#comments welcome thoughts welcome honestly i just want to rotate these two in my head forever

[oathkeeper-of-tarth]

Isobel, Before

On something of a whim I decided to compile, in chronological order, the flashback segments from Isobel's POV that are woven throughout Moon-chosen, Moon-guided. I was curious how they'd read, and it turns out I quite like how they do - so here they are posted as a standalone little prequelish thing, a series of windows into a developing relationship and some family drama. This includes the segment I wrote for the upcoming third chapter, so consider it a sneak peek of an update that will take me a little while longer because it decided to develop a plot or some such nonsense, you know how it is. The years are my own very rough guesses, trying to somehow work around the Spellplague while keeping it all approximately a century before the main plot of the game, so don't take them too seriously.

Fandom: Baldur’s Gate 3 Characters: Dame Aylin/Isobel Thorm, Ketheric Thorm Length: ~8000 words Rating: M, for canon-typical violence (including temporary character death) and sexual content

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1381 DR

-

It is an unusually warm and bright summer day for Reithwin, the relentless sun urging you to rush your errands around town and make your way home to the merciful shade. And it is upon your return there that you find the glorious Dame Aylin laying waste to an army of training dummies in the otherwise empty practice field beneath Moonrise Towers. 

You steal a moment to watch and appreciate the spectacle that is her entire being in perfectly orchestrated motion, uncharacteristically free of her ever-polished armour, sleeves rolled up - a vision of ferocity, even if it is against such laughably unworthy foes.

It calls to your mind, amusingly, the poor announcer in your father's audience chamber a little over a month ago, so very unusually formal and far too visibly nervous, struggling to rattle off one too many titles.

The Valiant Dame Aylin Silverblood, Undefeated Sword of the Moonmaiden, Paladin and Daughter of Selûne. Arriving as formal Emissary of Our Lady of Silver, speaking in Her name.

She turns when she hears you clearing your throat to announce your presence, an indulgent while after your arrival. Ever so slightly out of breath, with a subtle sheen of sweat on her radiant brow, she inclines her head with respect. "Ah! Lady Isobel. I was just thinking of sending to fetch you. A request, if you please."

"Of course, Dame Aylin." Anything for the resplendent emissary, you want to add, only half-teasingly. It is frustratingly difficult not to act a smitten fool around her, and sarcasm has proved a feeble defence from her charms.

Her request, however, is nowhere near anything you might have anticipated.

"I would have you meet me in the sparring ring, if you are willing."

You blink. "I-- pardon?"

"You are no mere lord's daughter, nor are you simply the demure local healer. I can tell by your bearing you have training. Not the typical mace of the clergy, no," she hums, as if in thought, looking you up and down quite brazenly, appraisingly. "The rapier, perhaps, along with a dagger for the offhand? No, rather, the quarterstaff--"

"The spear," you cut her off. And the lofty, approving tilt of her chin is so fetching as to be insufferable. "I can protect myself, you're right. My father is an accomplished general, after all," and stiflingly overprotective to boot, but that part you bite back and keep to yourself. "It is only fitting. Besides, any devotee of Our Lady knows how important it is to be able to fend for oneself."

"Show me, then, general's daughter," she gestures to the packed-dirt training ring with a grin. "I grow quite bored of this straw-filled wicker regiment I have been pitted against."

She's got a good head and a half of height on you. Her reach outclasses yours quite overwhelmingly. She is visibly broad and strong and unshakeable as a mighty fortress. And though you do indeed have training, the martial arts were hardly your main focus - very much unlike her.

A challenge, truly, but one you cannot help but suddenly crave.

"Fine, then, I accept." A giddiness washes over you as you speak, and your head feels oddly light. The heat and humidity of the day, surely. Treading dangerous ground, Isobel.

Aylin immediately goes over to the training weapon racks to put away the blunt sword she has been using, and you follow her.

"I have trained in arms of all sorts, but I find I most favour the greatsword," she muses as she rummages, retrieving two wooden staves with padded ends, testing their weight. "The spear I must confess I have neglected somewhat, in recent times."

You smirk as she hands you a staff that has evidently passed inspection. "There is no need for excuses, Dame Aylin. When I trounce you, I assure you it will have been fair and square and well deserved."

You expect the hearty bellow of her laugh, some lively banter in return, an exclamation, Ho! Instead, she inclines her head in a respectful gesture, and does so with a surprisingly soft smile and oddly inscrutable gaze in your direction. "I would expect no less of you, my lady." 

You look away hastily, wipe the sweat from your hands and put on the leather gloves from your belt. The day has been far too hot for them and the afternoon sun is still beating down fiercely, but you are not about to embarrass yourself and risk losing on the technicality of a splinter. 

Then, you face each other.

Her stance and the way she holds the wooden training weapon speak of years, decades… centuries of experience, perhaps. It is hard to truly imagine, and you find you do not really know. Immortal, yes, but… well, since when? Does she have a universe of deeds and escapades on you, a hundred lives lived to the fullest, or merely the knowledge that they lie ahead of her?

When could it possibly be polite to ask such a thing?

You shake away the distraction of your thoughts, just in time to block a quick, testing blow aimed at your own weapon. A tease, really, hoping for a reaction you know well enough not to provide.

She continues with the probing attacks, none of them with any real force behind them, and you think how under normal circumstances it might be a good strategy to let your opponent waste her strength and tire herself out like this - but you know better. You have discreetly observed enough of her training sessions to know that if she is anything at all she is tireless.

But she is leaving it up to you to attempt anything other than these light provocations. So you do - you would hate to disappoint, after all.

You strike out high at her head, once, twice, then at her front leg, swift as a viper, and when she moves her weapon down to parry, you jab at her shoulder and step back in time to avoid the afterblow. 

"Oh-ho! An excellent feint, perfectly executed!" The joy that lights her face even as she rolls the struck shoulder is so infectious, you can't help but laugh breathlessly, warmed by this small triumph. "I was indeed correct in my assumption - the most noble Lady Isobel is not to be underestimated. Her skills and merit extend far beyond even the lofty requirements of her duties - be they of the court or of the faith."

The next strike you attempt, flushed with both the heat of the day and the effusive praise, is met with far more resistance, and soon you are exchanging blows with vigour. She repays your shoulder blow with a tap to your hip, then tries to strike the staff from your hands in a disarm you just barely avoid with a well-timed tilt.

Your next attempt at a feint is parried at the very last moment, but you do not retreat, and so you end in a bind. She is much stronger than you, yes, but your angle is superior, and you can see her straining to stay in position, close to that ever-important centreline, and keep her balance. A bead of sweat trails down her neck to her collarbone, and it takes you a moment to realise you are following it, rapt. It takes you another moment to register she is staring at you just as raptly, even as you feel your hair sticking to your temples and realise the paint around your eyes is likely a smudged mess.

Distraction. An opening if you've ever seen one.

"Do you know, when I heard an emissary of Selûne was coming to our town, I did not expect her to have a bard's silver tongue on her." Instead of moving to disengage and putting distance between you, you draw even closer to her, until your mouth is almost at her ear. "In more ways than one, perhaps?"

Her eyes are wide and her cheeks are flushed silver, shining. It is the oddest and most captivating blush you have ever seen, made only more so by the closeness of your study.

And of course, the moment of distraction proves sufficient for that slight shift you needed. The great oak topples with so little effort - leverage, always, the key. Her reaction is faster than you anticipated, however, and so with the force of her riposte you go down right after her. Foolish of you, really - the thought has time to rush through your mind as your sense of balance disappears - to underestimate an accomplished paladin so.

In any case, within moments, Aylin is on the ground, and you land atop her. You have enough presence of mind, somehow, despite the proximity and the warmth and the, well-- to reach for where your weapon started to roll away and press the end of it lightly against her neck. "Yield?"

She raises her hands, palms up in surrender, and nods, struck speechless for once.

You scramble rather gracelessly to your feet in all your triumph, and offer her a hand up. She accepts, then somewhat disappointingly lets go to dust herself off before you've had a chance to fully appreciate the feel of her hand in yours.

"Well!" Aylin turns the bright glint of her full attention on you, charmingly tousled still. "I see no point in struggling to prolong a losing battle. A challenge, skillfully won." She steps closer to you and inclines her head in a slight bow. "Besides, I can tell my yielding on the field of battle pleases you, and I am not one to deny a lady her pleasure."

All of it spoken with a smile, and a shockingly honest, unmasked, open, and entirely unabashed look in her eyes. Damn her.

You do your best, feebly, to catch your breath and return to something resembling calm propriety. And you fail to squash a niggling doubt. "Thank you for the bout, Dame Aylin. But… honestly now, were you holding back?"

"Only as much as is appropriate for the training ring, of course. One is never to exert one's full might in these circumstances, as you well know." She shakes her head, a small frown furrowing her brow, and you can't help but feel this is a recitation she has been made to repeat until it stuck, something she had to deliberately become aware of after getting carried away one too many times. A thought to file away for later, perhaps. "But not in the sense you doubtlessly meant, no. I would not pretend and deceive after asking a fair duel of you. Such things are beneath Dame Aylin."

The heat floods your cheeks again. Damn her phrasing. 

"Ah," she clears her throat. "The day has grown too hot for martial pursuits, I fear - let us retire."

She offers you her arm, ever gallant. You allow yourself the bold indiscretion of taking it only after you have peeled off your gloves and tucked them back in your belt. You've not known Dame Aylin for a very long time, but you are well aware she is possibly the least subtle creature in all of Faerûn. The ill-concealed catch in her breath and stiffening in her shoulders as your skin meets hers is a treasured token you stow away for further contemplation.

It is a regrettably short walk to the pleasantly shaded entrance hall of Moonrise.

-

1382 DR

-

Sharran forces dare attack even here, in the shadow of your father's moonlit fortress, in the very heart of a famously devoted Selûnite region. Perhaps they heard, or tortured out of some poor soul, that their hated Moonwitch had sent an emissary.

But the emissary does not seem to be quite what they expected or prepared for.

You've heard of Dame Aylin's exploits, of some of the many glorious deeds to her name - well, to be quite honest, you've deliberately asked around for them and chased down all the tales, however ridiculous they seemed, with somewhat concerning single-mindedness. But none of them, not even the most outrageous exaggerations with all the force of poetic licence behind them, can compare to actually seeing her in the heat of battle.

It is certainly dangerous to be so distracted in the midst of a clearly planned and organised assault on your home, and it is especially egregious to keep looking up, chasing a vision as it flies somewhere high above all of you, soaring over the head of your father's statue gracing the centre of the embattled town square. But she is so utterly glorious and radiant and filled with unquestionable purpose in all that she does, and you are utterly beyond help.

"Selûne, Moonmother, in Your name!" The clear voice suddenly rings out from somewhere close by, drowning out the din of battle in your ears. You turn just in time to see a flash of silver light engulf one of the masked attackers, burnished black disks brazenly displayed on their armour, and, well, you are not the only one smitten.

But then - disaster. Three of Moonrise's most recently recruited silver-bedecked guards find themselves stumbling into a group of enemies that close a circle around them. You see one of them fall, gripped by inky-purple strands, before you can even start to intone a spell; another one loses his footing and opens himself up for a deadly blow.

Quick as lightning, Aylin rushes down and forward, pushing the stumbling guard fully out of the way. Instead of him, the cultist's scimitar finds purchase in her gut, sliding through a gap between armour-plates like butter, and another's obsidian-black axe bites into her shoulder.

The sound it makes, that Aylin makes, draws a shout from you. A bolt of moonlight dispatches the first cultist, rage and terror somehow making your aim uncanny, and you step forward to bathe the rest of his nearby comrades in deadly, burning radiance before he has even hit the ground.

After this, the battle is over as quickly as it had begun. The last of the attackers falls on her own blade rather than be captured and questioned, crying out some pitiful, ill-conceived mantra about secrets. 

You find you do not care: your world, for the moment, has sunk down to the breadth of one woman lying on the trampled ground in a distressingly rapidly growing pool of silver, the guards she saved hovering around her in a mix of awe and alarm.

They let you through without hesitation - you are a cleric, after all. A healer. But as you drop to your knees at her side and attempt to assess the damage, you can tell you are too late.

Your hands fly in well-practised movements all the same.

"Do not worry, fearsome, fair Isobel," Aylin manages, breathily, barely audible, around a mouthful of blood. Her hand makes a very weak attempt at a dismissive wave, or grabbing your wrist to stop your ministrations, you cannot quite tell. Her helmet and her wings are both already gone, and the silver burning in her gaze just moments ago is a weak flicker. "I--"

Her eyes flutter closed and she falls limp beneath your hands and you--

--do not have time to even begin to comprehend what has happened before she is gasping awake again, coughing and groaning, spitting up a clot, trying to sit up.

You gape for a moment, then help her in her efforts, lean her against your chest. The weight of the armour feels like it might crush you, but moving away feels unthinkable.

"No tears, no," she mumbles, half-coherently, as you strain to understand, as a gauntleted hand reaches up to brush against your cheek clumsily. "So mundane a blow cannot… truly fell… Dame Aylin."

It is one thing to be aware of it in theory. Another thing entirely to witness it. Immortal.

There is a crowd gathered around you by now, you register faintly. People crying out prayers of praise and thanks to the Moonmaiden, for Her infinite wisdom and Her endless gifts and the indomitable daughter-champion She has blessed you all with. You feel a tug in your chest, like you should be joining in; like you would be the one leading the prayer in ordinary circumstances. 

But you feel terribly far away from it all even as Aylin's breath grows more steady as she leans against you. You see her smile, still bloody, and understand only the most general sense of the reassuring platitudes she is whispering at you. 

You bring her to the House of Healing with the other wounded of the battle and insist rather possessively on treating her yourself. Only afterwards do you tear yourself away from her bedside to take full stock of damage and casualties while she sleeps it off. 

Your father rushes to embrace you tightly as soon as he catches sight of you from the House's grand entrance, and you let yourself cling to him for a moment. You do your best to assuage his worries, claim - lie - that you were in no real danger, insist on continuing to help here where you are most needed as he returns to his gubernatorial duties. And somehow, miraculously, he lets you go.

As you help the dutiful sisters with the worst of it, you finally manage to focus on murmuring your own prayer of thanks. It helps clear the long-clinging fog from your mind. And it helps, truly, that you count no deaths among Reithwin's faithful - the only fallen today are Shar's to claim if she deigns to do so.

Well - and then there's Aylin.

You go to check on her in the morning, after you've managed - been forced into, rather - a very brief nap. 

The glorious and apparently unconquerable Dame Aylin is awake, reclining against the headboard of the only occupied bed in that wing. You don't recall requesting she receive any special treatment, and she doesn't look too pleased with being singled out as if in a place of honour - in fact, she mostly looks bored. She is frowning down at herself, plucking at loose threads hanging off of the bandages that cover most of her shoulder, chest, and abdomen - your own handiwork.

You step into the room and set down the basin of fresh water and an assortment of healing supplies with a deliberately loud clatter, jarring her out of her reverie. The moment she sees you, an expression of blatant joy dawns on her face. You try very hard not to read too much into it.

Instead, you make very standard proper-bedside-manner-dictated small talk as you peel away the gauze. The wounds are mostly healed, as you would expect from your application of any and all magic you had remaining that night, but there is a small line of gold running down towards her left side, where the blade bit in and through, and another one cupping across her shoulder. Oddly beautiful for what is presumably a scar - and highlighting the marvellous build of a finely muscled torso, pipes up a segment of your mind that has no place around a sickbed.

You wrench yourself back into professionalism and lightly press down with your fingers, following the shining gold, the freshly knit-together skin, still reddened and bruised in places. "Do you feel any pain when I do this?"

"None at all," Aylin answers resolutely, entirely back to her old self. But then- "Ah," she winces as you find a particularly sore spot, expression wry, "it would appear I spoke too soon." 

You trace back up, murmuring incantations, letting the cool, healing relief flow from your fingertips.

The way she is unphased by all of this seems… uncanny. In fact, she shows more concern for you, completely untouched by the battle, than for herself. It is oddly and slightly frighteningly flattering, in retrospect, that she used her dying breath - well, this particular dying breath - to reassure you. 

And it all makes much more sense now, as things slot into place. The recklessness of her fighting style, of her whole manner. The way she shrugged off blows and rushed ever forward, where the battle was thickest and fiercest.

