t really believe Alfred would show up here himself, did you?” Uhtred subtly sassed.

“The man wants to be prime minister, he can’t be seen handing over a payment to you. It would completely derail his upcoming campaign, which is exactly why there has been no press about his daughter being held hostage in the first place,” Runa clarified, not wanting to waste time playing games.

“Aethelwold did say the man thinks,” Erik mused and Runa scoffed, of course he was involved.

“Aethelwold is in on this?” Uhtred asked incredulously.

“You sound surprised,” Erik chuckled.

“That poor excuse of a man has no honour,” Runa muttered under her breath.

“He doesn’t have a high opinion of you either,” Sigefrid smiled at her.

“Can we see Aethelflaed? That’s all Alfred wants before he pays,” Uhtred sighed, growing tired of the back and forth.

“You alone can see her, yes.” Erik agreed, sharing a look with his brother.

Runa followed behind Sihtric and Finan as they were directed through to the casino bar by Sigefrid and Haesten. Erik had begrudgingly agreed to let Clapa accompany Uhtred on his visit to Aethelflaed.

“Runa, sit with me,” Sigefrid motioned to an area with a leather sofa and arm chairs, she stepped forward to follow him as did Sihtric and Finan, “That wasn’t an open invitation. Weland? Where is Weland?”

A Ginormous man with dark hair that was shaved at the sides and the remaining lengths tied back in a similar fashion to Sigefrid’s approached the group and Runa let out a shocked laugh, the sheer size of the man was enough to deter anyone from making the wrong move.

“Sit with these two.” Sigefrid instructed, and Runa followed him without looking back.

Sitting on the large soft leather sofa she angled herself towards Sigefrid and crossed her legs at the knee with her hands folded in her lap, her blue eyes settling on his onyx ones, just spotting Aethelwold trying to skirt around the edges of the room to avoid her out the corner of her peripheral view.

“I had wondered why you kept that little weasel around, and now I know,” Runa said, accepting the pack of cigarettes Sigefrid offered her along with a box of matches.

“He has his uses, so I would appreciate it if you stopped trying to kill him,” He said looking amused.

“If I wanted him dead he would be. Did you only want me to join you for information?” The spark of the match sparkling in her iris.

“No, a woman of your talents is a rare and useful thing, I still want you to join us,” Sigefrid’s gaze lingered on her legs and she pointed her foot pulling his attention back to her face.

“You kidnapped my brother and killed my friends.” She said full of amusement.

“Yes, but it was necessary,”

“For what purpose?”

“You really want to know?” One of his brows raised and he searched her eyes looking for any resentment and found none.

“Why else would I ask?”

“We thought that squeezing the two firms would cause you all to break apart, especially after you killed Orm, which I heard caused some upset,” Sigefrid admitted freely.

It was true, in the days following the events at the papermill Ragnar had warned her of the repercussions they could face because of her apparent recklessness, Brida and Cnut came to her defence saying she did what was needed to ensure no more lives were lost causing an argument to unfold. That was why Runa had stayed with Brida, they both needed time away from the men in their lives and what led to Cnut deciding to send his family back to Denmark where they would be safer.

“I also heard that you and your little boyfriend are no more,” Sigefrid smirked looking over to where Sihtric and Finan sat at the bar.

“He was never my boyfriend,” Runa leaned forward to the low glass table and flicked her ash into an ashtray, her eyes also flickering to the two men.

“So why go back for him?”

“He’d do the same for me,”

“Out of love?”

“Love is for children.” She sighed.

It was a sentiment she used to heavily believe in thinking it would protect her, but every word, look, touch, scent, and emotion linked to Sihtric desperately clung to her and screamed that it was no longer a true belief.

Across the room Haesten scoffed from his place behind the bar as he made a drink with a smirk on his face,

“Look at you two, watching her like hawks,”

“How’s your head? You took quite the hit,” Finan taunted, not caring for the stocky blonde’s commentary.

“The bitch is lucky to be alive for what she did, Orm’s cousin is itching to be the one that ends her,”

“If that’s true then where is this cousin?” Sihtric questioned tucking the cigarette he blindly rolled behind his ear.

“Sigefrid won’t allow it, he wants her,” Haesten disclosed with a dark smile.

Sihtric and Finan looked to each other then back across the room to the copper haired woman that was smiling at whatever Sigefrid was now saying to her.

“Runa, don’t make me beg, join us,”

A smile played on her lips and she took a long drag on her smoke, licking her bottom lip before exhaling and held a prolonged gaze with him.

“Alright, on one condition,” Sigefrid’s dark eyes glistened at her words thinking he had her right where he wanted her.

“Name it,”

“Give me Haesten,” She smiled with a shrug, she knew she was asking for one of his most trusted men, but if he truly wanted her he would give him up.

“You like him?” He frowned, waving his hand in the bar's direction.

“Don’t be stupid Sigefrid, I want to kill him. Give him to me, and I’ll join you.”

He paused rubbing his thumb along his bottom lip, he looked to his man standing behind the bar then back at Runa, she tilted her head and raised a brow at him gently pushing for an answer.

“I’ll consider it.”

Arriving back at the Beacon, Runa was hoping to just drop the men off and leave but Uhtred said there was something they all needed to discuss. He had them sit in the small makeshift office area and Gisela followed him carrying a tray with glasses and a full bottle of whiskey.

“Are we celebrating something boss?” Finan asked with raised brows.

“No, we have a slight problem,” Uhtred opened the bottle and poured unmeasured shots into six glasses and motioned for everyone to take one.

“We should have known this wasn’t going to be straight forward,” Sihtric sighed and swilled his whiskey.

“It’s Erik and Aethelflaed..” Uhtred started but was unsure how to finish the sentence.

“No..” Runa snorted knowing exactly what he was going to say next as the others looked confused.

“Yes, they want to elope,”

“But she’s already married,” Finan blurted with his glass millimetres from his lips.

“Does Sigefrid know?” Sihtric asked, hazel eyes glancing to Runa who sat beside him.

“No,” Uhtred

“Tell me you said no,” Finan groaned.

“Of course he didn’t say no,” Runa laughed, finding the idea of Alfred’s daughter falling for a gangster amusing.

“So what do we do?” Sihtric lit the hand rolled cigarette he’d tucked behind his ear earlier.

“Nothing changes, we get Aethelflaed out but Erik will be with her when we do,” Uhtred shrugged.

One glass of whiskey turned into a second bottle being opened and Runa was still tucked away in the untouched corner with Sihtric laughing at Finan and Uhtred fighting with a measuring tape and strewn planning papers on the floor all around them as they worked out the finer details of the gentlemen's club interior, Clapa was leaning against a wall wearing a hardhat that had been left behind by the builders.

Lighting her cigarette and exhaling a cloud of smoke Runa glanced at Sihtric who remained at her side and with a smile his hazel eyes fell to her lips before meeting her ocean blue gaze again.

“Don’t look at me like that,” She whispered, fighting off her own smile.

“Like what?” His brows pulled together as he turned further into her space.

“You know what,” Runa knocked her knee off of his with a breathy laugh, “I think it’s best I call Cnut, I can’t drive like this,” She giggled feeling the warmth of whiskey in her throat and veins knowing that it was best to call it a day before doing anything stupid.

“You could always just come home with me,” Sihtric suggested with his voice low and lightly traced circles onto her knee with his fingers.

“We made an agreement,” Runa’s eyes stayed focused on his fingers against her skin knowing if she looked at him now she would give in to him in an instant.

“We only agreed on dinner,” He chuckled.

Her lips parted at the twinge of guilt in her chest, it was unlike her to be harbouring secrets but the less he knew the better and now her fight or flight instinct was screaming at her to leave before any more hurtful decisions could be made.

“I’m calling my brother.” She half heartedly smiled and slipped out of her seat leaving Sihtric sitting alone.

He leaned his head back against the wall with a low sigh. Being around Runa, the soft floral scent of her perfume, the fire and gold twisted together in the strands of her hair, the calm waters in her eyes and laughter tumbling from her soft lips mixed with the warm amber liquid in his system without being able to simply touch her was getting to be too much. The sooner Erik and Sigefrid were dealt with the better, or so he thought.

A few days later Runa was wrapping photo frames and other trinkets dotted around her living room in newspaper to be put safely away in one of the many boxes taking up space inside her home when the telephone ringing pulled her away from the boring task.

“Hello?”

“Runa,” The deep voice on the other end had her smile.

“Sigefrid,”

“I’ll give him to you,”

“You will?” Runa was surprised, she’d expected him to refuse her request.

“Come to the casino tonight, it will be done,”

“And how do I know this isn’t a false tale for your boys to get revenge?”

“It’s not.” Sigefrid hummed and disconnected the call, setting Runa’s plan in motion.

With the sun setting in the evening Runa climbed the now familiar stairs, the click of her heels sounding out with each step through the white marbled floor lobby drowning out the swish of her black wide legged trousers. Standing at the entrance of the casino Haesten was on the door and looked her up and down with disdain.

“You’ll have to check your coat into the cloakroom,” This wasn’t a real rule, he just didn’t trust that she wasn’t concealing a weapon of some kind.

“Fine by me,” She shrugged out of her thin trench coat revealing the subtle peplum black blazer she wore over a simple white shirt with the top two buttons undone.

“Get yourself a drink Runa, the boss is expecting you.”