But now you've seen she is immortal, yes, but not invulnerable, however much she might like to act like she is both. And if she pulls herself out from literal death, no matter the scope of the wounds, she does not seem to magically heal much past that - the evidence is before you now. You can already picture her merely patching herself up with her own healing magic in the middle of the fray, as if in passing, just enough to enable her to storm on. All while her enemies gape and turn tail when they realise the futility of standing against her.

"I only hope you did not worry overmuch, Lady Isobel. It is in my nature, inextricable from my being. I cannot fall, not truly. But I keep the reminders, sometimes - wrought in gold."

Then she very cordially points out a few more, as if to indulge you. Some bigger, some smaller, some thin lines, barely there, some wide and jagged. But all of them bright gold seams, seamlessly integrated into her skin.

"Why not silver?" You blurt out, then feel your face burn with embarrassment. And then a mild but growing horror as you think back to the silver staining your hands and robes as you knelt on the damp cobblestones. This is in turn chased away by an odd warmth as you recall how she murmured your name and reached for your face. 

Aylin, however, guffaws joyfully, stopped short only by a sudden wince as she pulls something still tender.

"Would you believe - I do not know? It is simply how I am, how I have always been. Perhaps I shall ask my Mother to elucidate, when next we commune." Then she beams at you. "What a joy and pleasure you have proven to be, Lady Isobel. To make me consider things about myself I have never had cause nor inclination to before. A rare treasure."

You blame your lack of sleep on the ease with which she is managing to fluster you without even seeming to consciously try, so you do your best to keep your response polite and nothing more. "The pleasure is all mine, I assure you, Dame Aylin. All of Reithwin treasures your presence and is grateful for it, especially after tonight."

She looks up at you and you meet her gaze, pausing in your ministrations. She looks disappointed, if anything, and the disappointment is shared - those are not the words you truly wish to say to her. And you cannot quite explain to yourself why you feel like a sudden distance has sprung up between you, after months of a beautifully built-up rapport, laid on the foundations of those first few shared star-struck gazes. Why this one out of all the many reminders of her divine nature has shaken you so.

As you continue reapplying bandages and keep distractedly checking in with her about the tightness, she catches your hand and presses a kiss to your knuckles. "My wounds are a distant memory, for they are being tended by fair Isobel--"

There is a naked determination writ all over her face now. It brings to mind her battlefield bearing, more than anything else, but her eyes are wide and soft and almost pleading.

"Truly, I am in the best of hands." A kiss again, and she lets the hand go. It is a perfectly polite and courteous gesture. Nothing… scandalous. But there is a clear ardour to it you did not acknowledge before. Calling attention to a line you have not yet crossed, but that you have both, perhaps, been toeing for a while.

Then she moves to sit up fully, even through visible winces, and shrugs off the steadying hand you place on her shoulder.

"You are the worst patient I have ever had," you state dramatically, laughing. She merely cocks her head in response, so very winning and charming even when still covered in blood, dirt, and partially unravelled bandages. "I will go get some more fresh water so you can clean up - though we've already ruined these sheets, I fear."

But you do not move, despite your words. Your eyes have not left hers in what seems like hours, but can't have been more than a minute. There is a blatant yearning there that you know is reflected in your gaze, that you have both become utterly incapable of hiding.

"I would ask, greedily, another boon of my most gracious healer," she murmurs.

"Oh?" You lean closer, ostensibly to hear her quiet words better. "Why, Dame Aylin, after your valiant performance tonight, I might just grant it."

You are almost nose to nose when Aylin speaks up again, her throat visibly working, her entire impressive self working up the courage to leap the distance - and you find you very much want her to.

"A kiss, then. To drink but once from the lips of the incomparable Lady Isobel Thorm would soothe all that ails me, seal all my wounds."

You watched this woman take an axe to the shoulder and a sword through the belly, and only now does she sound hesitant. Nervous. Afraid, even. The smallest of trembles in that rich, regal voice.

"If… if I have misread, if I have misinterpreted your intentions, I beg your forgiveness with all possible contrition…"

Your reply is wordless as you surge forward, boon happily granted. The first of many to come.

-

1383 DR

-

The dinner is only slightly awkward, as far as these affairs have gone in the past. The most notable thing about it is that your father, it seems, has learned from last time.

Oh, Lady Arianella Bormul was lovely - the very picture of elegance and rather breathtaking grace. A crown of curls you felt a stab of envy over, a perfectly cut gown that accentuated every curve of her and every dark blush shade of her skin. Carrying herself like a queen in the dining room, but perfectly polite and amicable in the conversations you two were inevitably forced into afterwards, with intriguing flashes of a cutting wit. But you shared so very little. And she was beautiful like a work of art whose objective qualities everyone agreed upon, you included, but that just were not to your personal taste.

Now you wonder just how obvious you'd made it.

As your father shoots you pointed glances from across the table and over a strategically placed carafe of wine, you allow yourself, briefly, an entire slew of unkind thoughts. About how maybe things would be different if your mother were still here. About how much easier it would be if you had siblings, so that the entire future of Reithwin and the Thorm family and your father's heart didn't rest on your shoulders. About how selfish you truly would like to be. 

Then you shove it all back down and smile at the guests around the table, and offer your opinion about the most excellent skills of your local mason's guild and their potential for expansion.

The young Lady Jana Whitburn is strategically sat right across from you, as her father and yours conduct the important conversations on venison and marble and slate trade that this visit was ostensibly arranged for. She is tall and broad and clad in a marvellously fetching brocade suit of dark green. Her mother, rather obviously focused on you since their arrival in what is clearly a tactical division of duties agreed upon in advance, talks about Jana's successes in the tournament arenas across the Coast and her pending performance in Waterdeep's Field of Triumph. She herself, in a pleasantly deep yet melodic voice, mentions being interested in jousting, as a means of keeping her riding skills sharp while she is not out and about keeping her family's lands safe. Tilts her head at you with a winning smile at the conclusion of one adventurous story or other, the sharp cut of her chiselled jaw accentuated in perfect candlelight. You smile back, and poke half-heartedly at your tasteless dessert.

Later, you take her for a walk in Reithwin's small but well-kept gardens. She very gallantly offers you her arm, and you take it. Your father and her parents beam, and you contain your sigh. But when you look up at your companion, you are slightly surprised to notice that there is something brewing behind her eyes as well.

As soon as you are out of eyesight and earshot, you stop, take your hand off her arm and turn to face her.

"My apologies, Lady Whitburn…"

She almost winces when you address her, and shakes her head as if she is trying to physically shake off the formality and the trailing remnants of the dinner atmosphere. "Jana, please, Lady Thorm." 

"Jana, then," you smile your most agreeable smile, "and so I must be Isobel, no?"

"Of course, Isobel," she smiles back, but it is clearly strained, and you feel nothing so much as pity.

"Listen, Jana, I…" you hesitate, struggling to put your words into polite, inoffensive shape.

All this does is highlight the lack of Aylin, the lack of the connection and utterly natural understanding between the two of you. The ease. Even when there was supposed to be some fundamental and unbridgeable rift between you, according to your father.

"I'm afraid my father has misled you and your family - not out of any desire to harm, nor with ill intent. But, you see, I… I already have a lovely woman courting me. Well, rather further along than mere courting, I would say…"

To your surprise, Jana bursts into laughter, light and clear, and you are spared the embarrassment of elaborating further.

"Isobel, you cannot believe what a relief that is for me to hear."

You pause, a bit taken aback by the enthusiasm of her response. "Oh?"

"I'm afraid I count myself taken as well. Now, make no mistake, you are perfectly charming, and a delight in conversation. But," she waves a dismissive hand, "the heart wants what it wants and all that."

"That it does," you agree, and this time your smile is genuine. A tension you had gotten so used to seems to melt away from your shoulders, and the two of you resume your stroll among the gardener's latest offerings. "My father, well… he's a shrewd man. You and my Aylin would get along splendidly, I think."

"As would you and my Iona. She is training to be a cleric too, an acolyte of Ilmater. I swear, the realms have never seen a more patient and kind creature. Whenever I visit her at the temple I take a moment to observe her finishing her rounds - the way she all but glows with compassion is-" Jana halts both her words and her steps, slightly embarrassed, as if she has only now caught herself in her charmingly lovestruck enthusing. "Ah, but I've gone off on a tangent, haven't I?" 

You cannot help but smile at the sight of someone so utterly, beautifully enamoured. It is, after all, a feeling you happily know all too well.

"Please," you gesture at a bench behind some conveniently tall rose bushes - one of your favourite spots. "Don't stop on my account. Though, of course, now I can't help but wonder… what is your family's objection to the match? If you don't mind me asking."

Jana gives a wry smile as she takes a seat. "My parents would prefer someone of much higher birth for me." 

"I think mine would prefer I set my sights lower," you chuckle ruefully.

Jana's interest seems to be piqued. "Is that so? I've heard some… rumours, since our arrival. I've been wondering about, well, what kernel of truth spawned them."

"Have you, now?" You arch an eyebrow, allow a bit of bite into your tone. "You've barely been here a day - I wouldn't have taken you for a gossipmonger."

"You'll have to forgive my natural curiosity," her grin is as easily charming as it was during the dinner, but now, in the unexpectedly pleasant atmosphere of friendly understanding, you allow yourself to fully appreciate it, and to grin back. "But you must admit it's a bit unusual, Isobel. A celestial paramour… I suppose your father wants you to look lower than the very moon in the sky?" 

Her dramatic gesture in the general direction of said moon earns her a giggle, which she seems to take as encouragement.

"Is it true she single-handedly took on a score of Nightcloaks and won?"

You think back over the many rousing tales of victory Aylin has shared with you, and when nothing rings a bell you realise she must be talking about the raid last spring.

"You mean here, when the Sharrans dared to attack Reithwin?" It's hard to contain your amusement at her eager nod. "Well, it wasn't exactly single-handed and there were no Nightcloaks among the Sharran forces, but I can confirm she was certainly impressive."

You decide to leave out the part about Aylin dying and coming back right before your eyes. It is something you've yet to discuss with her, more than a full year later. Something you've no idea how to bring up, and something that inspires in you feelings you cannot quite define.

Something you know you will have to confront, one day.

For now, you sit on a secluded bench and shirk familial duties with a fellow highborn daughter. The two of you trade stories for the rest of the evening, and by the end of it you feel like you've known both Jana Whitburn and Iona Bluewater for years, and find yourself rather invested in the future of their relationship. In turn, you hope to have painted a picture of an Isobel who is more than just General Thorm's daughter, and of an Aylin who is something besides her divine silver bloodline.

You part amicably when the time comes, even promise to write to one another. Later on, the leave-takings complete, both of you having played your respective parts well enough to buy yourselves some very brief reprieve, you go to retreat to your room. Every stair you climb still seems to drop your heart that much deeper into a listless moroseness.

The air in your room is heavy and stale after the garden's freshness, so you decide to take your brooding out to your balcony. You may have won a friend today, but your father will be in a dour mood when he finds out his attempt has once again fallen through. And then how long until he plans another? Or turns to something else? No, this was simply untenable--

A gleaming Aylin alights on the balcony and pulls you into an embrace in a single, elegant movement, and it is like a moon rising to dispel the dark of a cloudy night.

The first thing you notice as you are subjected to one kiss after another is that your beloved seems to be of a rather amorous disposition. You still wear your jewels and your finest silver-blue gown, the picture-perfect lady. But with the way Aylin's hands are wandering you sense this might not be the case for very long.

You place a hand on her chest, the metal pleasantly cool against your palm, and she stops, looking at you both questioningly and with blatant yearning.

Which should be ridiculous. You were barely apart for a day! You've gone longer without seeing each other whenever Aylin flew away on some divinely ordained quest. But the feelings you read on her face are a perfect reflection of your own, and you are sick of the very thought of denying them. Instead, you throw your arms around her and draw her close once more.

"I missed you," you murmur the truth into her neck, just above the edge of her gorget, into that bit of unearthly pale skin that is always so conveniently available for you to kiss.

"I have dutifully stayed away, exactly as you bade me to," Aylin doesn't sound too disgruntled, and for that you find yourself both grateful and relieved. "But your guests are gone at long last, and so I consider my duty done."

You suppress a scowl at the bitterness that rises in you - because yes, you did pull Aylin aside and request, against the palpable wishes of every fibre of your being, that she not show herself around Moonrise today. All in the ultimately futile pursuit of appeasing your father, in a way so shallow and childish and stupidly, obviously temporary that you feel a flare of anger - disgust, even - at yourself for not standing your ground. For going along with it all in the first place. But the slight yet audible disdain Aylin puts on the word guests is too conspicuous, too intriguing, and so your curiosity trumps your rising guilt.

"Do you have something against the Whitburn family?" Surely, if there was something objectionable about them, your father wouldn't have invited them the way he did. Aylin would have warned you of anything sinister. But then, suddenly, a different, more darkly amusing flavour of thought arises. "Or do you merely not like Lady Jana Whitburn?"

Aylin huffs, tilts her head with an unconvincing nonchalance. "She seems a fine woman. A knight with several deeds to her name - in particular some courageous outings against a local Cyricist offshoot, very recently. I hear she conducted herself with utmost skill and bravery."

"You've looked into her, I see?" You ask teasingly. Aylin's frown is an entire hundred-page novel. "Aylin. Are you jealous?"

The tinge of possessiveness in the way she holds you against her chest is clear to you now. You also find you have no complaint to give.

"I cannot help but feel this latest attempted match is… rather shrewdly targeted. Do you not find it so? Why, I would near take it as a slight."

With some reluctance, you pull away the slightest bit in order to face her properly.

"Aylin, look at me," you tilt her chin up, make her meet your eyes, reaching over to smooth the thundercloud frown away from her brow. "Forget about it, about them. I would have none but you - you know this by now, I hope. Only you."

Forever, you dearly wish you could say, sometimes. Your fingers trace down her cheek and to her lips as you watch her ire pour back into fervour. 

"Isobel, I swear, from the moment our eyes first met, I--"

You interrupt her with a kiss - she is too striking and too beautiful and too achingly, passionately devoted not to.

The entire situation is a problem to solve, and a mounting one. You can tell by your own rising annoyance and resentment each time the subject comes up that you cannot entertain your father's attempts at denying your relationship for much longer. But you can sense in both your and Aylin's current moods that any discussion will be anything but productive.

You break apart, but stay close enough for you to whisper against her mouth. "Why don't we stop wasting time, and instead of wallowing in misery, you take me to bed."

A different frown creases her brow now as she inclines her head towards the door you left ajar behind you. "Your bed? Here?"

You glance back as well, almost drawn in and through the imposing towers of Moonrise and all they represent.

"Yes," you reply with little hesitation. You decide then and there to be done with this farce. No more flying away to stay at Last Light, or utterly unsubtle attempts at sneaking off, slinking back before dawn only to present yourself downstairs come morning, unacknowledged but fooling nobody. There are other methods in your arsenal besides pointless subterfuge. "And tomorrow - if you wish to join us, of course - I would like to invite you to breakfast. Where you will sit at my side."

Where you belong, you swallow back, keeping your mock-proclamation formal. Where the world should and will acknowledge you belong.

Aylin's smirk reassures you she understands fully how you intend to play this. "How could I decline my lady's invitation?"

You tilt your chin up, the picture of a lady issuing a decree, even as your lips curl into a smile. "Despite any slights, intended or not, and protests from my family, it is an honour to have you here. I will see that it is better demonstrated, as it should have been from the start."

Or perhaps it would be better to say how it was at the start, before Ketheric Thorm's welcome for Selûne's emissary cooled down to an icy, formal tolerance - of course, exactly as your and Aylin's relationship blossomed, decidedly informal, regardless.

Aylin's mouth is hot on your neck as she effortlessly lifts you up and carries you inside. You feel her grin through her kisses. "I think, Isobel, you'll find the honour is all mine. And so is having you. Here or anywhere else."

You cannot help but laugh, taking her face between both your hands and peppering it with kisses in return, always delighted by her utter lack of both subtlety and hesitation.

Once Aylin plants you on the bed and herself between your thighs, she refuses to stop until your legs are jelly, your head is void of all thought, and your heels have pressed shimmery bruises into her back. Her face both glows and glistens when she rests her cheek against your stomach at long last, alight with some private amusement and sheer pride. You thread your hands through her hair and catch your breath, and bask in her presence.

So magnificent in her devotion, your angel.

You spend the night curled around each other in a too-small bed, both of you choosing to be utterly brazen.

-

1385 DR

-

You were very young when your mother died. The searing, half-understood pain of her departure had time to dull into an ache, then into a sense of absence you have grown up with, that will always be yet another part of you. You keep her final letter, and reread it less and less as the years and then decades go by. You can hear and feel her words just as well in the soft, warm moonlight that blankets Reithwin on blessed nights. It makes you feel like you can firmly grasp and hold and understand all that she tried to leave you with.

There is a distinct sense that she is proud of you. That she will see you again one day and tell you so herself. So you smile up at the Moon, the ever-changing treasured constant in your life, and bask in the pale, gentle love you receive in return. 

When you lost a mother, Reithwin lost its head cleric. In the years since, it has had only interim duty-bearers. And you understood, years ago, even as you settled into a promising role in the House of Healing, that you were being looked to as the replacement.

And true - this has ever been your calling. You feel you were born for this service, sometimes, so easily does it come to you - the deeply felt devotion, the lightness of moonlight always ready at your fingertips, the sheer awareness of Her presence, of all She gives and provides and strives for. A cause so good and just and right you would barely deign to call it a choice - though a choice it is, always, freely made by you, again and again and again.

So when you reject the notion of taking up office at Reithwin - at least for the foreseeable future - and announce your plan for undertaking several pilgrimages of increasing length and complexity, it causes a stir among the clergy and a dark thundercloud to settle upon your father's brow.

The further away the locations you list as you stand before him in his study, oddly formal, the deeper his frown becomes. By the time you mention leaving Waterdeep and the House of the Moon and the settlements on the way to Neverwinter, he raises a hand to cut you off.

"I do not think this is wise, Isobel. There is need of you here. The roads are perilous--"

"I can take care of myself. You know I can, papa - you've seen to that. I have trained and prepared for this all my life." Then you smile, hopeful, and make your biggest misstep. "Besides, Aylin will be there to protect me, should the need arise--"

"Of course she will," you catch the mutter under his breath and your mouth slams shut.

You take a deep, steadying breath, and reach across the desk to lay a gentle, reassuring hand on your father's, meeting and holding his heavy gaze. "Reithwin is my home. No matter where the road takes me, no matter how far, I'll always come back. And to you as well, papa."

Reithwin, ancestral seat of your family, safe and idyllic, surely does not need you as much as the wide world; the vast, colourful, challenging variety of the realms. There is so much you can do, and offer. What good are gifts if you are not going to use them? Hoarding them, hiding away, sheltered - no, you refuse to be a waste.

"I need you here, Isobel."

There is an edge of desperation to your father's voice that makes your breath catch and your eyes burn. A pain that calls to mind, oddly, the sting of the black ink being slowly applied around your lids, a needle shaping the curl of the holy symbol down towards your cheekbones. 

And there it is, perhaps - the real root of the struggle at hand.

"I can't be your little girl forever," you exhale, frustration mounting, somewhat undercut when you see the naked hurt on his face. "I can't be just that," you amend. "I have an entire life to live. My own life."

"With Aylin," he suggests darkly. Disapprovingly. "And when she carelessly discards you, a mayfly in her eyes--"

"Is that what this is truly about, again? Father," not quite papa at the moment, no, as you try so very hard to keep your calm in the face of your own rising irritation, "must we?"

"How can I not, Isobel? When she has clearly been feeding you this - this drivel."

"It has nothing to do with her!"

The doubt is writ plainly all over his face, and you bristle. Fine. If he is not ready to relinquish his chokehold over Isobel Thorm, cherished daughter, then he will have to reckon with Isobel, accomplished cleric of Selûne, and prospective Silver Lady initiate. You let go of his hand and step back, square your shoulders demonstratively, stand up ramrod straight.

"Our Lady champions and rewards self-sufficiency, agency, travel, and discovery - of ourselves, the world around us, and all in it who might need guidance or help in any way. It is mine to freely give, and I intend to do so, wherever I am needed. In Her name."

You turn and leave without waiting for your father to scrounge up a response.

It is the last conversation you have with him for a century.

-

It happens so very quickly, for something that would rewrite the fate of your home and all you ever loved for the next hundred years. Like a carelessly tossed pebble turning into a rockslide.

An ominous chill that barely has the time to register fully; a bark-whine from Squire, cut short; a searing pain in-- through-- your side and your chest, fading into numbness within moments, so fast that you barely choke out a desperate blood-drowned breath as blackness swarms the edges of your vision; a frantic cry of Isobel! ringing out from somewhere above or below; and then--

nothing

and nothing, and nothing, and nothing.

#baldur's gate 3 #isobel thorm #dame aylin #aylin x isobel #bg3 #fanfiction #my fic #oathkeeper writes things #comments welcome thoughts welcome honestly i just want to rotate these two in my head forever #i want to yell about isobel thorm constantly

[byuntrash101]

PARAPHILIA - Part 3

Pairing: sub!Baekhyun x CEO!Reader

Genre: EstablishedRelationship!AU, slice of life, fluff (a tiny bit), smut

Tags: gentle dom/sub dynamics, sub!Baekhyun, apron, footjob, feet in mouth, praising, cum play

Raiting: +18 (you know me 🤪)

Word count: 3k

Summary: when you come back home from a very tiring day of work, your boyfriend Baekhyun knows exactly how to calm your nerves: with a foot massage.

A/N: This one has a different kind of dynamic since it’s gentle femdom. You see, the girl behing this blog is a switch so I hope you can enjoy this content too. Anyways don’t hesitate to comment or slide into my asks💖💖. - Cat 😽

Tag list:  @lovebuginlove @calamell @bobohumyonlyboo @smolbeanmika @making-me-blush @wooya1224 @yixing-jaehyun @f4ncyvelvet @lalalala-lav @deligxt @xofanfics @byunsugar @dixnysustae @to-all-the-stories-i-love @artisticcgroove @myexoobsession  @geniusloey @blahblahblah-boo

Tell me if you want to be added/removed

PARAPHILIA masterlist | General masterlist 

Paraphilia #3: Podophilia, sexual attraction to feet

W O R S H I P

You massage your temple in small circles as you try your hardest to concentrate on the road, driving your black Mercedes SUV. Today was a really rough day at work.

You were CEO of a startup company that designs programmes protecting video games and preventing hackers to illegally distribute the games. The company is ever growing as the hackers become more and more inventive.

Today you met with Kazuo 'Kaz' Hirai, CEO of the Playstation branch of the Sony Interactive Entertainment group. You had to negotiate a contract to be the company to protect every playstation exclusive game that was to be released in the next five years. Needless to say, a huge deal for you and your company.

"Aishh..." you scoffed as you recalled the cold expression of the japanese middle aged man. That old fart was really stubborn and strong headed. But so were you which made the negotiations rather difficult. After hours and hours of negotiating you finally came to an agreement interesting enough to the both of you, your firm but also Sony.

So yes it was a really rough day. And you were tired... and hungry. Very hungry you thought as you pulled over in the drive away of the modern residence.

Once in the entry you were instantly greeted by the smell of delicious food coming from the kitchen. You didn't even bother taking off your high heeled black pumps and simply directly walked to the dining room.

There you find the table neatly arranged for two. Your boyfriend Baekhyun comes in from the kitchen and instantly jumps when he sees you.

"You scared me! I didn't hear you coming!" he says holding his chest. You puff out a laugh.

He still has the oven mits on, he's wearing a casual pastel green shirt with comfy jeans, topped with a cute blue apron. He's just adorable.

"Sorry I'm so tired I just didn't feel like yelling "i'm home" when I came in"

"I knew it was going to be a tiring day for you so I made you dinner" he came over to you and took off the oven mits then your coat and purse which he placed on the coffee table. He pulled the chair for you.

"That's so gentlemanly of you thank you" you said as you were getting seated. He bowed his head returning your smile before disappearing into the kitchen.

Soon he came back holding the food. Your eyes lit up at the delicious sight and you sat up on your chair. Baekhyun served you and himself then sat just right in front of you.

"Thank you for the food" you said as you leaned in and extended your arm to gently squeeze his hand over the table. He lightly blushes.

"You're welcome" he said before looking down on his chest. "Oops I forgot to take the apron off." he stood up again but you stopped him.

"No keep it on... I think it suits you! It's cute" you smiled at him, he smiled and sat back down.

You proceeded to eat, during the meal Baekhyun kept quiet about your work. He knew it was better to let you eat and enjoy a peaceful evening before actually starting to ask questions. Even though it killed him not to know and he just wanted to bombard you with a thousand questions.

"Aaah... I'm so full" you said rubbing your stomach. Baekhyun cutely smiled at you, his eyes forming crescents that complimented nicely his constellation moles.

"I'm glad you liked it"

"Of course I loved it you're the best cook ever" he was embarrassed at the compliment but flattered anyway.

"Thank you" he then marked a silence and hesitantly asked. "Hmmm... y/n... so how were the negotiations?" finally he asked the question that was burning his lips. You sighed. You would have liked it if he had waited until tomorrow to ask you but on the other hand you understood his curiosity. This contract was a turning point for the company.

"Well... it was... difficult" you said simply. Baekhyun stayed silent only waiting for more details. "Yes... basically I had to cut back on a lot of things I asked... I mean they were the bigger company at the table so I didn't have much negotiation power..." Baekhyun creased his eyebrows, worried. "But I still managed to secure a good deal. So, yes, next week we will officially sign the papers" you said finally. Baekhyun bursted in a loud celebration, which took you by surprise.

"Honey! that's great! you worked so hard for this!"

"Yeah" you said unconvinced... Honestly to you it somehow felt like a small defeat since you had to cut back on so many things but at the same time you had no other choice... "I think I'm just frustrated about how it actually went down, you know?" Baekhyun took your hand in his.

"Honey... the most important thing is that even if the deal isn't the absolute best it's still good for the company and if you do a good job in the course of the next 5 years they will want to work with you again and maybe other big companies will also want to... Next target Nintendo!" He said with a huge smile, gently rubbing your hand with his thumb.

That is something you always loved about Baekhyun. After dating for so long people complain about your significant other not being surprising anymore. When truly it's the best thing about having a relationship. The person staring back at you knows you like you two share the same heart. When your mind is full and you can't seem to put your thoughts into words… you don't have to because they know you. Baekhyun knows you. 

He cheers you on when you're down. Sees the positive when you are tired of restlessly hoping. He's your light. He lights up your path everywhere you go.

He was adorable, staring back at you with dark brown eyes and the cute blue apron. So so cute... that unholy ideas started to form inside your dirty mind.

"You're right" you said looking back at him. Under the table you extended your leg and started to rub your foot on his pants. Baekhyun instantly stiffened, his smile dropped. "If only there was a way that I could relax..." you smirked at him with suggestive eyes.

"M-maybe a f-foot massage?" Baekhyun asked hesitantly, he was such a cutie stuttering like this. It made your heart melt.

"Why not?" you said shrugging, acting casual.

Baekhyun took a step in your direction but you stopped him.

"No!" he stopped in his tracks. Looked him up and down, licking your lips, anticipating what was to come. "Crawl to me" you said, smirking again. Baekhyun's warm smile was nowhere to be seen. Instead, it was replaced by that soft submissive expression that you loved so much.

Without a word he got on all fours and slowly approached you, not breaking the eye contact you had. His face was slightly blushed, mixed with embarrassment and anticipation.

Once he reached you, you gently cupped his cheeks.

"Good boy" you praised him. Then you pushed back your chair and rotated on your butt to face him. You crossed your leg and presented him the foot that was hanging in the air. "Now do your thing"

Baekhyun looked up at you then he placed one hand over the heel of your shoe to support your leg the other hand behind your calf. He laid a soft kiss on your ankle and trailed his way down to stop where the shoe went over your toes. He looked up at you for further instructions.

"Lick it" you said. He didn't hesitate to stick his tongue out and lightly flick it against the shiny leather. A satisfied smile spread on your lips. He kissed the shoe again and you felt him lightly pull on the heel to take it off. You quickly lifted his chin with the pointy tip of the shoe.

"No.. Not yet" he whimpered cutely. He's so impatient. "Stand" you command. He does as he's told. "Now strip but keep the apron" he nods

He slips his hands underneath the blue apron and starts to unbutton his shirt. He then takes off one sleeve then the other one. He drops the pastel shirt to the ground. His toned arms move to mesmerize you. You bite on your bottom lip as he continues the show.

He moves on to unbuckle his belt and peels the denim off his skin. Finally he removes his boxers which he throws to the side.

He's left completely naked apart from the apron, which is tightly hugging him. The thin fabric is letting little to the imagination. You can clearly see his broad shoulders and arms who rest at his side and Baekhyun's pretty pink nipples. You let your eyes go down where you can see your boyfriend's bulge pitching a slightly twitchy tent underneath. You lick your lips thinking he's already so excited for you.

"Kiss me" you said lifting your head up slightly. Baekhyun bent down and linked his lips with yours in a heated and passionate kiss. 

You untangled your fingers in his hairs, lightly pulling on it, which made him cutely whimper into your mouth. You took the opportunity to push your tongue inside his mouth and deepen the kiss, pulling harder on his hair. He let out cute muffled moans. Then finally you let go of him. He was panting, face flushed red and his hair was messy.

"Now you may remove my shoes" you uncrossed your legs and laid both your feet flat on the ground. Baekhyun hurriedly kneeled down and removed both your shoes, setting them neatly on the side. Your feet made contact with the cold tiles of the dining room. But you didn't mind at all.

"Now lick them" you commanded. Baekhyun was ready to lift your feet to his mouth but you stopped him. "No get down there and lick them from the ground" you said sternly.

Baekhyun placed both his palms on the floor and bent his arms until his cheek touched the tiles. His ass was up in the air when he started to lick your toes. The tickling sensation sent goosebumps on your body and you sighed in satisfaction, fully enjoying the power you held over him.

You then slowly lifted your foot to give him access to your soles. He never broke contact with your foot and his face followed as you lifted it, bringing him back in his initial kneeling position. When he could finally lick your sole he didn't wait for a second. He licked your foot from the heel up to the toes. Your soles were his favourite part and you knew it. You smirked when you saw him indulge himself in the moment.

"Suck my toes" you commanded again. He nodded vigorously, tightly grabbing your foot and as he opened his mouth to bring your big toe inside it. He looked back at you and a soft moan escaped your lips feeling his wet mouth around your foot. "Such a good boy" you moaned softly, your breathing getting ever so slightly quicker.

"Enough!" You say before abruptly taking back your foot. You push him on his chest which causes him to fall back on his butt and his palms flat on the tiles. In this position the tent he's pitching is very visible. And you can't wait to finally see it.

You bring your toes underneath the apron around his crotch area and with a flick of the ankle you push back the fabric over the belt.

Finally you lay eyes on his twitching and aching cock. Precum is already seeping from the slit and you can't help but to smile from ear to ear when you finally uncover it.

"Look at this... Aren't we excited?" you asked, bringing your toes to his balls. Baekhyun stiffens.

"Y-yes" he whispers, unable to take off his eyes from your feet. You lightly lift your foot to the base of his shaft and he buckles up his hips, impatient.

"No no... you have to be good, okay? Are you gonna be a good boy for me?" you coo.

"Yes!" he says excitedly, his eyes still on your foot, nearly popping out of their sockets.

"Good boy" you say before wrapping his cock with both feet and starting to pump his swollen dick. Immediately his eyes roll back as he bites his bottom lip. You pick up the pace and Baekhyun looks back at you. You normally don't go this hard right away but he's not complaining. He feels so good from the footjob.

Baekhyun's saliva really lubed up your feet and they glide easily on his precum oozing dick. You continue to harshly jerk his cock with your feet.

"Fuck... Honey... This is... Aaah... so gooddd!!" he says moaning shamelessly in between each word. He sounds so needy and whiny and most of all he looks absolutely delighted with his eyebrows deeply furrowed and his mouth hanging open.

You felt him twitch around your toes and withdraw them immediately before he can spill his juice. Baekhyun let out a disappointed whimper as the pleasure fades away. You can't help but to smirk when you see him squirm.

"Get up" you command him.

You stand up from the chair and flip the table cloth over the dirty dishes, making way for you to sit.

You take your time, taking every single piece of clothing off you, striping sensually for your boyfrined who thickly swallows as you're removing the last piece of fabric.

You set your bottom on the dark wood of the dining table and lean back over on your elbow, your knees together bent back on your chest. Baekhyun stands in front of you, his dark red cock seeping precum and twitching.

You then part your knees slowly, uncovering your glistening pink folds absolutely drenched in your juices. You're feeling incredibly aroused. Baekhyun is in awe in front of such a view. No matter how many times he's seen you, every time he still is breathless.