At the bar with cigar smoke and an assortment of aftershaves bitterly hitting her senses Runa ordered a whiskey and lit up a smoke, she eagerly knocked back her drink in one leaving a warm burn in her throat and a woody spice on her tongue reminding her of Sihtric.

The bartender looked at her wide eyed as she tapped the crystal glass off the bar asking for a refill. It wasn’t until she ordered her third drink that Sigefrid sidled up to her with a smirk,

“Sorry to have kept you waiting, I was checking on our esteemed guest,”

“Mm, so what, is it really as simple as this or do I have to go through some kind of initiation?” Runa asked pouring honey into her voice.

“No, it is this simple, but you will have to prove yourself eventually,”

“And when do I get what I asked for?” She looked up at him from under her lashes and he smiled.

“Later, after closing,”

“Good,”

“Game of poker?” Sigefrid motioned his hand to the nearby poker tables.

“Oh that isn’t my kind of gambling,” She laughed with the shake of her head.

“Why not?” His brow creased.

“I have a shit poker face,” She confessed with a shrug.

Sigefrid’s booming laugh filled the air and he moved his hand to her elbow guiding her towards the sofa they had sat on a few days ago. He settled down closer to her this time and regarded her with a small frown,

“Why are you packing up your house, Runa?”

“Who do you have spying on me?” She quickly countered.

“That isn’t important, do you really intend to join us or are you here for a different reason?”

“I needed a back up plan, I didn’t think you’d agree to give up your man and now you have I will need a new home anyway, people will come looking for me,” Runa shrugged and pulled her cigarette case out of her pocket, “Why are you giving him up?”

“You need to earn your position, he’s my right hand man, take him out and you step into his place instantly,” Sigefrid answered honestly and moved the ashtray from the table to the small space between them on the sofa and revealed a cigar he had tucked away inside his jacket.

“You’ll allow that even if it pisses off your men?”

“My men do as they're told,” He smiled.

“They’ll say you’re chasing skirt,”

“And what if I am?” Sigefrid set his onyx eyes on her and wet his bottom lip.

She laughed and took a sip of her whiskey, she hadn’t expected him to admit it so freely. They sat together for a while longer when Runa caught sight of Erik disappearing through the staff corridor and she cleared her throat looking to Sigefrid.

“I heard there is a man here who wishes me dead,” She claimed and set her now empty glass down on the low glass table.

“Yes, Boltan.” Sigefrid nodded, a stream of smoke curling up from his burning cigar.

“Will he try to kill me?”

“He’s been watching you since you walked through the door,” He smirked.

“A lot of your men have, which one is he?” She asked nonchalantly.

“That one there,” He pointed to a tall well built man at the very end of the bar, his black hair slicked back and piercing blue eyes focused on her.

Sigefrid opened his mouth to speak again when one of his men burst through the door of the staff corridor, the ruddy haired man clutched at his stomach with blood seeping through his hand but before he could shout any type of warning the fire alarm started blaring drowning out all other noises.

Casino guests started grabbing their belongings and rushing to the doors. Sigefrid was out of his seat and running to his fallen man in moments to find out what had happened. Runa calmly stood and removed her blazer and set it down on the arm of the sofa, unbuttoning her sleeve cuffs she rolled them up to the elbow.

She untucked the black revolver from her waistband and checked over the bullets before cocking the gun so it was ready to go and looked to Sigefrid. He was practically foaming at the mouth shouting to the men gathering around him but she didn’t care to strain to hear what was being said, she already knew what was happening.

Taglist: @arcielee @emilyhufflepufftlk @finanmoghra @deandoesthingstome .

#the last kingdom fanfic #sihtric fanfic #finan fanfic #tlk fanfiction #sihtric x oc #finan x oc #tlk fanfic #tlk

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itbmojojoejo · 10 months

Text

Crimes Of Passion | Part 9

Pairings: Finan x OFC & Sihtric x OFC

Summary: In the unravelling chaos Sihtric finally discovers Runa's plan.

Wordcount: 3.5k | Part 1 | Other works.

Warnings: MDNI18+.Alcohol consumption, smoking, mentions of violence, blood, death and use of weapons.. If I have missed anything please let me know!

Authors note: It's been a while, but here it is. A huge thank you to @arcielee for being a gem beta reading this and correcting my awful punctuation xo

During the drive back from The Beamfleot, with the sun still bathing the roads in its heat, Runa had insisted on being in the driver's seat, probably with the intention of leaving the group as soon as possible. Sihtric felt less confident than he originally had at the plan Uhtred and Runa had orchestrated and that unease only worsened after his boss broke the news of Aetheflaed’s intentions to flee with Erik.

“So what do we do?” Sihtric’s lighter flaming to life sent a small trail of cigarette smoke into the air.

“Nothing changes, we get Aethelflaed out but Erik will be with her when we do,” Uhtred shrugged, finally taking a sip of his whiskey and looked to Runa, “Did Sigefrid take the bait?”

“He said he’ll consider it,” She shrugged.

“What if he says no?” Finan asked, finally taking a sip of his drink.

“Then I just turn up on a day of our choosing and tell him I’ll join anyway.”

“You know I can’t guarantee your safety with this plan, right?” Uhtred said, glancing between Runa and Sihtric, who inhaled deeply through his nose and took a swig of his whiskey.

“I know what I agreed to.” She doubled down.

“She can handle herself, she’ll be grand.” Finan smiled in an attempt to ease everyone.

As the group worked their way through finishing the first bottle of whiskey, Gisela reappeared with a fresh bottle and a warm smile and spoke of her ideas for the new decor with Uhtred. Finan groaned when she mentioned trying to incorporate yellow to brighten the space and stood from the table taking the planning papers with him and pointing out proposed spaces for additional windows.

As the Irishman went on a tangent about colour schemes being pointless, Uhtred and Clapa joined, leaving Runa and Sihtric alone at the table.

“Stop looking so worried,” Runa muttered, growing tired of his worried eyes constantly falling on her.

“Why did you agree to be a sacrificial lamb?” Sihtric breathed.

“This is only going to work with a distraction in place, and I’m no lamb.” She prodded the table emphasising her words.

“So what are you then?” He asked, leaning his elbows onto the table.

“A wolf in sheep's clothing.” She smiled and swilled her whiskey glass, beginning to feel tipsy.

“Promise me you’ll find out who that cousin is before it all kicks off? You know he’ll go straight for you,” Sihtric kept his gaze forward with his serious tone, he didn’t like any part of this plan but he knew there was no use in trying to get it stopped.

“It might not even go to shit.”

“Runa...” He groaned with his glass thudding on the wood.

“Alright, I promise.” She offered calmly and hesitantly smoothed her hand along his shoulder, the warmth from her palm leaked through his shirt with ease and he relaxed at her touch.

There was barely a cloud in the light blue sky of the afternoon that was lighting up the inside of Bebbanburg’s Beacon. The occasional swirl of plaster dust lifted from the floor slowly resettling on the crinkling dust covers protecting new wood flooring, Finan and Clapa were trying to throw small nails into a mug a short distance away from them while Sihtric sat with Osferth, quietly discussing the younger man’s struggle with romance.

“Runa called,” Uhtred announced, standing in the empty bar space with his hands on his hips and all four men looked to him, “It’s tonight.”

Sihtric’s top lip curled up briefly and he let out a quiet huff; Osferth pressed his lips into a tight line knowing the worries his friend had at their next job.

As the sun set, Sihtric watched the golden hues dance off Runa’s copper waves falling freely past her shoulders as she climbed the stairs of the hotel from his car near the back of the parking lot. His thumb tapped impatiently off the steering wheel as he checked the time again to see how long they had left before having to meet others at the back of the hotel.

“Hey, if it comes down to it, you know she can handle a fight,” Finan soothed from the passenger seat.

“One with this amount of money involving men that would see her dead?”

“Can’t believe I’m even admitting this,” Finan muttered and cleared his throat, “Runa is the last person I would want to back into a corner, if those lads have any sense they won’t even try it. Now, let’s get this done.”

Erik’s man, Dagfinn, opened the delivery bay door that was situated further down from the employee’s entrance in the alleyway and offered the group an apprehensive nod before leading them through a narrow corridor attached to the old victorian stairwells the chambermaids use to get around the hotel without being in the guests’ way.

Climbing the even narrower and creaking stairs, they came up to the floor Aethelflaed was being kept on; not a single person was around as Dagfinn unlocked the door to reveal the young woman sat on the edge of the bed, anxiously fiddling with her fingers in her lap.

“Uhtred!” She stood from the bed looking relieved that he had actually done as he said he would.

“Let’s make this quick, we don’t have long.” He responded, guiding her out of the room back towards the stairwell they had just climbed where Erik now stood quietly waiting with Osferth and Clapa at his side.

“Your brother?” Uhtred asked him.

“Distracted, as planned.” Erik answered, his blue eyes sparkling as they landed on Aethelflaed, for a moment Sihtric thought it was sweet, even if they were an odd coupling.

“Hey!” A tall young man with ruddy hair called out from the end of the hallway and began to approach followed by a second person, “Where is she going?”

“Not one of yours I’m guessing?” Finan asked Erik, shoving his hands in his pocket.

“No, Sigefrid’s.”

“Alright then.” The Irishman revealed his hands now covered in thick wide brass knuckle dusters and smiled as he turned to meet them.

Before either of the two workers had the chance to ask any more questions, Finan smacked the closest once and he dropped like a sack of potatoes, making the other turn on his heel and bolt.

“I got him.” Sihtric said coolly and gave chase.

“No!” Erik called out but it was too late.

As Sihtric rounded the corner on the tail of the runner, they both stopped in their tracks as they stood face to face with a group of four other employees. One instantly launched themselves at Sihtric and he ducked, quickly tossing him over behind him, making the man crash through a wooden table.

He straightened up just in time to block the one he’d chased,who was now brandishing a knife; Finan quickly caught up with what was happening and crushed the young man’s wrist, making him drop the knife and catching it in his own hand. He plunged the blade into his belly with a blank stare as Sihtric handled the others with Clapa.

“You agree we get Aethelflaed out by any means necessary?” Uhtred asked Erik as he looked around the corridor.

“Do what you have to.”

And with that Uhtred returned to the room Aetheflaed had been staying in followed by Osferth.

“Find me some matches.” Uhtred said calmly as he began to bundle up the sheets and pillows in the centre of the bed and he poured whiskey on top of the bedding.

Osferth watched on with furrowed brows as Uhtred threw not one, but three lit matches onto the bed and a small fire came to life. As they returned to the hallway, Osferth was ordered to follow Sihtric and Finan who were now chasing the fleeing men through the hotel with Clapa.

Just before going with Erik and Aethelflaed down the narrow staircase Uhtred pulled the red handle of a fire alarm, setting it off and alerting all guests to the fire.

For Runa time seemed to slow down to almost a stand still as she began to step away from the plush sofa, the high pitched fire alarm was pulsating in her ear in time with the steady beat of her heart as she inched closer towards Sigefrid. Her hand flexed on her gun as she raised it and his head lifted with widened eyes as his man told him of Aetheflaed being taken; in that moment he realised he’d been played.

As her finger pulled the trigger time snapped to its usual flow; Sigefrid put his hand up and ducked to the side with a guttural cry. Runa cursed at herself and stepped forward taking aim once again, not seeing Boltan launching himself at her from the left; she grunted with the air leaving her lungs as his clenched fist landed a heavy blow to her stomach and sent her backwards onto the floor.

Swallowing the urge to vomit at the force she was unexpectedly hit with, another hard crack hit her ribs as the tall blue eyed man kicked her where she lay. Runa swung her hand that was still gripping the gun towards him and Boltan dropped to kneel on her chest, she involuntarily screamed out at the crushing weight making her lungs burn barely, noticing that she’d dropped her weapon in the struggle.

Boltan’s eyes stared into her’s as he brought his hand to her face and pushed it sideways into the floor, harshly pressing it into the cold tiled floor. Runa squeezed her eyes shut and clawed at his arm and leg, trying her best to keep breathing when suddenly Boltan was gone. She gasped for breath sitting upright in an instant with her entire body burning and screaming at her when more hands gripped at her shoulders with fingers digging into the clothed flesh pulling her up off the floor.

“Fuck off!” She rasped and threw her head back in an attempt to hit the person that had a hold of her.

“It’s me! Runa, it’s me.” Sihtric yelled over the alarm still screeching through the building and turned her around.

Her fingers gripped at his shirt sleeves with a panic visible in her eyes that Sihtric had never seen before. Looking to the right Runa saw Finan laying into Boltan with brass knuckle dusters hitting him all over his body with crimson patches blooming in the wake of his fists.

“We have to go!” Osferth called from nearby, taking the time to grab Runa’s blazer and picking her gun up from the floor.

The alarm fell silent letting the sounds of grunting and shouting be heard; Clapa was fighting his way through a group of men trying to clear a path for the group to exit, Finan and Sihtric were throwing their own punches to anyone approaching from the back and Osferth gripped Runa’s elbow keeping her close in the middle as she struggled to keep her body from going into shock.

“Erik!” Sigefrid bellowed out over the chaos and the group looked to the lobby they were currently fighting their way towards. Erik paused with Uhtred at his side and quickly pulled Aethelflaed behind him to shield her from what was about to come their way.

As the angry brother now cradling his hand with a bloody bullet hole through the centre, came barrelling towards the fleeing group with his men; Osferth instinctively curled his arm around Runa’s waist and dragged her backwards, protecting them both from the fresh crashing of bodies. Now that the group was dispersed and with a new wave of adrenaline coursing through her veins, Runa turned to Osferth who watched on wide eyed, much like he had during the fight at The Dunholm.

“Get to Uhtred, go.” She pointed him in the direction of his boss struggling to protect Aethelflaed, glancing over her shoulder she witnessed Weland grappling with Sihtric pushing him further back into the casino that was starting to fill with smoke with brutal strikes. Thinking on her toes, she tugged her blazer free from Osferth’s grasp and nudged him away.

“Runa!” Osferth yelled, wanting her to go with him.

Ducking and weaving her way through the fight, she twisted the blazer in her hands and wrapped it around them tightly into the form of a makeshift garrote as she came up on the back of Weland; with a deep breath, she leaped and threw it over his neck pulling it tight with a grunt.

The mountain like man stumbled and grabbed at the material restricting his breathing as Runa’s knee dug into his back. Sihtric took the opportunity to straighten his stance and steady his staggered breaths, with the grit of his teeth he followed right hook with left hook punches to Weland’s ribs causing him to double over from the attacks on both sides.

Weland tried to fling Runa off of him with no luck and Sihtric launched upwards with an uppercut taking the giant off his feet causing him and Runa to fall back into the glass table she had been sitting at not long ago.

No noise left Runa as the glass shattered underneath her, with Weland crushing her much smaller frame, but the beast was not done fighting as he managed to produce a switchblade from his trousers. Her face contorted into one of pain as she struggled pulling the fabric around his throat even tighter and feeling small shards cut into her skin.

Without a second thought Sihtric rushed forward and wrestled the knife free from Weland slamming the blade into his torso repeatedly until his body went limp. Runa’s arms dropped down with a low grumble as Sihtric rolled the dying man off her and helped her to her feet.

“This place is burnin-”

A single gunshot ringing out made everything stop, the fighting, the shouting, all of the chaos. In the middle of the hotel lobby Osferth stood stone-faced, holding Runa’s smoking revolver and Sigefrid laying at his feet, dead.

“Fuck.” Was all Runa could whisper at the scene.

Standing outside in the parking lot next to her car, Runa watched in an almost trance like state at the fire engines working overtime to put out the flames that had grown and were devouring the hotel along with the buildings either side of it; it had taken longer than usual for the emergency services to arrive because they thought it was just a standard evening at The Beamfleot casino for its now deceased owners.

Finan, with his hands and shirt bloodied and face grief stricken, sat beside Osferth on the bonnet of another car in silence, the flashing blue lights illuminating his vacant expression. Sihtric put a lit cigarette into Runa’s fingers as six bodies were loaded up into waiting ambulances, the cries of Aethelflaed finally being quietened by Steapa’s car door closing on her.

“Let me take you home, there’s nothing left for us to do here,” Sihtric spoke to Runa quietly, and without thinking, she nodded. It wasn’t until the car pulled up outside her house and Sihtric, being the gentleman that he always is, opened the passenger door for her.

“Thank you, I can manage from here.” She smiled weakly, trying to suppress her wince from the pain all over her body.

“No, look at the state of you, come on.” He took her hand and she was in no position to argue with him.

She had spent the drive leant forward because there were still small shards of glass embedded into her shirt and skin, but as Sihtric pulled the key from under her doormat and unlocked it panic set in. Whether she wanted to argue or not, it was coming.

“Sihtric, wait.” Runa said with a hand on his arm as he pushed open the front door to reveal the dark hallway littered with haphazardly stacked boxes.

He paused at the sight, then flicked the light switch confirming that his eyes were not deceiving him.

“Runa?”

She didn’t respond as she walked past him with a large ball of regret building in the pit of her stomach. Sihtric followed her past the stacks into the living room where there were more half packed boxes with old newspapers piled up next to them to protect the more delicate items.

“How long is this trip of yours, exactly?” He asked fiddling with the edge of a cardboard flap knowing full well what this meant, he just wanted to hear her say it.

“I’m not coming back.” She sighed, walking through the open arch way into her kitchen, looking through the cupboards.

She put two glasses along with a half empty bottle of gin on the dining room table and poured the clear liquid into them. Sihtric tried his best to subdue the anger bubbling inside him as Runa put a carton of cigarettes beside the gin with her lighter, finally looking him in the eye.

They both looked haggard, Runa sparkled when she moved with the remnants of glass still stuck to her, and the pair’s clothes were wrecked with blood. Sihtric knew this was the worst possible timing, but he didn’t know how long he even had to have this conversation and he wanted answers.

“You lied to me.” He said flatly, there was no question about it.

“Yes, but let me explain, please Sihtri-” Runa’s voice was quiet, and her eyes widened at him cutting her off.

“No. Enough of this bullshit, Runa!”

“Don’t yell at me.”

Sihtric scoffed, his anger mixing with hurt. He had done all she silently asked for, when she was distant with him he never pushed to know why, just gave her the time she needed to work out whatever was going on in her head. When he thought it was Finan that held her affections, he was more than willing to back away and let them be, and he always defended her in her absence.

“And why not? I have tried being gentle with you, I have given you space, I have forgiven you without ever asking you for any type of explanation and yet you still lied to me!”

“I didn’t want to hurt you!” Runa slapped her hands down on the table, shaking her head.

“That seems to be all you do.” He responded with an incredulous laugh, his gaze still focused on her.

“I know, and I’m sorry,” Runa closed the distance between them and took his hands in hers, “I am so sorry Sihtric.”