"Come here baby" you say as you gesture to him to come close. "Now fuck me baby" you murmur in a sultry tone.

Baekhyun can't believe his ears. Rare are the occasions when you let him fuck you. Most of the time you are on top and in control. But today he's been such a good boy you exceptionally let him be on top.

He doesn't take one more second to align himself with your lonely and aching center. Slowly he pushes himself inside you. The slip is easy as your juices coat even your inner thighs. You gasp delightfully at the sensation of him gently stretching you open.

"Fuck... Y/n...Aaaah" Baekhyun lets out a high pitched moan that wakes up the butterflies in your stomach. You love to hear his struggling moans.

"Fuck me faster" you command your boyfriend who has his eyes tight shut, trying his hardest not to bust right away.

He takes a bruising grip on your fleshy thighs and gradually he picks up the pace, waves of heat and pleasure wash over your entire body as you shamelessly moan while Baekhyun makes your breasts jump with each thrust.

"Tell me how good this feels baby" you tell him, craving more of his high pitched and needy voice. Baekhyun whimpers before answering.

"Aaah... Your pussy feels so good" he says before letting go of one of your thighs to bring your foot to his face. He buried his nose in your sole. "Fuck... aaaah... Honey" he sounds pleading, so submissive despite the fact that he's the one over you roughly pounding into you.

He gasps when he feels your walls tightening around him. He takes one of your toes in his mouth. He makes you feel so good, the way he doesn't restrain his thrusts has you gasping each time his tip kisses your cervix. Your moans and his mix in a beautiful symphony that resonates in the empty dining room.

"Baekhyun don't stop I'm gonna cum" You moan as you extend your hand to bring a little attention to your clit. With two fingers your circle your swollen and needy bud. The pleasure rises again and beads of sweat roll in between your bouncing tits.

"Fuckk... I'm cumming too" he says in one breathy moan, your toes hanging on his lips.

"Aaaah yes baby" you moan finally letting go of the knot in your stomach. Your pussy tightly clenching around Baekhyun's cock, milking it to the last drop of cum.

Baekhyun then pulls out to spread the last streams of cum on your feet, which you bring in front of his pulsing cock and point out. You feel the hot liquid coat your toes and your ankles as Baekhyun cusses and moans loudly.

He then staggers to one of the chairs and crashes on it. His cock still pulsing in his fist, chest heaving and glistening with sweat.

You look at him straight in the eyes when you bring your feet to your mouth and lick them clean. The bitter and sweet taste of Baekhyun's cum fills your mouth. You close your eyes fully enjoying it, moaning against your toes on your lips. Baekhyun looks at you being this naughty with an evil glint in the eye.

"Baby you taste so good" you whisper. Baekhyun smiles, still panting and exhausted.

"Does that mean I'll get to be on top more often?" he asks.

"Hmmm..." you bring your finger to scratch your chin, fainting to think deeply.

"No" you say with a smile. You're already off in the staircase laughing when Baekhyun grumbles and pouts cutely protesting.

PARAPHILIA masterlist | General masterlist  

#baekhyun smut #baekhyun fanfic #baekhyun ff #sub!baekhyun #sub!idol #kpop smut #exo smut #sub!exo #sub baekhyun #dom!reader #exo fanfic #exo ff #baekhyun x reader #baekhyun x you #exo x reader #exo x you

[queenrose730]

Reckless

Part Six

Master List

Steve had taken over the landing procedure since you were still down an arm. You and Bucky panicked for a moment when it looked like you jet was going to run right though the side of a tree covered mountain. Instead, the mountain dissolved to reveal a large city. It was impressive. It was nothing like you were expecting. Up until know all you knew of Wakanda was that it was a struggling poor country. Seeing it now. That was all a lie. Steve guided the jet down onto a platform where several people stood in waiting for the three of you.

 “This place is incredible.” You didn’t know where to look as Steve was landing. Everything was a beautiful mix of technology and tradition.

 “Come on yn. Let’s go meet our hosts.” Steve helped you stand. All the pain meds had worn of by now and you were definitely feeling everything.

 “God. I hope they have a hot bath I can crawl in for the next week.” Even though you were trying to hide the pain as not to worry either men, it was getting hard to hide.

 “I can carry you if you want?”

 “No Steve. I can walk.” He held you steady for a moment before he decided not to fight over it right now.

 Introductions didn’t take long. Unfortunately, it was hard for you to pay attention. Steve held onto tightly so you wouldn’t stumble. Even then it took everything you had just to stay upright. Steve was talking to a younger woman about living arrangements for the night and when T’challa was to be expected back. There was also some talk about what their rough plan was for Bucky. Finally, attention was turned to you.

 “We should get her to medical.” The young girl pointed out to the men on either side of you. You tried to remember what she said her name was, Shuri?

 “Shit. Yn.” Bucky positioned himself the best could to help Steve hold you up.

 “Yea, I don’t think I’m doing too hot over here boys.” Steve held on a little tighter.

 “Why didn’t you say something?” You shrugged at Steve’s question.

 “Y’all were busy.”

 “Yn.” He was stern with you name. “Come on.” Both Steve and Bucky helped you into the building and down the elevator. From what you saw of the building so far, it put the Avengers compound to shame. Tony would have been a kid in a candy store with all this tech. The door of the elevator opened as your heart was hurting again for everything that had gone on.

 “This way Agent yn.” Shuri lead the way for you to lay down on the bed. Several people moved forward helping you to undress so they could better treat your injuries.

 “Gentlemen, if you wouldn’t mind.” Shuri motioned for them to leave the room.

 “Only one show for you guys today.” You gave your best grin to Steve and Bucky as they left. Both shaking their heads at you.

 You weren’t sure how long you have been in medical. Each of your cuts had been cleaned and rewrapped. They even removed Steve awful stitches from your thigh. Instead they just applied an ointment to it and wrapped it back up. You wanted to question them but chose not to. You were just grateful for their care. They also double check the setting of you shoulder. Satisfied with how it was sitting, they injected something. You assumed it was pain meds because almost immediately the pain was receding. After a few more injections you felt damn near back to normal.

 “What kind of meds are you using? I feel almost good as new, but I’m not groggy like regular pain meds?” Shuri looked up from where she was sitting at a desk typing.

 “That’s because it wasn’t pain meds. Things heal very differently here in Wakanda.” She walked over to where you were still lying on the bed. “You’ll want to take it easy for a day or so, but you are healed.”

 “What?” Your eyes were wide at your statement. She just laughed.

 “I’m sure we will have plenty of time to answer all your questions later. But Captain Rogers wanted you to join him as soon as you were able to.” You nodded and slowly at up from the bed. A few hours earlier you would be in too much pain to even think of moving like that without help. Standing up you tested your shoulder. Rotating in slightly. It felt fine. This place was crazy. You were definitely going to take Shuri up on her question answering.

 “Where are they?”

 “Right this way.” Shuri lead you to where Steve and Bucky were at. It was a small apartment on one of the upper floors of the building. Both men stood when you walked in.

 “Thank you Shuri. Thank you.”

 “You are very welcome Agent yn.” She closed the door behind her. You turned to face the men before you. They had changed and been cleaned up.

 “You boys clean up well.” You glanced around the room. There was small kitchen area to you right. The table was full of the most delicious looking food. In the center of the room was a couch and a couple chairs setting around a low coffee table. The left wall was solid windows. It was night and the city outside sparkled with life. You had seen a city at night before, but there was something different about it. It didn’t feel intimidating like the New York night sky could be. Instead it was inviting, it felt alive in the best way.

 “You look better yn.” Steve walk over to you. He placed his hands on your shoulders. You could tell he wanted to give you a hug. Closing the space between the two of you, you wrapped your arms around him.

 “I feel better Steve.” You squeezed him with all the strength you could to let him know that you weren’t lying. He pulled you back to look at you. “Shuri says I’m all healed. Just got to take it easy for a couple days.”

 “Good.” He pulled you back to him and gave you a tighter hug. Bucky cleared his throat behind the two of you. You felt Steve chuckle. He released you from his arms.

 “Glad to see your better yn.”

 “Thanks Bucky.” Steve raised an eyebrow at you. “What?” You questioned him. Turning though before he could say anything. “So what’s good?” You walked over to the table. Your eyes moving over all the food that had been set out.

  “Just about everything. We tried to leave you a good selection.” Bucky joined you standing at the table. He pointed out the different foods. What he and Steve liked the best. You mainly stuck to the fruits and lighter dishes. You were starving but didn’t want to overdo it and get sick. Once your plate was loaded up, you joined Steve on the couch. Bucky took one of the chairs on the other side of the coffee table. As you ate they explained about how Shuri and the other scientists might be able to remove the programming in his brain. You partly paid attention. To engrossed in the food to give all your attention to the men. There was something about Bucky going back on ice and doing scans. You nodded and agreed when it seemed appropriate in the conversation. Steve finally caught your full attention when he mentioned the Raft.

 “What a minute. Run that by me again.” You had nearly choked on your food.

 “I’m going to get Sam and everyone out else out tomorrow night.”

 “How? What’s the plan?” You set down your plate turning to face him in on the couch. Bucky leaned back in his seat.

 “You’re not coming with me yn.” Steve didn’t make eye contact with you.

 “The hell I am not Steve. They are my friends too!”

 “Yn. I’m not going to let you risk getting caught.” He still wasn’t making eye contact.

 “I don’t give a fuck! I’m going with you!” In an instant Steve was standing. Towering over you as you sat on the couch.

 “You. Are. Not. Coming.” He punctuated each word through gritted teeth. “There is no more to discuss. I want you here. Safe.” It had been so long since you had seen him this angry. It took so much to get him to that place and honestly it scared you. You quickly nodded in agreement. Not trusting your voice. Steve gave a sharp nod back and left the room. Heading down a hall and slamming a door. Letting out the breath you had been holding you looked over to Bucky. He looked just as surprised as you did with Steve’s outburst. As soon as his eyes meet yours he spoke.

 “I don’t think I have ever seen him like that. Are you ok?”

 “Yea.” Bucky nodded then got up to sit by you. Loosely placing his arm around you.

 “I’ll still be here doll”

 “Oh fuck you.” You pushed his arm off and stood up. Just like Steve was moments ago. “You’re going to be in a fucking tube. You don’t even try.” He stared blankly back at you. You looked down the hall where Steve had gone down. “Bedrooms down there?”

 “Uh yea. One on the left is set you for you. Steve and I thought you might like it better. It has a private bathroom.” He was trying to make up for his comments but you didn’t care.

 “Good.” You headed down the hall quickly. Leaving Bucky sitting in the living room by himself.  You wanted nothing more than to scream. But you also didn’t want Steve to be worried. It made you even angrier that after what he just pulled, you still didn’t want to worry him.

 “Fuck him.” You mumbled to yourself. Walking around the room you found that it had been stocked with clothing and toiletries. You sighed, running your hand over your face. This was a much better situation than any other options. Not that you had options at this point. You sat down on the bed, staring at the door across from you. Everything inside you wanted to head across the hall. To fight with Steve. To tell him exactly where to stick his plan of leaving you here. You knew though that if you did, it would end the way it always did. That is the last thing you wanted. Not only because you wanted to keep hating him, but you were guests and there was someone else in the suite with you two.

The next best option was a hot shower. Silently thanking the men for giving you the room with its own bathroom. You rifled through the clothes that were given to you. Finding something comfortable to wear to bed and laying it out on the bed. You walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Setting the water as hot as you could. It didn’t take long for steam to fill the bathroom. Stepping in you let out a small hiss at the sting of the water. It turning your skin pink almost immediately. Once your body adjusted, you began to clean yourself off. Washing away all the stress from the past few days. You had gently passing over each spot that had been healed just hours before. A thousand questions came to mind. You tried to commit them to memory so you could ask Shuri.

 After a long while the water started to cool. Your hands were pruned and skin bring hot red in spots. You turned the water off and reach out for a towel. Wrapping one around your body and other twisted in your hair. The temperature changes from the shower to the room air caused goosebumps to raise on your arms and legs. You made quick work of drying off and changed into the clothes you had laid out. Climbing into the big bed and wrapping yourself up in the blankets. You let your thoughts drift and soothe you to sleep.

Tags- @ginger-swag-rapunzel

#bucky barnes #bucky x y/n #steve x reader friendship #enemies to lovers #marvel fanfiction #slow burn #steve rogers #captain america civil war #captain america #winter solider #reader insert #marvel #james buchanan barnes #james buchanan bucky barnes

[imaginedhaven]

Reluctantly Rooming: Part Two

Link to Masterpost

So I realized today I hit 50 followers! Wow. That’s amazing, and I love you all so much. Plus, it was so inspiring I got to work on some more prompts for this wonderful little AU. I combined two prompts in this part:

1. “Are those slippers?” / “Is that you being mean? AGAIN?” 

-and-

2. “You don’t know how to change a tire?” / “Give it a rest, would you?”

As I mentioned last time, I am still taking prompts for this universe! It’s been a great time playing in this particular AU, and of course I have the rest of the story vaguely sketched out but it’s been way too much fun incorporating these prompts. Hope y’all enjoy!

~*~*~

Aelin was still marveling at the turn in her morning as she got dressed for work in the afternoon. She and Rowan had spent an hour or so finally getting to know each other a little like they probably should’ve when he first moved in, only stopping when he had to leave to go on a run with one of his coworkers. They still had quite a ways to go, but Aelin already felt more at ease than she had previously.

She still felt a twinge of embarrassment at how it had happened, but she had gotten herself into more awkward situations before and Rowan had seemed content to not bring it up further.

Aelin hummed along with the music playing on her phone as she wriggled into the dark pants that served as the bottom of her work outfit and then sat to braid her hair back. In her month and a half working behind the bar at her current job, she had learned in a single shift that leaving her hair down was absolutely not worth it; the golden waves that she was so proud of had an annoying tendency of getting in the way while shaking drinks, and choosing to tie them back instead left her hair much neater at the end of a long shift. Lately she had taken to braiding the long strands into a crown around her head, the style elegant enough to please her but practical enough to survive the night.

Smiling with satisfaction, Aelin pinned the last few strands in place and stood to leave. She took a few extra moments to glance in the mirror and make certain that her shirt was presentable enough for work before grabbing her keys and heading down the stairs.

She made it all the way to the driveway before her good mood evaporated.

“Fuck,” she whined as she stared at her car. It had been fine when she had gotten in, or she thought it had been. But now in the daylight the left rear tire was obviously flat, almost cartoonishly so. There was no way she would be getting in to work on time, not with her car out of commission.

If he had been home she would have asked Aedion for a ride, but he was absent and his car was garaged wherever it was he put it while away so that he could save on his insurance payments. That left trying to get in touch with her coworkers to see if they could pick her up.

Taking a deep breath and preparing to grovel, Aelin scrolled in her phone to Lysandra’s contact information and was about to press the call button when she heard a surprisingly welcome voice from the edge of the driveway.

While Rowan’s voice was a relief, his words certainly were not. “Are those… slippers?” he asked.

Aelin crossed her arms, not ready to deal with this kind of interaction when she was still trying to figure out how she was going to get to work. “Is that you being mean again?” she retorted, shuffling her feet. The motion only served to draw attention to her choice of footwear, however, and when she looked back up at him she was met with an expression she could only call amused exasperation. She sighed and decided to end this probable fight before it could begin, if only to preserve the remnants of her sanity after an already-stressful day. “I always wear slippers when I drive to work,” she admitted. “My work shoes are great when I’m actually on my feet, but I hate driving in them.”

“All right,” he allowed. “I can’t say I relate, but I suppose that makes more sense than anything else I was coming up with. Doesn’t explain why you’re staring at your phone like it’s your only lifeline instead of actually driving to work, though.”

At the reminder of exactly why she was stuck here and not at work, Aelin sighed and wordlessly gestured to her tire. He glanced down at it and then back at her, clearly confused, and began to laugh.

“Oh, what is it now?” she demanded, immediately on edge again.

He crouched beside the tire and braced his hands on his knees, inspecting it as he continued to chuckle. “You don’t know how to change a tire?”

Just as it had a few hours ago, Aelin felt heat flood her cheeks. “Give it a rest, would you? So what if I never learned, I didn’t exactly have anyone around to teach me.”

Aelin bit her lip to stop the words from coming out, though she had already revealed far too much. Even if it was true, and even though the theme of the day had been building some kind of camaraderie with her roommate, she firmly believed there was such a thing as oversharing and that had been it.