“Do you not trust me?” He asked, his hazel eyes searching her blue ones for any type of reason that would make sense.

“Of course I do.” She breathed.

“Then why didn’t you just tell me! It would have hurt but it would have been far better than finding out like this.” He dropped her hands and motioned to the mess around them.

Taking a deep breath Runa turned back to the table and downed one of the unmeasured glasses of gin, screwing her face up at the taste and picking up the cigarette carton.

“The way you held me when I told you I was going to Denmark in the first place was why I felt like I couldn’t tell you, I didn’t want you to ask me to stay.”

Sihtric wet his bottom lip and nodded slowly; he didn’t feel as though her answer made sense but he felt she was telling the truth. With a huff, he watched as she lit her smoke and rubbed her temple with her thumb.

Runa spoke up again, “ I don’t expect you to understand any of this.”

“Why do I feel like this is just you running away from something?” He pushed further.

“Maybe I am.” She shrugged and ignored the spasm of pain it sent through her back.

“Then tell me what it is!” Sihtric raised his voice once more, his frustration still present.

“You!” Runa retaliated, her own frustration making itself known with instant regret following.

“Me?” Sihtric stared at her with furrowed brows, his anger dissipating quickly and sadness taking its place.

“Yes. I fucked up, I had no business messing around with you or Finan and I jus- I can’t be here anymore.” Runa shook her head and took a drag of her cigarette.

“Is that what we were doing? Messing around?” He’d been certain that he wasn’t alone in love, Sihtric had felt it in her touch and seen it in her eyes, and her next words only told him he was right and she was denying it.

“That’s all I can let it be.”

“Got it.” He responded flatly and walked out.

Runa stood in her kitchen and swallowed the bitter tasting gin Sihtric had left untouched, closing her eyes when her front door slammed shut. She took a deep breath trying to keep control of her emotions but as she perched on the side of her table and dialled the only number she could think of calling, she felt the tears creeping up on her.

“Hello?” The calm voice on the other end answered, and Runa’s control slipped allowing the tears to fall.

“Brida...”

Taglist: @arcielee @emilyhufflepufftlk @finanmoghra @deandoesthingstome @gemini-mama

#the last kingdom fanfic #sihtric x oc #finan x oc #tlk fanfic #tlk fanfiction #sihtric fanfic #finan fanfic

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itbmojojoejo · 1 year

Text

Crimes Of Passion | Part 2

Pairings: Finan x OFC & Sihtric x OFC

Summary: Runa and Sihtric spend a night at The Beamfleot hotel, they see an unexpected visitor and overhear a worrying plan.

Wordcount: 4.4k

Part 1 | Other works

Warnings: MDNI18+ NSFW content below the cut. Consumption of alcohol and smoking, Gambling, Oral (f receiving) Unprotected PinV. If I've missed anything please let me know!

For a Friday afternoon it was quiet inside Bebbanburg’s Beacon except for a few locals and a couple of crew members that practically lived there. A dark wooden bar lined the entire back wall opposite large rectangular alcoves that housed snooker tables and seating, the high ceilings lined with dark exposed beams were surprisingly warm and welcoming with old whiskey and ale barrels decorating the walls. Sihtric was playing snooker with Osferth and Rypere, Uhtred was sat behind the bar watching their regular barmaid Eadith have an animated conversation with Finan and Clapa when Runa walked through the door carrying a black leather travel bag.

“Runa.” Uhtred greeted, Sihtric’s eyebrow quirked ever so slightly at her appearance as he chalked his que, a black pencil skirt clung to her legs in a tantalizing embrace with a peplum jacket cinching her waist and matching gloves covering her tattooed hands, her usual loose waves worn in curls.

“Uhtred and co.” She warmly addressed the bar glancing to her side to find Finan straddling a stool leaning sideways against the bar with his eyes raking over her, they hadn’t spoken or seen each other since their tryst, the barmaid also looked over Runa with a miniscule frown and she didn’t miss it.

“Are you ready?” Uhtred questioned his distant cousin, somewhat apprehensive of her involvement with this particular job.

“Why do you think I’m dressed like this?” Runa quipped looking to her left and offering Sihtric a small smile when she found his eyes were already on her. She wasn’t one to shy away from dresses for nights at the club but she preferred the comfort of her trouser suits, they didn’t require ridiculous undergarments to achieve the cinched look that was currently all the rage.

“Remember, you are only there to watch.” Uhtred clarified her role

“Yes, yes I know.”

“And what will you do if someone isn’t being a gentleman?”

“Let Sihtric handle it.” His lips quirked hearing her statement, this night might be harder than he first thought if she wasn’t used to letting other people handle situations for her.

“What if it’s Sihtric not being a gentleman?” Finan joked looking between Runa and Uhtred, he was a little jealous of the younger man who was like a brother spending one on one time with Runa but he would never voice that, he hadn’t even told anyone what had happened the other night.

“I’ll have his balls.” She teased getting a chorus of laughter from the group

“That won’t be necessary, I know how to keep my hands to myself.” Sihtric bantered giving Finan a pointed look as he walked over with his blazer slung over his shoulder, Eadith’s eyes flicked between Finan as he shifted in his seat and Runa who didn’t react at the comment furrowing her brow slightly deciding to turn away and busy herself cleaning glasses.

“Let’s go, I have to get my bag then we can check in.” Sihtric took Runa’s bag from her and carried it with him towards the door directing her to follow.

Runa stayed sat in the passenger seat parked in the courtyard of Sihtric’s apartment block watching him take two steps at a time up to the third floor and made a mental note of his door number. She wasn’t kept waiting long as he returned carrying his own holdall in a different outfit, swapping his black fitted trousers for looser grey tweed ones and a boxy black shirt with the crisply ironed sleeves stopping just above the elbow.

“What?” Sihtric adjusted himself in the drivers seat feeling her eyes on him

“You look nice” She shrugged with a small smile directing her gaze to the front windshield.

Driving through the busy city Runa opened the glove compartment humming in approval at finding a carton of cigarettes with a lighter, she had left hers in the bag now tucked away in the boot. Lighting one up she handed it over to Sihtric and he accepted with a light nod and she lit another for herself.

“You sure you’re going to be alright following my lead here?” He asked keeping his eyes on the traffic light they stopped at, he’d overheard Uhtred on the phone to Ragnar that morning worrying about her impulsive behaviours and unpredictable temper.

“Yes, play the soft girlfriend and watch in case you miss something”

“I won’t miss anything.” He boasted with a chuckle, and rightly so stealth and subtlety is what he excelled at. He saw more than most did including whatever was happening between Runa and Finan.

“Either way, that’s what I will be doing. Following you around like a little lovesick lamb”

After battling the hectic traffic and parking up at the casino Sihtric took both bags from the boot refusing to let Runa carry her own and took her gloved hand in his guiding them through the cars. Runa bit back at her smile surprised at how relaxed he was slipping into the role of a caring boyfriend so quickly, he even slowed his pace as they climbed the stairs to the entrance allowing her to take her time with her heels and restricting pencil skirt.

The main lobby had its original 1910’s décor of signature art nouveau still in place, Runa ran her finger along the curving elaborate lines of the reception desk admiring the stained glass ceiling painting the walls and white marbled tiles in various hues of pinks and greens with Sihtric’s arm around her shoulder as he spoke to the attendant.

Locating their room on the third floor Runa was surprised at how luxurious it looked, the king sized bed draped in deep blue bedding sat nestled in a curved alcove opposite a large floor to ceiling oval mirror breaking up the steel blue wallpaper adorned with golden flowers.

“Ooooh.” Runa sang kicking her shoes off heading towards the mini bar she spotted on a brass table next to a door leading to the bathroom, removing the stopper to the crystal whiskey decanter she peeked around the door frame.

Curiosity getting the better of him Sihtric came to her side also looking through the door, he tried to pay attention to the free standing bathtub and intricate design of the marbled sink but it was the first time he’d seen Runa shoeless. She was no longer eye level with him, the top of her head just about reached the tip of his nose and he was unsure as to why this shocked him.

“Don’t drink too many of these, we have work to do.” He spoke plucking the glass from her hand taking it for himself, Runa swatted his arm lightly and poured another.

As the afternoon slipped into early evening Sihtric was led back half way on the bed, his feet planted firmly on the carpeted floor when the sound of Runa humming along to ‘you belong to me’ playing on the radio drew his attention to her. She was sat at a small vanity table removing her dress jacket and throwing it over the back of her chair revealing a black strapless corselet.

He watched her seamlessly apply black liner to the top lid of her eyes framing them nicely followed by a dramatic amount of mascara and she stared at the tube of lipstick she had placed on the table, visibly questioning if she should wear it or not. Runa let out a small huff putting it away in her make up bag and disappeared into the bathroom with her leather holdall.

Sihtric took the moment to swap out his black shirt for a white long sleeved cotton one, he was half way through the buttons when the bathroom door reopened.

“Can you get my zip?” Runa asked meeting him half way in the room turning away from him. Wetting his lip Sihtric delicately inched the zip from the small of her back to the middle of her shoulder blades watching the slight shift of her muscles.

“Thank you.” She smoothed her hands across her chest and checked over the black off the shoulder dress with its full skirt in the mirror, her eyes bouncing between his exposed pecs and fixing her copper hair. She smirked when his hazel eyes locked onto hers in the mirror feeling no shame at being clocked admiring him.

“Behave yourself.” Sihtric teased tucking in his shirt and sorting out his tie, it wasn’t a comment just for her but also himself.

“Yes sir.” She giggled slipping back into her heels and putting her cigarettes into a clutch bag along with bank notes to swap for chips.

The pair stood in silence inside the white and gold elevator flashing side glances to one another, seeing them getting closer to the ground floor Sihtric took hold of Runa’s hand lightly tapping his thumb off her skin signalling they were now in work mode.

Walking back through the main lobby and into the casino itself Runa found herself disappointed, it wasn’t part of the original structure and was decorated with the harsher dark straight lines of art deco which was a stark contrast to the flowing light elegance of the hotel.

Making their way through the gamblers and clouds of cigar smoke mixing in with cheap aftershaves to the bar Sihtric ordered the drinks, Runa tried her best not to turn her nose up the champagne glass slid her way, leaning closer with his lips to her temple he whispered

“So you behave yourself.” He needed her to be as sober as possible in case anything happened and they needed to think before reacting.

She bit her lip accepting the drink wondering who had told him she wasn’t a fan of the expensive bubbles that left an undesirable after taste. Angling closer into him appearing to be enjoying his touch to anyone watching she looked across the different tables set up for roulette, black jack, and craps and her eyes fell on a table towards the very back of the room.

“We need to stay away from the blackjack tables. Aethelwold is here, with a Baron.” Runa whispered turning to sip at her drink. Sihtric understood her concern of Aethelwold being around because he could identify both of them if he wanted revenge for how he’d been treated last week but a Baron meant nothing to him.

“The Baron part is bad because?” He quietly responded guiding her away from the bar with his hand on the small of her back

“Aethelred holds a seat in parliament, not a very important one right now but he’s wanting to become a fully fledged MP.”

“You follow politics?” A smile played on his mouth, most people in their business knew a little about the laws and who made the decisions in government but not the up and coming ministers.

“Loosely. Word is he’s engaged to the secretary of states daughter.” She let him carry on guiding them towards a roulette table with a view of Aethelwold’s spot

“Shit. Alfred.”

“Exactly. What is the soon to be son in law of the secretary of state doing gambling at a casino run by gangsters?” He furrowed his brows positioning her to stand in front of him at the table. Alfred knew bribes were being accepted by the local police force and he had been trying to crack down on it, but his nephews habit of illegal gambling risked tarnishing his name and hopes of running for party leader to become prime minister so he had paid off Aethelwold’s debts a few times and turned a blind eye to the bribes.

Sihtric watched the distant table taking notice of the men that joined the blackjack table, one was a short stocky man with long blonde hair twisted away from his face with dreadlocks and a beard, the other was taller with dark braided hair shaved on both sides exposing a tattoo on his scalp his beard separated by beads.

Runa was on her third round of bets when the taller dark hair man stood up and his voice boomed across the room.

“Erik! My brother! Come, join us.” A tall blond with a similar cut to his brother but one singular bead in his beard approached them with a warm smile taking a seat next to a nervous looking Aethelwold. That was the moment they were able to identify Erik and Sigefrid.

As the night got later Sihtric had noticed a few men walking through the room taking payments and handing out what looked like raffle stubs, brushing his lips back to Runa’s temple he told her he’d be back in a moment leaving her sat alone. She finished off her champagne and made another bet on odds and lost, with a huff she watched as the table was cleared for a new round and the short stocky blonde from across the room sat besides her with Aethelwold in tow.

Keeping her calm she produced a cigarette from her clutch muttering shit to herself realising she’d left her lighter behind.

“Do I know you?” The nameless man asked with a smirk and squinted eyes holding a lit match out for her.

“I don’t believe you do.” She smiled innocently placing the smoke to her mouth and leaning into the flame

“She reminds me of Rita Hayworth.” Aethelwold spoke up staring her down with an empty smile and she ignored him to avoid giving away that they knew each other

“That must be it.” The blonde mused looking her over, she felt relieved exhaling a cloud seeing a fresh glass of champagne placed in front of her and feeling Sihtric’s now known touch on her back. “Ah, is this the boyfriend?” He asked further looking between Runa and Sihtric

“It is, and you are?” Sihtric answered calmly lightly tracing a circle on Runa’s back with his fingers, a small silent ‘well done’ for keep calm.

“Haesten, I work here and look after the guests. You two enjoy your evening.” Haesten offered a smile and walked away from the table with a smug looking Aethelwold in tow.

“Hear anything interesting at the bar?” She quietly asked Sihtric placing another bet down on evens this time

“Mhm, those stubs” He answered with a small nod in the direction of two men holding them and took the cigarette out of Runa’s grasps taking a drag “Are entry for a fight they will be holding downstairs.” He exhaled the smoke through his nose putting the tip back to her lips.

She smiled around the cigarette admiring how the lights enhanced the mixture of brown, gold and green hues making up the hazel colour of his eyes.

“How do we get some?” She sighed hearing the number the ball landed on loosing another bet

“We don’t, you have to be a regular for them to approach. Even if I had you sweet talk one it won’t work.” He answered looking to her chip pile, she hadn’t won once

“You’re a terrible gambler. Want to see where some of these corridors go?” He asked meeting her ocean blue glaze, she nodded leaving her drink behind not caring for it.

Heading down a hallway full of wide doors leading to other rooms Sihtric held Runa’s hand to keep up the appearance of a couple just looking for their room after a night of champagne and roulette, they didn’t know what they were searching for but all of the doors they had tried were locked. They knew they were on a floor they shouldn’t be because the doors were all further apart signalling it was the large suits or possibly offices, they heard voices coming towards them from around the corner and Sihtric immediately recognised it as Sigefrid’s.

“We need to make sure they aren’t still paying him for protection, do what you need to make sure those payments come to us Dagfin.”

“And if Uhtred shows up?”

“Handle him however you like. If we take him out it will be easier to move on Ragnar’s turf, do you have any idea how much money that club makes alone? Easily two grand a week, with all those businesses combined we will be running this city.” Sigefrid laughed getting closer to the pair, Runa stiffened up next to Sihtric and looked around at possible options for an escape, anger growing inside both of them at what they had heard.

Knowing they didn’t have enough time to leave without being seen Sihtric turned towards Runa slipping his other hand into her hair and bringing his lips to hers in a kiss and she quietly hummed into him as he stepped her back in to the wall as she tangled her hands into the collar of his shirt and suit jacket just in time to not be caught listening in.

Sigefrid walked past talking to Dagfin letting out a slight chuckle at the sight and paying them no further attention. Sihtric knew they should of stopped hearing the voices disappear completely but he felt the way Runa had melted into him deepening the kiss herself and as he reached a hand around her waist he licked the edge of her lip asking for entry and she gave it freely.

Exploring each others mouths with wandering hands he sighed into the taste of her, the crisp fruitfulness of champagne mixing with the warmth of his spiced whiskey. Runa broke away with a hitched breath pushing him back gently with a closed fist against his chest and a rosy pink hue heating her cheeks. He fixed his dishevelled jacket and shirt collar with a small smirk retaking her hand directing them back to their room in a palpable silence that spoke loudly of their initial attraction making itself known.

Sihtric pushed the door closed behind them as Runa walked through the bedroom kicking off her shoes as she went, he unlaced his shoes at the door and shrugged out of his jacket watching her trying to reach for her zip and pour a drink at the same time. Looking at the bed he couldn’t push away the thought of letting himself indulge in her just for tonight, it was unlikely an opportunity like this would come up for them again. She hadn’t mentioned Finan once and she wasn’t his woman, the only thing that could come from this was her rejecting Sihtric.

With a soft sigh he approached replacing her hand on the back of her dress with his and unzipped it, she placed the whiskey glass on the table and slipped the sleeves down her arms letting the fabric pool at her feet. Turning to meet his gaze she gently loosened his tie and discarded it on the floor with her dress as his eyes freely roamed over the thin black corselet and girdle covering her form.

She smirked and walked away disappearing into the bathroom leaving him stood there, Runa was careful removing and folding the delicate material putting it away in her travel bag and pulling a thin strapped nightgown over her head. Re-emerging she found Sihtric already in bed laying on his back looking at the ceiling, instead of walking around to the other side she clambered over him pulling back the duvet catching a glimpse of his near naked body and settling besides him.

Without a word he turned off the bedside lamp plunging them into momentary darkness as their eyes adjusted to the singular stream of light coming from the street breaking through a gap in the curtains.

“Gå i seng” Go to sleep. Sihtric spoke out quietly feeling her eyes on him yet again even though he knew sleep wouldn’t be coming to him anytime soon.

“Kys mig.” Kiss me. Runa whispered turning to face him, she wasn’t sure what response she expected and gasped as he turned into her instantly pressing his lips to hers like he’d just been waiting for her to ask.

His hand dragged from her waist down to her knee and back up underneath the nightgown hiking it up as he went leaning into her to lay on her back. She sighed into him parting her thighs as her fingers traced the contours of his chiselled torso, he trailed his mouth down her throat and across her collarbones nipping gently as his hand came to the apex of her thighs humming in approval discovering her cunt was bare and already wet.

Runa pulled her nightgown up her body and over her head growing sick of not feeling his skin on hers, falling back as Sihtric’s fingers swiped up through her folds gathering slick catching her clit making her hips cant at the motion. Wasting no time his hot mouth continued to trail down her now naked body slipping a digit into her wet core quickly followed by a second, she moaned out stretching around his fingers burying a hand into his hair.