A small part of her brain noted that she felt more exposed now than she had been literally exposing her backside to him just that morning, but she carefully stifled that thought to be dealt with hopefully never. Instead, she blurted out, “And I’m not sure I have a spare anyway.”

Rowan gave her a skeptical glance. “Open your trunk.”

“What?” Aelin asked, stunned. “Why?”

“Just do it.”

Deciding to humor him, she did, and in less than five seconds he had opened a compartment and revealed exactly what he had been looking for, a spare tire as well as a few tools. “Oh.”

Rowan shook his head. “Most cars have the essentials in case this happens on the road. The replacement isn’t meant to be driven long-distance, it’ll only get you to the nearest repair shop. I’m assuming you don’t have time for that.”

Aelin nodded. “I’ve only got about an hour before I’m supposed to be at work.”

“All right. You have tomorrow off?”

Aelin checked the picture of the schedule she’d saved to her phone. “Yeah, tomorrow and Monday are my ‘weekend’,” she replied.

Rowan pulled the tools out of the compartment and straightened. “Okay. Here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to put the replacement on now, because that tire’s flat enough that you’re risking damage to the rim if we let it sit and that gets expensive fast. I can drive you to work tonight, and tomorrow we can take it to someone to see if you can get away with patching the tire or if you need new ones.”

Aelin stared at him, surprised. “Wait, you’d drive me to work?”

“Would I say I’d do it if I wouldn’t?” he retorted.

Before today, she would’ve bristled at that comment and perhaps even snapped back at him. However, through their talks after his aunt had left she’d learned that he had an incredibly dry sense of humor bordering on outright sass. With that knowledge in mind, she bit back her immediate urge to fight back and instead simply said, “Thank you.”

Rowan’s head spun around to stare at her, and she shrugged, uncomfortable under the intense focus of his gaze. “What?” she asked. “You didn’t have to offer, but I appreciate that you did. Honestly, before you got here I was running down my list of coworkers, trying to decide who was most likely to pick up.”

“You may still want to see if one of them can bring you home,” he cautioned. “I’m not saying I won’t do it, but I’m not exactly used to staying up that late and I can’t promise I won’t fall asleep.”

Aelin laughed at the admission. “And here I thought you were the life of the party. Have you ever done something just because it was fun?”

“Says someone who is currently reaping the advantages of my lack of a social life,” he snorted. “I thought you were supposed to be grateful.”

“I can be grateful and still comment on your life choices.”

Rowan carefully set one of the tools next to the tire and got to work, pointedly ignoring her and leaving her with nothing to do but watch him.

Even before today she’d noticed in a distant kind of way that her roommate was unfairly attractive, for all that he didn’t seem to do himself any favors. That recognition was only affirmed as she watched the muscles of his shoulders and back while he worked to change her tire. He hadn’t even had the time to change out of his running clothes, and sweat lingered at the back of his neck, darkening the short strands of his hair.

She’d never bothered to ask if he’d naturally gone completely grey at a strangely young age or if he simply dyed his hair that color, but either way she could admit it suited him in a way she wasn’t sure would work on anyone else. Paired with piercing green eyes and angular features, what would have been a noteworthy feature on anyone else was a stunning combination on him.

It was really too bad that they barely tolerated each other. And now that they were roommates, she knew too much about him to be swayed by looks alone. All it took was one recollection of him reorganizing their living space and those thoughts retreated to the back of her mind where they belonged.

It was just in time, too, because she realized belatedly he was speaking to her. “—got lucky,” he was saying. “I’m no expert, but I think they should be able to just patch this and you won’t have to get new tires.”

“What makes you say that?” she asked, curious.

Wordlessly, he rotated her tire—which she noticed was now freed from her car—and pointed at a large nail driven right through the rubber.

“Oh.”

“Here, stuff this into your trunk while I get the spare on and then we’ll get you to work,” he said, rolling the tire in her direction. She rushed to comply, and by the time she had tucked it away as neatly as she could manage he had finished his part of the job as well. “All right, get what you need and we’ll go.”

“I already have what I need,” she replied.

He looked at her, gaze moving from her braided hair down to her slippered feet, and said, “Your work shoes?”

“At work,” she said.

“And you’re not bringing food when you’re working a full shift?”

“Rowan, I work in a bar. They have food there.”

Her statement granted her a withering look that promised a painful end to her admittedly-unhealthy usual diet. “Do you even have food in the house?”

“If you’re going to judge me, I’m not going to answer that,” she evaded.

“Fine. We don’t have time to fix that right now anyway,” he muttered. “Get in my car, and I’ll get you to work.”

They drove in silence the entire way to the bar, but it was somehow less uncomfortable than Aelin would’ve expected. Maybe there was something to be said for utterly humiliating yourself in front of your roommate, after all. She could only go up from here.

As they arrived, before she could slip out of his car she turned to face him. “Hey, thank you,” she said. “I mean it. You didn’t have to do any of this.”

He waved off her thanks with a single gesture. “I know you have my number. Just text me if you need me to pick you up as well.”

As it turned out, Lysandra was able to get her back home after her shift and she texted Rowan about a half an hour before her shift ended, receiving no reply. But as she crept into the house, she noticed a sight that made her freeze and then smile. Rowan was passed out on their couch fully clothed, phone prominently placed on the coffee table as though he’d fallen asleep waiting for her message.

Not willing to risk waking him, she quietly crept up the stairs to her room, but the image lingered for quite some time as she prepared for sleep herself.

~*~*~

Tagging:

@ireallyshouldsleeprn @queen-of-glass @fangirlprincess09 @sassys-world @morganofthewildfire @superspiritfestival @perseusannabeth @sis-it-dont-add-up @jlinez @julemmaes @emilyoftheshadows

#rowaelin #haven writes #reluctantly rooming

[scribblingfangirl]

GLOWING IN THE DARK #1 | The Punisher - Billy Russo

not my gif!

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Author’s Note: Thank you so so much for the wonderful reactions to the first part of this series! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it and are interested in reading more! I honestly wasn’t expecting that! I hope you enjoy this part as well! I know it’s a bumpy ride: English is not my first language, I’m slowly trying to ease myself back into writing and this wasn’t beta-read. So please excuse the horrible mistakes! Also: As I’ve been asked I’m now including a taglist for this series at the bottom. If you want to get added to it just shoot me a message! (:

word count:  ~ 3k

summary: A few years after making the deal with Frank Y/N arrives on a new base and promptly runs into a handsome dark-haired man, or rather he into her, as a game of British Bulldog is played. 

warnings: suggestion towards rape (if I forgot anything, please tell me!)

| previous part | - | next part | - | series masterlist |

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The silence was almost deafening and the cold humid air a relief after sitting in the loud helicopter, earmuffs could only do so much, and the hot dry air the rotators and motors brought to you for the past four hours. You were the first one out the helicopter, the rest of your crew with the exception of the pilot following suit.

"Welcome home... I guess?" Kosky, your crew chief, threw you your bag from the helicopter.

You heard a desperate sigh and turned around to see Dane, the co-pilot, poking at the ground. “That’s… that’s sand-like. Where the hell are we and how long are we going to be here? I didn’t pack for… whatever the hell this is,” he complained.

 “Don’t be like that Dane,” Garth muttered as he leaned out the pilot door of the helicopter. “Don’t you have beauty products for all kinds of environments in your bag? Anyway, nothing to worry about. I’m sure Y/L/N will lend you some of hers if your sensitive skin breaks out or something.”

You snorted, closing the door behind him as he stepped out of the helicopter. “You’ll better be glad if I find an old, still usable Chapstick in the depths of one of my pockets. That will be the best thing I can offer you.”

“Anyway,” Kosky tried to bring your attention back to him, “I’ll go and talk with the commanding officer of this base and try to figure out why we were stationed here and if we’re going to be the only ones or if others will follow later. You guys try to find someone to show you around.”

“Sure, I’ll just quickly-,“ you started to say while you moved towards the helicopter again to get your mechanic kit, but shut your mouth when you felt, and then saw, Kosky glare at you.

"No. Pete's been a good boy. He deserves his rest and so do you. One that involves a good shower and some food. Let's go!"

x-x

Freshly showered and in clean clothes you made your way around the camp, catching some of the last sunrays of the day. You had lost Garth and Dane after running into a fellow Marine that showed you around and left you in front of the showers. Seeing as there were no other women on the base, and therefore, no need for separate showers the boys had proposed to stand guard while you showered after them. Why or when they decided to leave you alone was a mystery to you.

Braiding your wet hair, you walked around trying to recognize or remember anything you were shown or told during your quick tour. However, you only managed to catch a glimpse of Pete through the tents. ‘Better than nothing. Might as well quickly check him out and then go find someone. Who knows? Maybe someone will find me.’

As if your thoughts had manifested him a tall man with slicked-back dark hair and a rather well-groomed beard appeared from the other side of Pete. “They told me I’d find you here.” He gave you a once-over and chuckled. “Well, this certainly explains their usage of ‘she’ and ‘her’. Come on. You’re probably just as hungry as them.”

You followed the man quietly through the different tents until you started to hear noises. They grew louder and you finally realized that you were hearing voices and the clinking of kitchen utensils. A nice scent filled your nose the moment you entered the dining tent and almost immediately your stomach let out a loud grumble.

“Yeah, that’s what I guessed. Don’t worry. There’s still plenty of food. We eat in shifts and you’re just in time for the last one.”

You turned to face the man beside you and saw that he was already smiling down at you. ‘His eyes are just as dark as his hair. But they can’t actually be black, right? I’ve never seen such a deep brown in my life. They’re beautiful.’

“Y/L/N. Nice to see you found your way to us as well. I guess I’ll have to talk to Jandro and Dane tomorrow about team spirit and human manners. They’re back there,” he pointed to the back of the tent where you could make out Danes blond hair and a man with his face deep in his food, who was looking like he’d be eating his plate as well. Probably Garth. “They’ll show you to your tent. You three are roommates. I’ll brief you tomorrow about everything. Have a nice evening.” Leaving the tent, he nodded at the dark-haired man and disappeared from your view.

“Damn, a whole tent for just three soldiers? Normally I’d be jealous but seeing what nice friends you have there I’m not so sure anymore. I prefer knowing they got my back and don’t run away at the first sign of food.”

You laughed and waved that comment away. “You see the guy who’s currently almost eating his plate as well? That’s Jandro, but we all call him Garth, which is short for Garfield. I’m used to food being chosen over me. Hey, I don’t think I caught your name-”

“Y/N!” Dane and Garth shouted simultaneously over the heads of the soldiers as they saw you. “We’re so sorry! We were going to wait, but then someone passed by and told us it was dinner time. You’re a big girl, so we weren’t afraid of you drowning in the shower.”

Letting out an exasperated sigh you rolled your eyes as every last head in the tent turned towards you. Great. Pressing your lips together you just gave them two awkward thumbs-ups and thankfully everybody turned their heads back to their food.

“Come on, looks like they’re going to eat me next if I don’t finally deliver you.” The man pushed you through the space between the tables until you were seated next to Garth who pushed a full platter in front of you. Eyeing this gesture the man faced you one last time before disappearing somewhere in the dining tent. “Name’s Billy by the way. I’ll be around if you ever… decide on upping your friend game.”

x-x

After dinner, the boys showed you to your tent. Dane started to do his nightly routine while you and Garth decided to enjoy the early night exploring your new temporary home for the time being.

“I’ll go search for some of the guys who were sitting at our table. Don’t," he grabbed your wrist and raised his index finger to emphasize his words, “go checking on Pete.”

Walking around the base you once again saw Pete in the distance, crossed paths with familiar faces from dinner, to whom you nodded politely and even passed the showers. It would take you one or two days and seeing the base in broad daylight, but you knew you’d soon be able to find your way around.

A familiar tune caught your attention and you followed the sound of a guitar being played, accompanied by an oddly familiar, but really beautiful, singing voice.

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”

Without any second thoughts, you pushed aside the plastic tarpaulin covering the entrance of the tent and stepped inside. The first thing you saw where the lined-up beds on either side of the tent. Somewhere occupied with men reading or writing something, but most of them were vacant, as their owners were sitting together either on or around two beds towards the end of the tent, creating a circle.

And then you saw him. There, leaning carefully against the tent wall, his trusted guitar in his hands, was Frank. But he wasn’t the one singing. Your eyes slid over the flock of men until they rested upon the dark-haired man – Billy – who was sitting on the bed beside Franks and just finishing the song.

An old memory shot through your head. Maria, Frank and you sitting in a car going to the airport. ‘That's why you've been pestering me into introducing her to Billy.’

Frank’s voice brought you back to the present. “You always have a guitar in deployment. Sit around, you got time to, uh, you know, learn new songs, come up with new shit."

Smiling you decided to make yourself known and stepped forward. "Yeah. You were always really good at the shit part. Though honestly? Where the hell do these new guitar skills come from? This actually sounded good!"

Frank’s head shot up and a smile took over his facial features. "Y/N!"

"She’s just being honest here, Frankie boy. This was by far your best- Wait, hold on. You guys know each other?"

But before either of you could answer Billy or anybody else could say something as well, Frank had thrown his guitar into the lap of the guy next to him and himself around your neck. “I knew it! When they told us a UH-1Y Venom with the callsign Blackbird would be arriving shortly I thought it might be you. But I didn’t want to get my hopes up. And then I saw the helicopter but couldn’t find you at dinner…” He had led you back to his bed and waved the guys away who begrudgingly dispersed back to their own beds or left the tent altogether.

“Billy, this is Y/N. The marine friend I told you about. She was a foot soldier as well but betrayed us for the sky. Not that I think it’s any better up there. Down here you can be naïve and only see what’s right in front of your nose, but up there… well. Anyway, met her through Maria. She was actually one of the women who had the guts to laugh at my excellent guitar skills. Y/N, this is Billy-”

“The guy you’re only allowed to introduce me to if you beat me in a round of friendly combat. At least as far as I remember.”

Billy smiled at that exchange and looked at Frank. “Ah yes, the deal. I heard stories about that. Didn’t think there’d actually be any truth to that though. I guess it’s a good thing we already met. You can’t possibly think of ignoring your knight that saved you from starvation by leading you to the glorious dining tent, sweetheart.”

“No, but I could try to arrange for you to be eaten by my boys if you keep calling me sweetheart.”

Raising his hand in surrender Billy turned around to lay completely on his bed and grabbed a book from the ground. “She’s got fire Frankie boy, gotta give her that.”

You got a quick glimpse of the title page of the book. The Picture of Dorian Gray. ‘A man that knows his literature, interesting. Would not have given him that one’.

“Though, sweetheart,” Billy said as he lazily opened the book and flipped through it, searching for the right page, “As much as I think I could handle your boys. We wouldn’t want that, would we now? God made me this way for a reason. Would be a real shame if I weren’t able to share the complete wealth anymore.”

‘Ah well, there it is. Never mind. Just another dude who is full of himself.’

Sensing your eye-roll from a million miles away Frank turned you towards him. “We like to call him ‘Billy the Beaut’. He still has to grasp the ‘quality over quantity’ concept. And! Before you ask, because I know you will, Maria hoped you’d become the quality. Frank leaned closer and shot a quick glance at Billy who kept on reading, “Deep down Billy’s a great guy. It’s just his defence mechanism.”

Sighing you stretched your arms into the air to relieve your back of some of the tension accumulated by the long flight and you didn’t even realize that your shirt raised a little bit to reveal the skin underneath. You did feel the looks the other men gave you though and felt how Frank quickly pulled the shirt back down.

“Watch it!” His tone made Billy look up from his book and take a confused look around. “This ain’t a space for a woman. They’re hungry, like feral dogs. Not that I like to think like that about my fellow Marines, but we are surrounded by war. Wouldn’t be the worst thing they do.”

“Fine…,” you stood up and faced the rest of the tent. “If you’re such dogs, let’s play fetch! This way I can show you that you shouldn’t cross my path… or of my boys.” You added that part specifically for Billy. “But don’t worry, we’ll go easy on you.”

You moved to face Frank again. “After all. You do kinda still owe me a friendly round of combat.”

“Tell us. What did you have in mind kid?”

x-x

It had started to rain in the time it took you to gather the majority of the base, including Garth and Dane. Laughing you shook your head, spread your arms and greeted the cold and heavy rain on your warm skin.

Garth, Dane and you were positioned opposite to the rest of the men (thanks to your big mouth), or where you guessed they would be. The dying light and lack of any other light source in addition to the rain didn’t make this an easy game. But a fun one.