She gasped out into the room once more as the tip of his tongue flicked through her folds and placed a gentle kiss to her clit before he circled it with his tongue applying more pressure and slightly hooking his fingers inside her brushing up at the soft spot that had her grinding her hips into him and he moaned into her sending vibrations through to her core. Sihtric was revelling in her taste and feel of her walls already clenching arounds his fingers, She couldn’t fight against the band growing tighter and tighter deep within threatening to snap any longer as he relentlessly sucked on her sensitive nub increasing the speed of his fingers pumping inside her.

Her grip in Sihtric’s hair tightened and he groaned at her roughness holding him closer against her as her back arched away from the soft mattress with broken moans and gasps sounding out in to the quiet room as her climax peaked. She was lost in her state of ecstasy as Sihtric trailed his mouth up her toned stomach over her navel and cleavage removing his fingers from her dripping pussy sliding his thick cock in her still spasming walls to the hilt in one swift movement.

She whined out feeling him bottom out in her, his hot breath fanning across her cheek as he tugged at her jaw bringing her mouth to his and instantly licking into her giving them a moment to adjust to her walls stretching around his length hitting the deepest parts of her cunt. Her hands dragged down his shoulders feeling him starting to move with slow deep movements, barely pulling out of her just rolling into her deeper and deeper bumping off her clit with each roll.

Soft sweet gasps and moans fell from her lips into his mouth as she let herself drown in the taste of him and his lingering tobacco, woody spices and her all mixed together, her head was void of everything but pleasure and Sihtric Sihtric Sihtric. He carried on rutting into her with his gentle rhythm when her nails bit into his skin and she arched up into him pushing her head further down into the soft pillow as the second hit of bliss washed over her.

He groaned burying his face into her neck and started to snap his hips into hers at a brutal pace his hands grabbing at the plush of her arse for purchase now chasing his own high, her hands flew up above her head pressed flat against the headboard screwing her eyes shut at the over stimulation letting him use her as he needed. Feeling the stutter and break of his movements she opened her eyes just in time to watch his face twist in pleasure in the near dark room as he moaned holding her tighter in a bruising grip filling her with his hot release.

Runa’s chest was still heaving trying to catch her breath when Sihtric placed a soft kiss to her lips nudging her nose with his before rolling away onto his back and she buried the thought that she missed the warmth and touch of his skin instantly.

The spark of his lighter had her turn and lay on her side watching the orange glow from the burning tobacco light up the lines of his cheekbone and jaw, she focused on his tongue run along his kiss swollen lips and take a deep drag. Reaching out Runa stole the smoke from between his fingers and he looked to her out the corner of his eyes, the side of his mouth quirking up seeing the smudged and streaked make up on her face.

Handing back the cigarette she shifted onto her back again staring at the ceiling pushing away the thought that maybe what had just happened shouldn’t of, she didn’t feel guilty, she knows Sihtric was probably aware of her involvement with Finan. What would bother her is if it affected their bond, in their profession disloyalty was common so to find genuine trust and commitment within it was something that should be held onto and not thrown away for a piece of skirt.

“We should skip the breakfast buffet in the morning and head straight back.” Runa spoke lowly, she didn’t think Aethelwold had said anything about their presence to the brothers yet otherwise they wouldn’t be led in bed

“I agree, I wasn’t expecting to see Aethelwold.” Sihtric had the same thoughts, if the brothers knew they had Ragnar’s cousin in their hotel she would be used as leverage in an instant

“Mm. I don’t know how Ragnar is going to handle this” Her cousin had taken a step back from violence, Runa and Cnut had been handling the more unsavoury parts for him as he liked the comfort of being a club owner these days

“Those logistics aren’t for us to worry about, we just do as we’re told” Sihtric commented stubbing out the cigarette into a glass ashtray on the bedside table

“We should probably get some sleep” Runa breathed a laugh shifting under the duvet, it had been a while since she’d shared her space with a man like this choosing to keep as much as distance as she can and enjoying the odd bit of intimacy here and there that was easy to walk away from

“I’m not done with you yet woman.” Sihtric pushed the duvet back climbing into Runa’s space once more brushing her now messy curls away from her face

“No?” She giggled putting her arms around his neck as he settled on top of her

“No.” He smiled teasing his lips over hers

End Notes: head empty :) (Also i'm just posting these chapters as I have them ready, a schedule doesn't exist in my world.)

Taglist: @arcielee @finanmoghra @emilyhufflepufftlk @deandoesthingstome .

#the last kingdom fanfic #sihtric x oc #finan x oc #sihtric fanfic #finan fanfic #tlk fanfic

35 notes · View notes

itbmojojoejo · 1 year

Text

Crimes Of Passion | OFC X TLK AU

Pairings: Finan x OFC & Sihtric x OFC

On this journey navigating the world of disloyal organised crime and the ever changing power dynamics which man will gain and keep her affections, if any?

Series Warnings: MDNI18+ NSFW Content. This series includes themes of a sexual nature and cheating(ish), alcohol consumption, smoking, violence including torture and murder, and other crimes throughout.

Wordcount: 4.9k | Part 2 | Other Works

Chapter Warnings: MDNI18+ NSFW Content below the cut. Smoking & Alcohol Consumption, Violence, Murder, Use of weapons, Oral (m receiving), Unprotected PinV.

Uhtred along with his wife, Gisela, and his most trusted men had been invited to a Jazz night Ragnar was hosting at his club The Dunholm so they could discuss a strategy at handling Erik and Sigefrid. The two brothers had recently hit all the businesses under Uhtred’s protection and stolen a large sum of money that belonged to him. Ragnar had offered the assistance of Runa, Cnut’s younger sister, who had proven herself capable of handling the type of interrogation needed to get the information they required.

Friday night Aethelwold had reluctantly told Runa who had paid off his debt to Ragnar in exchange for the information on Uhtred, she had returned the stolen bearer bonds and bullion on Sunday with the invitation to see Ragnar tonight. The live band filled the club decorated with gold gilded mirrors and taxidermy animal heads with vibrant melodies and velvet tones that already had couples dancing.

Dimly lit crystal chandeliers hung at different heights bathing the large ballroom in a low golden light, small round tables decorated with flickering candles were placed about in the space between the bar and the private booths with influential people from all over the city sitting at them and standing at the bar, the scent of cigars and cigarette smoke over powered the different smells and tones of aftershaves and perfumes.

Finan and Sihtric lingered at the bar with their drinks alongside Osferth and Clapa while their boss and his wife joined Ragnar and Brida at a booth. Sihtric was doing his regular scope when he caught sight of Runa making her way down the wide stair case from the balcony. Her copper waves spilled over her left shoulder catching the ambient light igniting a fiery glow, the emerald green strapless column dress she wore clung to her waist like a second skin and highlighted her toned frame.

Her eyes almost mimicking that of the deep oceans met his gaze in her descent and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips making Sihtric clear his throat feeling a bite of heat hit his cheeks. He thought she looked like a rare gem amongst the sea of muted tones the other guests wore and he knew he wasn’t the only one thinking this when he heard a low whistle escape Finan.

Osferth shifted nervously and looked into his glass as she approached, his memory filled with what he witnessed on Friday night.

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Osferth had found himself sitting in his little Morris Minor with Sihtric and Finan, they had told him it would draw less attention than the Jaguar he drove Uhtred about in and they sat waiting outside of a posh hotel for Aethelwold’s replacement driver to arrive after the sudden disappearance of his regular Tilberht.

“What will she do to him?” Osferth asked tapping his thumb off the steering wheel

“Don’t know, don’t really care, I just need to know who’s door I’m knocking on.” Finan answered running his thumb along his bottom lip staring out the passenger seat window

“Kill him?”

“I don’t think she’ll go that far.” Sihtric offered, Runa hadn’t given him the impression she was a killer after their brief introduction on Wednesday but he was curious as to why her brother had been so apprehensive about her doing this job, was it just the protective nature of family or something more.

“And she’ll do it herself? Hurt him, I mean.” Osferth knew Brida could be aggressive but he hadn’t met many other women in the business who dealt with anything physical, they usually left that to the men.

“Osferth, I don’t know what she does but she gets people to talk to her and stops people from talking to anyone else so she must be doing something to them.” Finan answered rubbing at his beard now

“Pays them?” He pondered further about the methods of this unknown woman he’d heard about

“Bribery isn’t Ragnar’s style” Sihtric sighed at Osferth’s almost constant questioning and peeled off his black blazer

“Tell you what wee man, I’ll let you come into the warehouse with us so you can see it with your own two eyes” The irishman tapped his younger companions chest never peeling his eyes away from the direction he was looking

“Really?” Even though it was dark in the car it was easy to tell his blue eyes had lit up, he’d been itching to get away from the role of designated driver for some time now

“If that’s what you want, it’s about time we started sho- hold up.” Finan stopped short seeing two headlights belonging to the car they had been waiting for. He gave his usual shoulder squeeze to Osferth and got out of the vehicle swiftly making his way to the now parked Rover and the two remaining men watched on as Finan proceeded to greet the driver through his open window then deliver a very hard hit before dragging out the now unconscious man placing him in the boot and got into the drivers seat himself.

“He makes it look easy” Osferth whispered to himself almost in admiration getting a soft snort from Sihtric. Aethelwold appeared stumbling slightly out of the hotel bar’s door heading towards the car taking no notice of his surroundings ignoring his driver completely. They pulled off following behind Finan and when they got closer to the docks at a stop light Sihtric jumped from their car into the back seat next to Aethelwold who only chuckled cockily realising he wasn’t being taken home.