“The rules are simple!” Frank’s voice boomed over the playing field and not even the rain was able to quiet him down. “Only one bulldog per player – we’re all grown-ups and do not need help or serious injuries – and to turn a player into a bulldog they have to be restrained to the ground for three full seconds. Be it on their back or their stomach, both count! Ready? Set. GO!”

At first, the splashing caused by multiple boots running across the playing field was the only thing you heard. Then came the first shout, shortly followed by another. Out of the corners of your eyes, you saw Garth and Dane crashing into two soldiers, taking them down with them and just in front of you, you were able to make out a shadow running straight towards you.

With a yell, Frank dove to the ground and knocked your legs out from under you. Creating a splash, you fell on your back, already trying to flip yourself to the side to have more possibilities to block anything Frank might throw your way. But Frank wasn’t there anymore.

Confused you stood up, blinking against the merciless rain trying to find Frank. Around you, several silhouettes were fighting each other. Some were still standing, others rolled around on the ground. Lone shoes and some t-shirts were spread on the playing field, almost undetectable under the rising level of water on the ground.

You heard him too late. With another yell Frank sprang on your back, making your knees buckle under you due to his weight. With a groan you hit the ground face first, his large body covering yours, making it impossible for you to move.

“Last time I checked I was the bulldog,” you panted, spluttering on the horrible muddy water accumulating in your mouth.

“Last time I checked you were the one who wanted a friendly round of combat. Obviously, I won, but don’t worry, you’ll get another chance.” And then he was gone again, and you gasped for air.

x-x

You had no idea how long the game had been going on. If it was still going on. Due to the conditions, it was impossible to know who was still a player and who had been already turned into a bulldog. Soon the others had taken you and Frank as an example and the game had turned into several friendly combats.

Just as you were contemplating asking around if the game was over, a body slammed into yours and took you straight to the ground with him. Automatically your legs went around his waist to try and flip you both around with the momentum, but the mystery man grabbed your throat lightly and put his elbows and part of his weight on your chest. You were trapped.

“What was this big speech about not crossing your path, sweetheart? I don’t see any actions following your words.” His breath and touch were scalding hot on your skin.

You weren’t even given the possibility to answer as a new voice boomed over the playing field. “Alright! That’s enough boys! To bed with you!”

In an instant, Billy let you go, stood up and disappeared in the darkness.

“Hey! We weren’t done yet!” you shouted through the sound-dampening rain.

“Give it up. You’ve been a helicopter gunner for way too long, you’ve lost your touch,” Billy answered from only a few feet away, grabbing some forgotten items to bring back to the soldiers. “It’s late and we’re frozen to the bone. We do have better things to do than catching pneumonia, you know?”

You huffed, almost swallowing a mouthful of water while foolishly trying to wipe the wet hair out of your face. "Like what? Reading literature and complaining about beans in your food and the unavoidable fart fest in your tents? No. You know what I think? I think you’re glad it ended. You’re afraid that I could actually kick your butt."

Billy smirked as he turned around to you. "I’d let you do much more to my butt than just kick it. I mean…," he stepped closer, leaned down until you could feel his breath on your neck and whispered, "If you want to see my backside, there are other - less violent and more pleasurable - possibilities to get what you want. All you gotta do is ask."

.•´¯`•..•´¯`•..•´¯`•..•´¯`•..•´¯`•..•´¯`•..•´¯`•..•´¯`•.

Taglist:

@blackbirddaredevil23​

#billy russo x reader #billy russo oneshot #billy russo one shot #billy russo #the punisher x reader #the punisher one shot #the punisher oneshot #the punisher #my writing #viascribbles

[blueeyedgeorgie]

Close My Eyes(2)

I close my eyes and I make believe You’re the one that’s holding me…

Pairing: WillNE x Reader

Word Count: 3.1k+

Pronouns: She/Her

____________

"You really want my honest opinion?“

Will and Y/n sat side by side in front of his desk as YouTube had been pulled up on his computer screen.

"Yup,” Y/n gave a small nod as her eyes watched the screen scroll down through Will’s homepage.

"I think you’re being a bit harsh on Gaby. She was just trying to look out for you,“ Will stopped scrolling and looked to Y/n.

"Was I just being bitchy?” Y/n let out a small sigh.

"Well, I wasn’t there so I can’t decide that for you. But from what I’ve heard, I’m just assuming you were just being a little bit sensitive,“ Will gave a small shrug, looking back to his computer screen.

"Maybe it was just the engagement butterflies,” y/n replied. Will didn’t say anything, all he could do was focus on refusing to allow himself to cringe.

After a few moments of looking for random videos to react to, Will and Y/n had decided to watch a couple of 90 Day Fiance videos. With a lineup of five videos, Will turned on his camera and began his usual intro.

"Right, Hello! How’s it going? Welcome back to the-“

Will had only just begun his intro when a soft tug came from the top of his head, pulling the black beanie off his head to show his messy bed head.

Will looked to Y/n, seeing the girl place the beanie on her own head. "Yeah, so I plan on wearing this for the entire video.”

"Oh, okay-“ Will had paused, his voice cracking. Y/n let out a small laugh. The butterflies in Will’s stomach had only increased from her laugh. ‘God, you’re gorgeous.’

Will cleared his throat before he began to speak again, "Alright then, but you’ve just exposed how lazy I actually am.” Will had motioned to his hair, which seemed to never have met a hairbrush in its life.

Y/n merely stood up and walked out of the room.

"N/n? Where you going?“ Will called after her, turning in his seat.

Y/n didn’t reply, only to walk back into the room moments later with a hairbrush in hand.

"Did you go into my bathroom to find a hairbrush?” Will let out a playful scoff.

"Yes, now shush,“ Y/n smiled, turned the brunette back around to face the camera. For what felt like forever, Y/n had brushed out Will’s hair, fixing it up. While y/n was busy with that, Will had opened up a new window, pulling up Instagram. Soon enough, Y/n had finished up and sat back down next to her dear friend.

Will looked into the screen of his camera, seeing himself. "Holy shit, Y/n… it looks great.”

"I know,“ Y/n gave a nod as she watched him.

"Anyways, today we have y/n here to watch some good ol’ 90-day fiance,” Will immediately went back into his intro as Y/n gave a small wave to the camera.

The pair had ended up watching the first two videos on big Ed.

"Big Ed honestly scares me quite the bit,“ Y/n had spoken up just as they had finished the third video.

"I can understand why,” Will chuckled. “You’re a gorgeous young lady, Ed here would probably come after you telling you to shave your legs.”

'Did I just call her gorgeous?'

"Yo-“

Before Y/n could continue what she was saying, she had been stopped by the sound of her phone ringing. Everett was calling.

"Sorry for not turning off my ringer… do you mind if I take this?” Y/n let out a small sigh.

"It’s… it’s alright, go ahead,“ Will gave a small shrug, pulling out his own phone.

Y/n had left the room, only to walk into the hallway as she picked up the phone.

"Y/n, where are you?”

Y/n sucked in a breath as soon as she heard her fiance’s voice. He was clearly very upset. “I’m hanging out with… Will. We’re working on a video together.”

"Are you joking?“ Everett quickly shot back, "if he posts a video with you in it, how will that make me look? Like a fool. My fiance is hanging around other men and not even bothering to tell me of her whereabouts.”

"I’m sorry, Ev. Will’s just a friend, nothing more,“ Y/n let out a soft sigh as she leaned against the wall.

"I want you to come home right now. Just the thought of you hanging around him annoys me. You could be cheating on me at this very moment and I could never know,” venom was laced in Everett’s voice as he spoke.

"Well, if I could just finish the video with Will and he post-“

"Just come home, Y/n. Like I told you,” Y/n’s fiance had finally snapped, slightly raising his voice. Y/n flinched, pulling the phone away from her ear.

"Alright, alright… I’m on my way,“ Y/n had quickly hung up, walking back into Will’s bedroom.

Will turned in his seat to look back at Y/n, "You ready to film again?”

"I’m sorry, Will. I have to go… Everett needs me,“ Y/n bit her lip.

'I really don’t want to go. I just want to waste the day away filming with you.’

"Oh… okay then… Do you want me to walk you back to your car?” Will replied. There was some type of emotion on his face that Y/n couldn’t properly read.

'Please don’t go back to that jackass. Stay with me.’

"No, it’s alright,“ Y/n gave a small shrug. "You should get started on refilming… or just continuing the video we had already started filming."

'There’s nothing more I’d like than having you walk with me. But I don’t want there to be any chance someone spots us and Everett gets mad.’

"You sure?”

'I honestly don’t think I could be in the mood for filming once you leave.’

"Yeah… I’ll see you later.“

'God, I wish I could stay.’

"Yup, have fun with your fiance.”

'I fucking hate him.’

Y/n let out a small giggle, “I’ll try to.”

'Please make me stay.’

With that, Y/n headed out of the room still wearing Will’s beanie, her smile fading as soon as Will could no longer see her.

A week had passed by since when Y/n and Will had tried to film a video together. Anytime Will had tried to text or call Y/n, she’d only end up texting back something that wasn’t even a full sentence and she’d never bother to pick up. This had only made Will much more stressed than he had to be.

"Maybe she’s just been busy lately, Will,“ Alex had pulled Will out of his thoughts as soon as he mentioned 'she’.

Will was on a Discord call with the other Eboys, they had just been chatting about whatever came to mind and future plans for the Eboy channel.

"Yeah, busy fucking her fiance,” Will let out a dramatic scoff.

"Will, calm down. I told you that she’s probably just in love with the idea of love. She’ll get over Conway before the wedding even comes close to happening,“ George had commented.

"Wait, I’m actually confused here. Is there something going on between Will and Y/n?” James added on. James being James, he had never realized that Will had been crushing on his best friend, while both George and Alex had figured it out quicker than they should have.

"Will had been crushing on Y/n since forever,“ Alex summarized.

"Wait, and so you never told me Will, but you told both George and Alex?” James had asked his second question.

"No, they had just found out about it on their own,“ Will let out a deep sigh.

"I… I actually think you and Y/n would look cute together,” James had merely given a shrug even though the rest of the boys couldn’t see him.

"Same here,“ George had claimed after James had finished up talking.

"I honestly think all of us think that’s the pair of you would be a good couple, Will,” Alex had also pointed out.

At this point, Will had been listening to his friends while he stared at the iPhone he held in his lap. Y/n’s texts had been pulled up. He scrolled through, rereading their conversations.

"Honestly, I think you should just say fuck it and tell her how you’re feeling,“ James spoke.

Will looked up from his phone to his computer, "Are you kidding? She’s engaged, James. She’d reject me right away and everything would be awkward between us.”

"Well, at some point you’ll have your chance, Will,“ George let out a sigh.

Will only shook his head, looking back to his phone.

'Should I tell her?’

“Okay so, welcome back to the Eboys channel. Today I’m with-obviously the rest of the Eboys,” George had begun speaking to his camera. The boys had decided to film another video of the Eboys channel.  Will had let out his usual laugh of joy as George had done the intro. “Please say hello.” At the same time, James, Alex, and Will had ended up waving to their cameras, let out their ‘hellos’ in different tones. “And today, we’ve done a green screen challenge. Now, who wants to explain what a green screen challenge is?” George had quickly finished his intro, beginning to speak about the topic of today’s video. “Probably you because you’re doing the intro mate,” Will had responded. Just as he spoke, his phone buzzed. Y/n had texted him. N/N: Proud to say I still have your beanie. A small smile came across Will’s lips as he quickly typed back; 'Jokes on you, I have plenty more.’ “Yeah, I think you should do it,” James commented, pulling Will’s attention back to the video. Alex had let out a slight wheeze from James as Will continued his laughing. “Basically, what we’ve done is we’ve recorded ourselves in front of our green screens, sent the footage to each other and basically come up with whatever we can,” George had tried to be quick once more in explaining what was going to happen. “Good explanation, George,” James had smiled to his camera, dramatically clapping. “I’m not good at explaining things but-” “So like the screen is like green and you like get rid of it,” Alex had cut George of, mimicking him in a snottish tone. Soon enough the boys got into reacting to each other’s videos and of course, some of them they absolutely could not put into the actual video. The rotation of who’s videos they’d watch first had gone from Will, who had made his videos quite chaotic in the best ways possible. Alex had gone after Will, his videos had been much more low-quality editing compared to Will’s but they were still hilarious. It was now James’ turn, and of course, all his videos had been more much darker than what the others had expected… except for one video. Will was on screen with a giant smile, “Hi, I’m WillNE. And this turns me on.” Behind him was a photo of Y/n. Will had turned red as soon as the video had played. Each member of the Eboys beside him was laughing. George had even fallen out of his seat. “I don’t think we can even put that video-” “Of course we can!” Alex had cut Will off in between his wheezes, “the internet knows Y/n.” “I-” “If you want to keep the video in say 'I’,” James had cut off Will. All three of the boys had quickly said their 'I’s’ before Will had gotten the chance to intervene. “Alright, looks like this clip will be staying in the video,” George had finally ended up back in his seat, readjusting his glasses. “Fans are gonna be wild about this one,” James added on. Immediately, Alex and George had gone back to laughing hysterically. For what felt like forever they had known about Will’s crush, and to have a video like this online was gonna end up making the fans go even more wild about shipping Will and Y/n than they had already been. “Let’s just pray she doesn’t watch this video,” Will let out a long breath, glancing at his camera with a worried look in his eyes.

Y/n found herself laughing along with the boys as she had gotten to the video of Will saying that she turned him on. Soon enough the boys had ended up posted the Green Screen video and of course the boys had stayed with their word that the video of Will would go into the final cut. Y/n had scrolled to the comments as the video continued to play, seeing all the different comments. (Ship name) IS ENDGAME I guess we’re all going to hell for laughing at James’s edits If Will and Y/n don’t end up together I will literally kms George kinda hot doe Will not wanting the video of him saying Y/n’s hot is such a sub move Y/n giggled to herself as she read what the fans had to say. “Maybe I should just leave one comment…” She found herself typing away for a second or two before she had finally hit the 'comment’ button. WillNE being turned on by Y/n L/n? This is some real tea boys Y/n  had found herself replaying just the small bit of Will saying she turned him on. Why? Oh, she had no clue. Maybe she was just intrigued? But whatever it was, Y/n didn’t want to stop hearing Will say that about her, even if James was the one who had ended up editing it. “Darling, what are you looking at?” Y/n had flinched, shutting off her phone just as she had heard her dear fiance. He was standing behind her as she sat on the couch of their living room. “Just watching some YouTube,” Y/n had given a small smile. “Oh really?” Everett moved to sit next to her, “what exactly were you watching?” “Just a Memeulous video,” she gave a small shrug. “May I see your phone please?” Everett placed his hand out expectantly as his beady eyes stared at her. With a small sigh, Y/n had handed her phone over. Without hesitation, The raven-haired man had opened her phone. He had to know her password, she wasn’t allowed to keep her phone locked away from him. As soon as the phone unlocked, the video had begun playing again. 'Hello, I’m WillNE and this turns me on.’ Everett’s grip on the phone tightened. “This is the type of videos you enjoy watching?” His voice had deepened, “you enjoy watching your male friend say that he’s sexually attracted to you when you’re engaged to someone?” “Everett, it’s not like that-” “Then explain to me, Y/n!” Everett had snapped angrily, pushing the phone into Y/n’s face. “Because it looks like you’d prefer to have this fool over me!” At this point Everett had raised his voice, making Y/n flinch. “It’s just a joke-the boys are just playing around-” “Stop defending them,” Everett had yelled, keeping the phone pointed into Y/n’s face. “You’re supposed to be my wife soon, not Will’s!” “I know! I’m sorry-” “Oh shut up,” Everett stood up, still holding onto Y/n’s phone. “If you’re smart, you’ll behave. Until then, you’re not getting your phone back anytime soon.” At this point, Y/n had already started crying. She had ended up balling herself up, sitting on the edge of the couch. She felt like shit. Everett found himself walking into their room, slamming the door shut, causing the door frame to shake. He had quickly locked the door and sat at his desk, opening up his laptop. 'This jackass dares to try and take what’s mine,’ he had thought to himself as he began to google everything he could possibly find on his enemy. After around an hour or two, Everett had ended up collecting a handful of information. His name is Will Lenney and his birthday is March 11, 1996. He had known Y/n since forever and his fanbase had loved the thought of them being a couple together. He had played a charity game of football and he has over 3 million subscribers. The more Everett knew, the more he hated Will. Soon enough, he had found himself on YouTube with 'WillNE and Y/n’ in his search bar. There were tons of videos. But a certain video had caught his eye. ’Will and Y/n acting like a married couple for 6 minutes straight.’ Everett’s blood boiled as he clicked onto the video. The video began with a short clip of Will and Y/n dancing together from the time they had been invited to a party. They both were single at the time and had decided to go together. The dance had been sweet and gentle as Will’s hands had been placed on Y/n’s hips while Y/n leaned her head against his shoulder. The video had continued on to another scene where Alex, Will, and Y/n all sat in front of a MacBook on a white couch. Will had ended up laughing hard at something on Will’s computer, having him throw his head into Y/n’s lap. Y/n smiled down at him and had gently brushed her fingers through his hair. 'I think I’m just gonna stay like this for the rest of the video,’ Will had hummed, closing his eyes. 'I’m alright with that,’ Y/n giggled. The video had changed again. This time Will and Y/n sat in a room together at a desk, Y/n had been explaining something about 'stage kissing.’ Gently, Y/n brushed her fingers onto Will’s lips and leaned in. 'Wait so we’re not gonna actually kiss?’ Will had interrupted. 'Yeah, but you also get clickbait,’ Y/n hummed with a playful smile. Everett slammed his Macbook shut. He felt sick. All this time Will had been messing around with his girl, even before they had been together. 'I need to know what she has to say about this,’ Everett stood up, unlocking the door. As soon as he had stepped into the living room, his eyes glazed over the scene. She was gone. Everett was quick on his feet, continuing to look around for there to be any chance that she was still in the apartment. Nowhere. She was nowhere. With a loud sigh, Everett pulled out his phone and quickly dialed the one person who would know where she’d be. “What do you want, Conway?” Gaby’s irritated one could be heard. “Is she with you?” “No, she’s not. And 'she’ has a name,” Gaby could be heard scoffing loudly. “Whatever. Do you know where she is?” “I have a couple of guesses but I’m not gonna tell you.” “Tell me or I’ll revoke your wedding invitation,” Everett growled. That hit a nerve. Gaby and Y/n had been looking all over for a nice maid of honor dress for her to wear and Gaby had soon enough found a couple she actually liked. “She’s probably at Will’s home or something,” Gaby let out a long sigh. “Where is that?” “Why should I-” “I’ll gladly take you off the guest list.” Within minutes, Everett was in his car driving off to take back his bride.

#willne #will lenney #willne imagine #willne oneshot #willne x reader #willne fanfiction #will lenney imagine #will lenney x reader #will lenney oneshot #will lenney fanfiction #british commentary #british youtuber #british youtube #british commentary youtuber #british youtube commentary #commentary youtube #commentary youtubers #commentary youtuber #commentary crew #eboys420 oneshot #eboys420 imagine #eboys 420 #eboys420 x reader #eboys420 #eboys420 headcanon #eboys 420 imagine #eboys 420 x reader #eboys 420 oneshot #close my eyes

[fiercedeitylink-x-linkeduniverse]

Chapter 5: Portal Shifting

Time's POV

I walked into the healers' house. I made sure to be quiet so I wouldn't disturb anyone else. As I made my way over to Fierce, I heard someone crying. Is that Fierce? I hurried forward. I opened the door and to my horror, I saw Fierce crying in his sleep.

"Dad please don't die! Please. I'm sorry Dad." He was shaking with the force of his sobs. I swallowed hard. I hurried over to Fierce. I gently placed my hand on his shoulder.

His whole body jerked and his eyes snapped open. The terror and pain in his eyes... They were similar to some of the boys after their nightmares, especially Wild's. I removed my hand and glanced around the room, looking for a stool or chair of some sort. I spied a stool, walked over to pick it up, and placed it right by Fierce's bed. I sat down and waited for him to speak. He struggled to sit up on his own, so I helped him up. He swiped at his tears.

"I'm sorry, I just... When Wind got hurt, it reminded me of my dad when he died. I just..." His voice trailed off and tears began pouring down his face. He swiped at them again before speaking.

"My dad died in my arms, there was nothing I could do... I wasn't strong enough to save the soldiers, I wasn't strong enough to save Termina, I wasn't strong enough to save my dad from Majora!" He choked out. I froze. Majora should be dead, I killed him. I made sure of it. This was my fault. I should've made sure there wasn't a way for him to come back. I placed my hands on his. They were squeezing the sheets tightly.

"Nobody should've had to fight Majora, let alone a teenager. That shouldn't have been your burden to bear. Majora will never hurt you again, I promise." I'm going to make sure that this monster won't haunt Fierce anymore.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" He began to sob and I wrapped my arms around him.

"It's going to be okay, Fierce we're here for you now." I felt him take shuddering breaths as he struggled to calm down.

"I have some explaining to do tomorrow. I want to tell everyone what's going on. I was planning on doing it later when I got more used to you guys... But I don't have a choice now."

"Fierce if you don't want to explain anything, you don't have to," I hugged him tighter, hoping that I could reassure him.

"I want to though. You deserve to know." He whispered. His voice this whole time was hoarse and raspy before he was injured but now it was much worse. I'm going to make sure he takes a health potion before he starts talking tomorrow.

"Go back to sleep Fierce. We'll be waiting until YOU'RE ready to talk." I squeezed him one last time before letting go.

"Thank you, Time."

"You're welcome, Fierce."

~~~~~~~

3rd POV

Time walked back to the inn, his mind swirling with the countless thoughts that were racing through it. He walked into the inn. Warriors and Twilight were up.

"He'll explain everything tomorrow." Time replied before they could even ask.

"Is he okay?" Four asked, having just gotten off watch.

"Honestly? I don't know. Physically he's mending. Mentally? He's... He's not in a good place right now. He needs our support, not our questions." Time's voice was quiet with the recent revelations from Fierce. The guilt tried to crushed him but he refused to give in.

"Who's-"

"I will," Legend spoke up. He got up and brushed himself off. He took the same position that Four had just moments ago.

~~~~~

Wind's POV

I sat by Fierce's bed while he slept. I want to be there when he wakes up. He saved ME. I want to repay him for what he's done for me. The only thing I can think of is to be there when he wakes up. He's been out for two days. Everyone is worried. Especially Time. It's like he... I don't know what's going on with him. Apparently, Fierce had told him something private. Fierce had planned to explain everything, including his journey. But he didn't wake up.

The healers said that there was more internal damage than they had anticipated. So his body was forcing him to rest up by making him sleep. Hyrule wasn't sure if that was the whole story. He pointed out that he had used massive amounts of magic and was forced to drink a TON of red potions. It had taken a toll on his body. I sighed and laid my head by Fierce's left hand. I froze when I felt his fingers twitch before his hand slowly ruffled my hair.

"Fierce?!" I choked. He smiled weakly back at me.

Fierce's POV

How long have I been out? It feels like an eternity. I heard someone sigh and their hair brushed against my fingers. Wind? I opened my eyes. Wind's head was by my left hand. I slowly moved my hand until it was on his head. I slowly ruffled his hair. I felt him freeze up.

"Fierce?!" He choked. I smiled weakly back at him. Tears started leaking out of his eyes and he launched himself onto my chest, sobbing hard. I let out a startled yelp. I winced in pain but didn't comment and wrapped my arms around him. Four walked in carrying a tray of food and froze when he saw me.

"Fierce! He's awake everyone!" Four hollered before walking over and placing the food down slowly.

"Wind, you're probably hurting him." Four murmured. I winced in pain.

"Sor-sorry. I just missed you," He hiccuped loudly and wiped away his tears. Everyone else walked in looking worried and relieved at the same time. Four and Wind helped me sit up. I winced and placed a hand on my chest and hissed. It's okay, you've been through worse.

"I have some explaining to do," I rasped. Four shook his head.

"Eat first, then we'll see what we're gonna do." His eyes had specks of red in them.

"Okay," I muttered and noted that my fingers weren't working right. I frowned and flexed them until the proper feeling returned. I rotated my wrists to get the blood flowing again. Wild watched me like a hawk. Hyrule didn't miss any details.

"Is that from previous damage?" Hyrule asked.

"Yes, I fell through a frozen lake and almost lost my hands to frostbite." I rasped and Wind snatched up my hands and start massaging them.

"Let me know when to stop," Wind replied. It felt really good actually. My ex-girlfriend would do this when my fingers got too stiff to move. I felt my ears flick back and forth as my hands fully relaxed and pain left them.

"Thank you," I whispered. Wind stopped and hugged me and hopped off so could eat. It took me longer than I would've liked, but I got to eat.

"Um, I know you have questions... But I can't explain everything... I went through a lot and I haven't had the time to process everything before I fell through the portal. I was out camping to give myself to process and recover mentally. I just wanted to clarify that first," I started coughing when I finished, my throat throbbing and my ribs screamed in protest. I heaved struggling to catch my breath, and Wind offered me a red potion. I winced before chugging it down. I gagged at the taste and wiped off my mouth.

"Thanks, Wind." I rasped. My throat feels better. I shouldn't start hacking my lungs out.

"So, about the sword... I found it on an ancient battleground. It was stabbed into the ground and had a red cloth tied to it. I didn't want to touch it, but my friend... She told me it didn't deserve to be forgotten so I took the sword home with me. I've been using it ever since. I um-" I fidgeted wondering how much I should tell them.

"Fierce, if don't want to explain something, just say so." Legend flapped his hand.

"... There is one more thing... I have two pieces of the Triforce." I held up my left hand. The Triforce of courage and power glowed briefly.

"Woah! That's so cool!" Wind grinned at me. I smiled back at him.

"I didn't necessarily want The Triforce of Power, but I couldn't let Majora get his hands on it." I rubbed the marking on my hand. My right hand was heavily bandaged... How did not notice that?

"Majora?" Legend's face turned a bit pale.

"As in the mask, Majora?" His eyes clouded over troubled.

"Oh... He's just a mask? He was a demon god where I'm from..." I muttered.

"His spirit was banished from the mask and it became a normal mask." Time spoke up, his one staring at the tiles.

"But somehow he came back to life," I finished for him.

"I tried to figure out how he came back, but couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation." I scratched the back of my head.

"That's in the past. And that's where it's going to stay." Time stern tone caused everyone to flinch.

"Anyway, I want to apologize to you Fierce. I knew something was stalking us and I should've told you to explore somewhere else. " Wild's ears were flicking back and forth.

"There's nothing to apologize for. It wasn't your fault. We all knew something was off. If anyone should be to blame it's the monsters. They were the ones who harmed us," I wrapped an arm around Wind's shoulders.

"Alright, we should let Fierce rest. We need to get moving soon. I want to introduce him to Flora," Wild grinned.

~~~~

Sky's POV

Fierce was finally up and about now. He was very stiff and had some trouble breathing if he did too much. I could sympathize with him on that front. My asthma causes me to have trouble breathing from time to time. Fierce was constantly stretching making sure his muscles wouldn't get too stiff from not moving. Wind would copy him and it was pretty cute, watching Wind trying to mimic Fierce.

Everyone was getting their gear gathered up and ready to go since Fierce deemed himself ready to travel. He knew the limits of his own body but the healers were hesitant to let him go. They were worried he was pushing himself. Wild interjected saying he would teleport everyone there and he wouldn't be walking for too long.

But we didn't expect a portal to appear under our feet and cause everyone to be separated. I fell on my behind with a yelp. Fierce groaned loudly and I watched as he struggled to get out of the poor bush he landed on. "Do you need help, Fierce?" I gingerly climbed to my feet and walked over to him.

"I- grunt - Yeah. Help." I felt my lips twitched violently as I grabbed his arm.

"Holy birds! You're really stuck!" I pulled harder but he was stuck. Fierce's ears turned cherry red as he offered me his injured hand. I grabbed them both and pulled. I yelped as Fierce was suddenly set free from the bush and landed on top of me.

"Fierce, get off. Can't breathe!" I gasped out and he scrambled off. I coughed, getting my breath back, and sat up.

"Fierce...You just killed that poor bush." I started heaving as I struggled not to laugh. It was practically squashed. Fierce turned completely red briefly before I lost it and howled with laughter. Fierce was too embarrassed to even laugh. His ears pinned back briefly before climbing to his feet and offering me a hand up. I gladly took his hand. Fierce pulled me to my feet easily. I guess using such a heavy claymore requires you to be quite strong. Hyrule forbade him from using it until he was completely healed and Legend agreed. Apparently, Legend had cleaned off his blade for him and knew how heavy it was. He uses power bracelets but he could tell how heavy it was. I shook my head clear of my thoughts.

"Do you know where we are?" He asked eyeing the landscape.

"Unfortunately no. We'll have to get out of the forest before I can figure it out. I've been to everyone's Hyrule so far. But I don't remember being in any forests besides Wild's Hyrule."             I sighed.

"We need to find shelter. It's gonna rain." Fierce began rubbing his wrists.

"Weather affects your wrists too?" I asked worriedly when I heard him hiss.

"I can feel it getting cold. Probably going to be rain and sleet. Ouch!" His right wrist popped loudly to my horror. He cradled his arm to his chest hissing.

"Are you okay?" I hurried over.

"I- I won't be able to use my hand now. Gosh, darn it!" I unclipped my sailcloth from its clasp.

"Let me help. I can use this for a temporary sling until we find something else," Fierce's eyes were clouding over with phantom pain and he nodded. I made sure to be extremely gentle as I placed his right hand in the makeshift sling. He hissed loudly but didn't yelp. I tied the knot quickly so we could keep moving and find somewhere to hide from the oncoming storm.

~~~~~

It had taken some time before we had found a cave but it started storming midway to the cave Fierce had spotted. By the time we got there, we were soaked to the bone. Fierce was shivering uncontrollably and I immediately began searching for moss and bark to start a fire. I hunted quickly through my bag first to see if I had any bundles of wood leftover from camping. Thankfully I had some left. I quickly placed them in the fire breaker Fierce had somehow managed to create. He was in a fetal position trying to keep what little warmth he had left.

"Fierce, I hate to ask this of you... But I don't have any flint and steel to start the fire and you use a little bit of magic just to get it started? But no more than that!" I watched as he lifted his head and extended his left hand. He muttered a spell under his breath and the wood caught on fire.

"You need to change Fierce, your bandages will need to be changed." I pulled off my tunic and chainmail and set it somewhat close to the fire. I pulled out a spare tunic and slipped it over my head. Fierce whined softly in pain. I looked up and watched as he struggled to move his left hand. I walked over and sat down next to him.

"Let me take care of your tunic and wounds. You can't even move your fingers." I gently pulled off his gauntlets carefully but it still caused him great pain.

~~~~

After helping him change out of his wet clothes I made sure to immediately redo his bandages. One of his chest wounds was red from being rubbed with a soaked cloth. I winced and decided not to put anything on it. It was so raw that if it could make any sounds it would be screaming. Unfortunately, that means Fierce couldn't wear his spare tunic.  He was covered in goosebumps and shivering violently. I had wrapped his arm up after drying off my sailcloth and drying him off with dry cloth from my bag. I leafed through Fierce's bag trying to find a cloak he could use. Thankfully there was one he could use. I gently wrapped it around his shoulder and made sure he was covered.

Fierce didn't talk and was struggling to stay awake. I scooted the both of us closer to the fire to keep him warm. I had rearranged the bedrolls earlier so that we could sleep there when I was done taking care of Fierce. When everything was said and done, Fierce's head was buried in my chest. I wrapped my arms around him to keep him close so he would stay warm. I silently pleaded with the goddesses that Fierce won't be sick tomorrow.

~~~~~

Fierce's POV

I woke up to a vivid burning sensation in my chest. I hissed in pain and pulled away from Sky. I slowly sat up and to my horror, my wound was swollen and there was a liquid substance leaking out of it and down my chest. I gagged.

"Oh no! I was hoping this wouldn't happen!" Sky whispered and shook his head.

"Your wound is infected and Hyrule isn't here to help,"

I'm screwed.

#fierce deity link #linked universe fanfic #linked universe au

[specialagentsnark]

Marriage of Choice - Chapter 3

Happy Kili Tuesday everyone! I hope you’re all doing well and not going too crazy, whether you are stuck at home, work, or elsewhere. Here is Chapter 3 of Marriage of Choice. I will post it on AO3 on Friday or late Thursday night. Please leave comments either here on AO3 if you have a moment. They sustain my fragile writer’s ego.

Happy reading!

Chapter Summary: Nori’s dangerous. Tauriel just wants to relax. Kili’s grateful.