“Well isn’t this sobering.” Aethelwold uttered sarcastically at no one in particular looking around the abandoned building with its exposed bulbs harshly lighting the space from his position tied to a chair next to a lone table with a closed briefcase sitting on its surface.

“Why am I here? This must be-“ He began to spout

“Shut your mouth.” Finan spat, he grew more and more tired of Aethelwold every time he had to see him

Sihtric also took in his surroundings, the area hadn’t been abandoned for too long but decay was already visible from being so close to the water front. Some of the windows had been smashed in with bricks that lay strewn across the warehouse floor, and the odd bit of graffiti from kids that managed to find a way inside decorated a few of the walls.

Osferth stood further behind Finan and Sihtric trying to avoid making eye contact with Rollo who looked confused to see him as part of the group when the sound of heels clicking on the exposed concrete could be heard echoing off the walls. Runa strode towards them, her long black overcoat unbuttoned exposing the fitted white shirt she wore with no tie or cravat tucked into her wide legged grey trousers. Her long copper waves worn loose framed a heart shaped face adorned with freckles, her bottom lip was fuller than the top with a subtle cupids bow and almond shaped blue eyes.

Halfway into the room she began to drag a discarded chair by its back rest with her, the scraping noise similar to that of chalk on a board making Aethelwold scrunch up his face in disgust. She spun the chair around and took a seat an arms length away from the man she came to question pulling a silver cigarette case out of her jacket pocket along with an engraved zippo as she crossed one leg over the other.

“This can’t be that important if he’s sent a woman to do his dirty work.” Aethelwold jabbed earning a slap to the back of his head from Finan.

Runa smirked balancing a cigarette between her lips and lighting it up regarding the man opposite her for a moment before standing to shrug off her coat and put it on the table next to the briefcase. Sihtric observed how the fitted white cotton shirt hugged her toned waist and could see the slight shift of muscles moving in her arms, back and shoulders, she looked stronger than he had first imagined. She flicked the small amount of ash from her smoke nodding to Rollo for him to open the case.

“Where did you get the bearer bonds from?” She spoke calmly and Osferth found himself to be watching the danish redhead just as closely as Sihtric and Finan were.

“Why does that matter? I paid Ragnar.”

Runa laid out a set of pliers and hammer with a heavy clunk followed by a blow torch and Aethelwold cleared his throat shuffling in his seat

“You won’t hurt me, I know your rules.”

“Who paid your debt?” She followed up looking over the black revolver she now held in her hand, Sihtric studied the small thin tattoos that decorated Runa’s fingers and discovered they were runic symbols, there was also bruising to her knuckles on her right hand.

“Alfred.” She laughed at his answer flicking her next batch of ash into his hair standing close and staring down at him. Finan focused in on the way she wet her bottom lip before exhaling a cloud of smoke.

“Who did you sell information to?” Osferth began to feel nervous at the scene playing out in front of him, guns weren’t something they used often as part of Uhtred’s crew since the last turf war before he joined and Runa looked very comfortable holding the weapon at her side like she did this on a regular basis

“I sold nothing.” Aethelwold insisted staring straight ahead avoiding her eyes

“It was pretty dumb of you to pay off Ragnar with Uhtred’s money.”

“It isn’t Uhtred’s, it’s mine. I had a big win.” Aethelwold’s story changed once more

“No you didn’t, you gave information to a shark. Give me the name.” Finan and Sihtric exchanged a small frown, no loan sharks would touch Aethelwold because of his family connections and he was unreliable for repayment even with their high interest rates and easy use of violence, but it would make sense if he had sold information to another crime boss in return for clearing his debt instead.

“There is no shark, I didn’t get a loan.” Runa rolled her eyes and pressed the last of her lit cigarette into Aethelwold’s exposed neck getting a shriek out of him. Finan’s brow quirked at her action and also noticed the bruising to her hand.

“You’re boring me weasel. Rollo.” She jerked her head towards a door behind Osferth and Rollo disappeared through it re-emerging moments later with another man in tow, he had a cloth hood covering his head and his hands were bound behind his back.

Runa shoved the man to his knees on the cold floor next to Aethelwold and removed the hood revealing Tilberht, his mouth was gagged with a dirty piece of fabric and his face was bloody and bruised. Sihtric quickly analysed Rollo’s hands to see they were clear of any marks confirming that Runa may in fact inflict pain on others herself when she was doing this.

“I’m going to let you in on a little secret, I already know what you did, what information you gave and what was taken, but I need a name.” She spoke giving Tilberht’s shoulder a hard squeeze and he cried out in pain

“I did nothing.” She sighed at Aethelwold’s answer, she was hoping seeing his man in this state would of been enough but it was becoming clearer he only cared about his own self preservation.

She sat back down in the chair opposite him and gave a quick look to Sihtric then Finan with a barely visible shake of the gun in her hand as a silent warning for what was to come, it was the first time she’d made eye contact with either of them since she had arrived and as quickly as she looked she turned away again.

Without taking her eyes off Aethelwold she pointed the revolver at his man and pulled the trigger. Rollo smirked at the way Tilberht fell back instantly with a heavy thud, Finan glanced to his youngest companion over his shoulder to see Osferth pale faced and wide eyed, Sihtric had kept his gaze on Runa the entire time. She hadn’t flinched or blinked as she fired the gun and neither had he.

“You won’t hurt me, you can’t.” Aethelwold quaked with his chest heaving

“It’s me sat here and not Ragnar, or Uhtred because I don’t give a fuck about the rules Aethelwold. People have been hurt and killed because of what you did, so give me the name, or I’m going to shoot you in the balls and leave you here to bleed out.” Runa’s voice was still the same steady calm tone it had been from the moment she arrived, to drive home her point she yanked his chair closer with a surprising ease and held the barrel of the hot gun to Aethelwold’s crotch making him squirm.

“They are two brothers. Erik and Sigefrid. They agreed to buy me out if I gave them information on Uhtred and the businesses under his protection.” He instantly spilled looking down at the revolver

“Was that difficult? That’s all I wanted. Now, tell anyone about me or what happened here and you’ll be seeing me again very soon, understand?” She questioned leaning forward staring into his eyes making sure he heard her

“Yes, yes I understand.” He nodded frantically and she pulled back the gun handing it over to Rollo

“Excellent. You can let him go now boys.” Runa sat back in the chair, her ocean blue eyes sweeping over Sihtric who was still watching her standing with his hands in his black trouser pockets and she lingered for a moment on his shirt with the top two buttons undone. Finan hoisting up Aethelwold stole away her gaze and she gave the irishman a nod as he passed being closely followed by Osferth.

“She shot him in the head Sihtric” Osferth gaped still feeling the shock from what he had witnessed as Finan put Aethelwold into his rover making sure he drove straight home and no where else.

“Yes, that probably wasn’t the right time to have you join us.” He replied lighting a hand rolled cigarette and spinning his lighter between the pads of his thumb and middle finger

“Runa’s got some balls on her, did you see it? Not even a flinch.” Finan morbidly marvelled re-joining the small group, and Sihtric nodded agreeing with him.

“Did you not tell him there’s a man in his boot?” Osferth asked realising the original driver hadn’t been released from his small temporary prison yet

“Nah, it’ll be something fun for him to find later. Give me your keys, I’ll drive.” Finan saw the small shake in Osferth’s hand and thought it was best he wasn’t in control of a car right now.

ᛉ ᛉ ᛉ

“Runa” Sihtric greeted her warmly leaning one elbow back against the bar

She liked hearing the way he rolled the R of her name greeting him with a smile and let her eyes wander over his appearance. The well tailored black suit fit his body snuggly, his tie clip decorated with Thor’s hammer keeping the sleek black fabric in place against his white shirt, the shaved sides of his hair seemed to be fresher than what she had seen on Friday making the tattoo on his head look more vibrant.

“Boys.” She glanced over Finan, the cut of his suit was eerily similar but in a deep navy blue, Uhtred likely had them all visit the same tailor to ensure it matched his vision of the groups future.

“You look lovely” Finan complimented her with emphasis on the lovely, his eyes skimmed over her exposed collarbones admiring the pendant of two ravens that sat nestled in the hollow of her throat.

“So do you, but you are a little wonky” She breathed a laugh coming to stand between the two men and reached out straightening Finan’s clipless tie.

“Can I tempt you for a dance?” Finan asked flashing a cheeky smile leaning into her ever so slightly

“This tempo is a little fast for..” She trailed off gesturing to her dress that ended mid calf apparently restricting her from being able to participate in any high energy dancing

“And if they slow it down at any point, would you say no?” Her smile turned coy giving her attention to the bar tender who had a whiskey ready for her.

“Sister, Ragnar wishes to speak with you. You too.” Cnut gave a flat empty smile to Sihtric with a jerk of his head towards the booth Ragnar sat at with Uhtred as he approached the group.

Sihtric offered his arm to walk Runa across the room and she accepted it keeping her eyes ahead, her thoughts wondering if both men were being gentleman out of politeness or for ulterior motives but either way, she had no complaints, they both piqued her interest. She slid in besides Brida and Sihtric opted to sit on the opposite side next to Uhtred.

“You will both go to this hotel and casino, The Beamfleot, the brothers own across town and do some watching, I want to know what else goes on there.” Uhtred stated taking a sip from a champagne flute with his arm tucked around Gisela’s shoulders keeping her close to his side.

“Why not just one of us?” Runa queried confused at the joint job. She usually worked with Rollo or Jackdaw, not men from outside their firm.

“I can’t send you alone, and one unknown man is suspicious. A young couple looking to do a little gambling on a night away is easy to ignore.” Ragnar commented with a quirk of his brows tapping a finger lightly on the table

“Ragnar, I don’t spy.” Runa’s approach was what some would call less subtle, or loud.

“I know, he will spy.” Her cousin pointed the tapping finger to Sihtric who only nodded

“I can’t send Gisela or Eadith, they aren’t to be involved in schemes.” Uhtred declared, he liked to keep them away from the unsavoury side of his work

“When?” Sihtric asked plainly, it didn’t bother him this was something he did on a regular basis for his boss

“Friday.” Brida smiled stroking the tips of Runa’s hair as a silent message that she will do this job with no arguments, it was a small gesture that the two women had come to use over time to speak without speaking.

As the night wore on the upbeat tones of the piano harmonising with the double bass and drums joined with the colourful sounds of a saxophone eased off into the blues. The delicate strumming of an electric guitar melting each note into the next flowed like liquid silk, the rhythm of a bass guitar adding extra depth creating a steady pulse was joined by the piano guiding the melody along with muted drum beats.

Finan sidled up to Runa who had been perched on a stool at the bar with his mouth quirked up to one side offering her his hand, wetting her bottom lip she playfully rolled her eyes and stubbed out her cigarette before placing her hand into his and let him lead the way to the dancefloor. Runa let out a small hum as Finan placed his hand on her waist holding her closer than necessary and she gripped his shoulder letting him guide her through the slow steps and gentle twirls of their dance.

Ragnar let out a low chuckle eyeing Cnut at their booth watching his sister clearly enjoying the attention of the older irishman who currently held her own.

“Do we need to put a stop to that cousin?”

“No, she’ll eat any man alive. Even your little spy Uhtred.” Cnut laughed lightly looking over to the younger man leaning back against the bar sipping on his whiskey with a cigarette in hand also watching the pair on the dancefloor

“Sihtric? I don’t think he’s interested.”

“You are blind.” Gisela jested sipping from her glass of champagne “Come.” She added standing holding her hand out to her husband requesting a dance herself.

Runa slipped her hand further across Finan’s shoulder bringing herself even closer into his space holding the gaze of his deep brown eyes, his eyes flickered to her lips then back up splaying his hand across her back.

“Don’t do it.” She smiled drumming her fingers over the top of his hand recognising the look in his eyes

“Why not?” He replied with his own searching her eyes admiring how they sparkled like the sun shimmering off the seas waves under the lights of the chandeliers

“You know better irishman.” Runa was in no rush to be seen intimate with a man publicly, it made others who could be watching think you had a potential weakness that can be squeezed

“I think you just like to keep your options open.” He hadn’t missed the way her and Sihtric would linger on each other, or how she caught the attention of most men in the vicinity.

“Like that’s a crime? You men do it all the time.” She wasn’t wrong, Finan had his own little situation with Eadith he was also trying to navigate. Leaning closer brushing his lips on the edge of her cheekbone next to her ear he took a risk

“Well, if not here then let me take you home” He spoke lowly guiding them through another slow spin

“You have to earn a whole night with me.” She breathed a laugh at his confidence and decided to test how far he was willing to go

“And how do I do that?”

“Meet me upstairs in two minutes.” He pulled his head back a little wrinkling his brows together at her words

“What, are you scared?” Runa cooed tracing circles onto the back of his shoulder with a finger and bit her bottom lip

“Of you? A little.” He confessed with a small nod, it was rare to meet a woman who used violence over manipulation to get what she wanted and he admired it with a rightful caution

“Two minutes, I won’t offer again.” She declared and her eyes told him she meant it.

Sihtric watched Runa back away from Finan with a smile playing on her lips as she ascended the stairs and disappeared out of view towards the back of the balcony. As his sight drifted towards his boss still dancing with Gisela he caught Finan climbing the stairs out the corner of his eye making his top lip pull up briefly and he swallowed the surprising ball of jealousy that had grown in the pit of his stomach.

Finan spotted the movement of Runa’s emerald dress through a crack in the barely open door leading to Ragnar’s office as he got to the top of the stairs and walked towards it casually to avoid anyone paying attention to him, the night was late enough now for other patrons to be in a heady state of tipsy or drunk allowing him to slip past them easily and he gently closed the office door behind him.

Runa rested on the arm of the sofa swilling a whiskey glass and held it out for him to finish off as he came to stand in front of her, swallowing the last of the warm liquid he placed the crystal down on a side table without taking his eyes off her and she stood pulling him closer by the end of his tie. Finan’s lips crashed onto hers with his hands instantly gripping at her hips, the kiss was heated as they each battled for power over the other and he felt as though he was drowning in her taste of lingering tobacco and woody spice from the whiskey.

Without breaking away Runa unfasted his jacket buttons slipping her hands under the garment sliding it off his shoulders, dragging a hand up her side locating the zip to her dress he pulled it down along with the fabric freeing her breasts and kneaded at one earning a soft moan in response as she keened into his touch. Runa worked at undoing his trousers turning them around at the same time, gliding his trousers and boxers down to his thighs in one swift movement she gave his bottom lip a small bite and pushed him down to sit.

Finan watched her tug her dress up past her knees and settle on them between his legs trailing hot open mouthed kisses up the inside of his exposed thigh, taking his throbbing cock in her hand she swiped her thumb over the leaking tip and stroked him languidly. He exhaled slowly as she leant forward and experimentally circled her tongue around the head of his cock a few times before swiping her flattened tongue from base to tip up the entire side of his length and he groaned getting a smirk from her.

With her mouth watering she slowly sank down onto his cock breathing deeply through her nose taking him as deep as she can, Finan couldn’t help the light huff of a laugh that escaped as he budged against the back of her throat with no gag and moved to grip the side of her neck and jaw pulling her up and back down again. Her eye’s fluttered closed with a soft hum that vibrated through him as he continued to guide her movements, with baited breath he pulled her off with a pop and wiped the saliva from her swollen lips with his thumb getting lost in her lust blown eyes, the deep blue colour of her iris almost gone completely.

“álainn” Beautiful. Finan mumbled pulling her to his mouth for a searing kiss as she shifted further up onto her knees dragging her dress further up and past her hips exposing that she had been wearing no underwear to climb into his lap. He hooked his arms around her waist as she glided the entrance of her wet pussy over the head of his cock resting her hands on his shoulders and sank down onto him with no warning gasping at the delicious stretch.

Finan groaned burying his face into her neck digging his fingers into the soft skin of her half exposed back, she grinded down onto him again and again with the lewd noises of their entanglement sounding out into room. Remembering her comment of needing to earn an entire night he shifted forwards and flipped them to the side laying her beneath him on the cool leather, hovering over her resting his weight on the arm of the sofa she moaned at the feeling of him fucking into her, his pelvis brushing against her clit just right.

Knotting her hands into his shirt she held it up to watch his cock sinking into her, feeling the primal need of his release creeping up on him faster than he expected he took hold of her jaw in his other hand pouring his need into her mouth in a sloppy kiss slamming his hips into hers in harsh deep thrusts and her hands gripped him tighter feeling herself begin to clench around him. Her climax hit with a strained moan against his mouth and he soon followed with his own release filling her with his hot cum before collapsing on top of her.

After catching her breath she tapped his side with a light laugh signalling him to move, pulling away he sat back at the end of the sofa and watched as she stood pulling her dress back down over her hips and zipping up the side. Runa fixed her hair walking over to the large mahogany desk and took a cigarette from the holder Ragnar kept there.

“That word you said?” She spoke out not facing him lighting her smoke with a match and shook out the flame.

“Huh?” Finan stood pulling up his trousers tucking his shirt back in

“álainn. What does it mean?” She turned to watch him running her tongue along her lip as he straightened his tie and picked up his jacket from the floor.

“Oh uh” He was shocked she not only remembered the word but also its pronunciation, truthfully it had just slipped out in the moment but it wasn’t a lie.

The door suddenly opened revealing Uhtred and he looked between the pair taking in their slightly dishevelled appearance with a furrowed brow.

“We’re leaving in five.” Uhtred stated before retreating leaving the door wide open

“Yes boss.” Finan looked back to Runa taking another drag, he rubbed his hand through his beard and decided to take another risk “Let me take you out, properly.”

“No.” She declined flatly

“No? Was I that bad?” He asked with a chuckle

“No!” She laughed flicking her ash into the ceramic ash tray on the desk “I don’t date, Finan.”

“Why not?” He queried with a shake of his head

“I don’t have the time for something as childish as love.” She responded putting her cigarette back to her lips

“Oh, well I was asking you to go on a date, not to fall in love with me” He said playfully with raised brows

“People date with the intention of falling in love, or to get laid and we just did that so there’s no need for a date.” She responded nonchalantly with a small shrug of her shoulders

“Can’t argue with that logic, can I now.” Finan figured, he hadn’t expected her to be so against the idea of relationships or dating seeing as her brother was married with children, Ragnar was with Brida, and she saw Uhtred and Gisela.

“Your boss is waiting for you, on you go” Runa smiled knowing the cogs in his head were turning trying to figure her out.

End Notes: oh she a bad bitch.

Taglist: @arcielee (If you want to be on here let me know xo)

#the last kingdom fanfic #finan x oc #sihtric x oc #finan fanfic #sihtric fanfic #tlk fanfic #tlk

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