Chapter 3

Tauriel ran her finger along the rotation list, searching for her name. Every other name was listed in cirth, as were the times they were assigned watch and their location. When she found her name written in Westron, she wondered briefly why she even bothered to check any more. It was always the same. Second night watch outside the storage rooms where the mountain’s food was being kept and down by the currently little-used smithies. Just like every other night they bothered to add her to the list. Still, it was better than no work at all. She turned and went to get her breakfast before going in search of something else to work on for the day. Perhaps Bofur would have some use for her, or maybe Bombur. The two were some of the most welcoming dwarrow in the mountain and even they weren’t the most friendly people she’d ever met.

“Where are you off too?”

Tauriel looked to the side. It took her a moment, but she finally found the dwarf that had spoken. Nori stood in an alcove, leaning against the wall and fiddling with one of his knives.

“To find someone that will allow me to help,” she said honestly. After all, lying wasn’t going to get her any work.

Nori straightened and slipped the knife… somewhere. Very skilled, she decided, to be able to keep her from seeing exactly where he hid it.

“Funny you should say you’re looking for work,” he said.

Alarm horns started sounding in the back of Tauriel’s mind at the mischievous smirk dancing on his lips. She’d only seen that look once before, back when a delegation from Rivendell had come to Greenwood some hundred years prior. She’d just been a lowly soldier in Thranduil’s guard. Two of the elves that had been part of it, twins, had sported such a look before they’d created absolute havoc within the noble court. “And why would that be?” she asked and wondered if he would notice if she reached for her knives.

He tipped his head to the side, just slightly as he looked her over. “Face it lass,” he said, “there aren’t many that will live in this mountain that like you, Prince Kili not included. Me, I’m not sure if I like you either, but that doesn’t necessarily matter. I need helpers, ones that I can trust not to doublecross the royal family.”

Tauriel’s eyes narrowed. She had a feeling where this was going. “What are you asking me to do?” she asked.

He brought his hands together, palms flat and let his index fingers rest against his lower lip, the smirk curling into a grin. “Cautious. I like that,” he said and his hands dropped to his sides again. Another knife appeared in his fingers. She kept its motions in her periphery but focused the rest of her attention on his face. “Someone’s out to kill the consort. I need someone that can help me keep that from happening. I know your kind are light on their feet. Think you can sneak around a hobbit?”

Tauriel shifted her weight onto one leg and propped her fist on her hip, her fingers close to the hilt of one of her knives. “Now why do you think I’d be a good choice to follow the consort around?” she asked. “You don’t trust me.”

He snorted. “I don’t trust anyone but my One and even that can be a stretch on some days,” he told her. “You can’t be too trusting in my line of work. Well, either of the ones I’ve ever had. But that’s not the point. What is, is that I’m pretty sure you won’t do anything to break Kili’s heart. You’re his One, after all.”

One. Kili had tried to explain it, the dwarfish belief that their Maker often split their souls in their forging and that when a dwarf found their other half, they became One. She still didn’t quite understand it, but she did understand herself and the way she felt.

She could never intentionally hurt Kili.

“And if you hurt the consort, or allow him to be hurt, Kili will never forgive himself or anyone else that was in a position to help.”

Tauriel huffed a small laugh. “You’re good at manipulation,” she remarked. “What would you have me do?”

“Dwarrow don’t like you, not because of who you are, but because of what you are. They ignore you, pretend you’re not there. I’ve watched and I’ve listened.”

Had he? She didn’t remember that distinctive hairstyle anywhere near her until now.

“They say things around you they won’t say around me. They say things they think you’re too far away to hear, but I see the expression on your face when they say something disparaging about Kili. You hear them just fine. Start paying more attention. Help me find who’s behind the attempts on the consort’s life. Help me stop any attacks that may be coming.”

“You need a spy,” she said bluntly, her eyebrows lifting minutely.

He grinned at her. “You’ll be the first of many,” he promised. “No one will suspect the court’s spymaster’s top agent to be the resident banished elf.”

The reminder of her status in Thranduil’s court left a bitter taste in her mouth. But he had a point. Who would willingly trust an elf near the royal family of what was once the greatest kingdom in all Arda and had the potential to be the greatest kingdom once again? “You’re insane,” she told him, even as a small smile pulled at the corners of her lips. “I’ll listen. How should I report to you?”

“Currently, I can usually be found lurking near the royal family. If I see you there without being on Kili’s arm, I’ll know to come talk to you. I’ll also check in with you on your nightly watches outside the store rooms.”

She opened her mouth to say something and then paused. “You had a hand in that, didn’t you?”

He flashed a smile at her. “Now what makes you think I would have any influence with the Captain?” he asked and secreted his knife away before stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Good luck with finding other work,” he said and walked away, the picture of nonchalance and ease. The way he walked, the way he moved. Nori was dangerous. She was sure of it. How had they ever captured him in Mirkwood?

~*~*~

Only dwarrow were allowed in the throne room for the coronation. Knowing how much dwarrow liked their secrets, it didn’t really bother Tauriel, except for one thing. She’d done as Nori asked and listened. She needed to get to the throne room as quickly as possible and warn him of what she’d heard. The only problem was-

“Where do you think you’re going, Tree-shagger?”

Every single dwarf in the mountain wanted to waylay her.

She dodged the latest dwarf to grab at her. She needed to find Nori immediately.

“Here lass. What’s the rush?”

Tauriel paused in her near dash toward the throne room. She knew that voice. Glancing to the side, she saw a familiar hat topping an equally familiar dwarf beneath it.

“Master Bofur,” she said and relief pushed the breath she’d been preparing to use to shout at someone out in a sigh. “Do you happen to know where Master Nori is?”

“Nori?” Bofur asked, tipping his head to the side. “Last I saw of him, he was-”

“Did I just hear someone taking my name in vain?”

“Lurking right behind me.” Bofur turned. “Nori! Tauriel’s been looking for you.”

Nori’s eyebrows rose a bit. “So I hear,” he said, his smirk making his beard twitch a bit. “Thanks Bofur.”

Bofur glanced between Nori and Tauriel, shrugged, and went on his way. The moment he was out of sight, Tauriel caught Nori’s sleeve and pulled him to the side.

“What do you have for me?” Nori asked.

“Bilbo’s crown is a fake. Gilded with gold leaf. Iron beneath. You’ll have a hard time telling the difference.”

Nori’s eyes narrowed as he looked up at the ceiling. His knife reappeared and he flipped it across his knuckles absently. “Treason, huh? I’d heard whispers. Just didn’t think anyone was fool enough to actually do it. Have any names?”

Tauriel shook her head. “No, but the dwarf you’re looking for has red hair, part of his left ear missing at the top, and speaks like a noble.”

“That narrows it down a bit. Got anything else?”

Tauriel thought back to the dwarf she’d stumbled on while patrolling the halls around the little-used private smithies. He’d had his back to her while he covered the false crown in gold leaf. She didn’t want to alert him to her presence after all but he had turned toward the doorway just as she prepared to leave. “Brown eyes,” she said. “Heavy brows. Looked like his beard might have been cut a bit during the battle. The right side seemed a bit shorter than the left.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” Nori asked. “Well done. Keep your ears open for more little tidbits.” With that, he turned and…

Disappeared. Confused, Tauriel went over to where she’d last been able to see Nori. Her hands met solid wall without any imperfections that she could see. Did dwarrow know magic?

With nothing more to do, Tauriel headed back towards the royal wing. She was still trying to decide if Thorin had gifted her rooms there out of gratitude for the healing she’d done for him and his nephews, because Kili had asked him to (she’d never asked Kili if he’d gone to his uncle or not), or because Thorin wanted her in his sight as often as possible.

Whatever the reason, she couldn’t help but feel grateful. Enough dwarrow glared balefully at her on a regular basis. She didn’t want that when she first stepped out of her apartment. Home? Did she consider those rooms within Erebor her home now? She thought of the rooms she had in the barracks back in Mirkwood. Her belongings would still be in there, possibly. Or maybe someone had destroyed them after news of her banishment had gotten out. She’d have to ask next time someone from Mirkwood came to the mountain. Perhaps Legolas-

If she hadn’t been musing on what had happened to her few personal belongings, she would have had a lot more warning than she did. She almost ran straight into the dwarf trying to pick the lock on the currently unoccupied king’s rooms.

He hadn’t heard her though. Sloppy and unobservant.

Bemoaning her new lack of free time, Tauriel stepped up behind the dwarf, drew one of her knives and settled the tip of it against the dwarf’s back. No armor. No lookout. So very sloppy.

Who trained these dwarrow anyway?

It didn’t matter. Only made her life easier.

“What business have you in the king’s quarters?” she asked. No reason to announce that Thorin hadn’t moved into them with Bilbo.

The dwarf snarled something in khuzdul.

“I was under the impression that you weren’t supposed to use the dwarfen language in the presence of outsiders,” she remarked idly and applied a little more pressure with her knife.

“Go shag a tree,” the dwarf snapped.

“You’ll need new material if you think insults are going to make me leave you be,” Tauriel told him.

The dwarf lunged forward, trying to get out of her reach. She stepped with him, grabbed a fistful of his doublet, and slammed him into the door he’d just been trying to unlock. With him pinned, she started going through his pockets. She found a small assortment of weapons.

“You should take lessons from the crown prince,” she told him. “He’s far more adept at hiding blades on his person.” She continued searching and found other sharp, pointy objects as well as a garot. “Going by your assassin’s toolkit, I’ll just assume you’re here to kill the king or his consort.”

The dwarf growled something unintelligible.

“What was that?” Tauriel asked. “I couldn’t understand you with your face smashed against the woodwork.” She hauled him away from the door and started frogmarching him toward the guardhouse.

“You’re robbing me of my free time,” she told the dwarf. “I’d planned to relax during the coronation but you’ve just ruined that.”

The dwarf shouted wordlessly and twisted in her grip. She let him go. If he was going to take away her time to have a long, proper soak in the lovely heated bath in her rooms (Eru bless dwarrow engineering), he might as well provide her with the entertainment of a good fight.

He charged her, the slim, short blade she’d purposely let him keep held in a reverse grip. He slashed at her and she stepped back, out of his reach. With the same motion, she swung and hit him on the side of the head with an open palm. More a challenge than an attack really. Pent up energy not released in the training grounds roiled beneath her skin almost constantly and she finally, finally, had a chance to do something with it.

He cursed at her in khuzdul.

Tauriel tsked at him. “Keep that up and I’ll have to report you to the king.”

“The king will thank me for gutting you like the bi-”

She lunged and jabbed her fist into his stomach, just below his ribcage. He wheezed and coughed, the wind knocked clean from his lungs. He bent double but tried to keep his head up and his knife out to warn her away from him.

She kicked at his hand and the blade spun across the marble floor.

Unarmed, the dwarf panicked. He lunged into her, trying to take her down by hitting her low. She sidestepped at the last second and brought her knee up into his midsection again. Bones cracked against her leg. She swung both fists down, hitting him between his shoulder blades even as he fell to the floor. He didn’t get back up again.

She bent and checked him over. He breathed and his heart still beat, but she had a feeling she’d hit him too hard. His pulse raced harder than the fight called for it too, short as it had been, and he breathed too hard as well.

She cursed under her breath. After tying his hands together behind his back, she hoisted him over her shoulder and left for the guardhouse.

Nori beat her there, dragging in the dwarf she’d seen creating the false crown. She waited for Nori to settle his captive before drawing attention to herself and her burden.

Nori shut the door that separated the guardhouse from the cells. “What do we have here?” he asked and pulled on her captive’s hair until he could see his face. “Oh good. You found him. Where?”

“Trying to enter King Thror’s old rooms,” she said. “I found these on him.” She pulled the weapons she’d confiscated off the dwarf out of her belt and dumped them on a table.

Picking through the pile, Nori nodded. “I knew he wasn’t the soldier he claimed to be,” he said. “Couldn’t decide if he was a common thief or something more though. Good work. Leave him with me. I’ll make sure the right people know he’s here.”

Relief coursed through her. “Thank you,” she said. “I’d really rather not draw attention to myself.”

He smirked at her. “No worries on that one lass. Everyone wants you to not be here so you’ll have the freedom to move. I’ll not be jeopardizing that any time soon. You’ll be useful until you marry your prince.” He reached up to take her burden from her. “Off you go now. Enjoy some free time assuming you don’t find any more would-be assassins lurking somewhere in the royal wing.”

Tauriel inclined her head in acknowledgement of his unspoken request before doing as he said. Perhaps she’d still have time for her bath after all.

~*~*~

Kili greeted Tauriel with a short kiss a few weeks later.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as he took her hand and they started walking toward the training grounds.

“Why would anything be wrong, Amrâlimê?”

Tauriel stopped and waited for him to look at her. When he did, she just raised an eyebrow at him. His shoulders slumped.

“It’s nothing,” he said even as he looked down and to the side. “I just feel like Fili’s avoiding me is all. He’s been busy lately with his new duties now that being crown prince actually matters.”

Tauriel touched Kili’s shoulder gently and he looked up at her eyes again. “I do not have any family,” she said. “I don’t understand your pain or frustration in this. Can I help in any way?”

Kili relaxed a little under her touch. He looked up at her with a small, sweet smile and with his eyebrows drawn together and lifted slightly. His expression coupled with his perpetually disheveled hair lent him the air of a puppy and a feeling of ease settled into Tauriel.

“I thank Mahal every day at least once for bringing you to me,” Kili told her and took her hands. “Having you with me is all I could ever ask or I would be too greedy.”

Tauriel huffed a laugh. “You silly dwarf,” she said and bent to tap her forehead to his. She still didn’t quite understand why the gesture meant something to dwarrow, but it made Kili happy, so she did it.

“Amrâlimê,” he murmured and smiled that sweet, puppy grin again. Together, they went to breakfast and ate with those members of the Company that weren’t already up and about their own duties that day. Fili came in late, sat at the far end of the table, wolfed down a small breakfast while going over some document or other, and then limped his way out of the hall as fast as his crutches could carry him.

Tauriel wouldn’t have even noted him if Kili hadn’t mentioned something already. As it was, she was fairly certain she was the only one that noted the golden prince’s pained glance he directed at Kili.

If asking for help with his brother made Kili feel too greedy in the eyes of his Maker, then she would just take matters into her own hands.

First, though, she had guard duty. Down by the little used public workshops and storerooms. Again.

When she finally resurfaced from her duties hours later (not a soul in sight the entire time), she managed to track Fili down in the newly cleaned and repaired kitchens. He sat at a small table set to the side with a small plate in front of him, nothing but pastry crumbs left on it. She sat across from him without preamble.

“Captain Tauriel,” Fili said, startling slightly when she first entered his line of vision. He glanced around. “Is, ah, Kili with you?”

“As long as I am banished from the Greenwood, I cannot be a captain of their guard.” She settled her hands on the table, clasping them together as she leveled Fili with the most level look she could muster. “Would it be a problem if he were with me?” she asked mildly.

She must not have kept her tone even enough. Fili’s eyes widened a little and one of his hands shifted, his fingers touching the cuff of his coat, reaching for a hidden knife. She resisted the urge to frown. She’d thought she could trust Fili. Maybe she’d been a bit misguided in that. She kept his hands in her periphery, just in case she needed to avoid a thrown dagger at any moment.

“No,” Fili hedged. “Why would there be?”

She ignored him. “Then perhaps you’ve truly been too busy to see him and are now trying to find him.”

He visibly flinched, turning his gaze away from her as he ducked his chin guiltily toward his right shoulder. His fingers continued to toy with the cuff of his sleeve. She could see his finger rubbing against the hilt of the knife there. Easily reached, but he still didn’t draw it. A nervous tick perhaps?

She took pity on him when he didn’t look up after a few moments. “He misses you.”

Fili’s shoulders rose closer to his ears and his frown deepened.

“Why do you avoid him?” She asked curiously. “He wants nothing more than to help you and be at your side as he always has been.”

“But he wouldn’t be at my side, would he?” Fili asked quietly once one of the few kitchen workers bustled by with a tray of fresh apple turnovers. The smell wafted over them and Fili paled and went a bit green beneath his moustache and beard. He swallowed visibly. “He’d be in front of me. I can’t keep up with him anymore.”

“Your Highness?”

Fili scrubbed at his face and muttered something into his palms she couldn’t understand. When he finally pulled his hands away he looked up at her with eyes so different from Kili’s but with a familiarity to them it almost hurt at the anguish lining them, pulling at the corners of his mouth, drawing his skin tight and leaving him slightly pale. “I’ve always been there. His big brother. Always immovable and invincible. Now look at me.” He tapped the crutches that lay on the table next to him, close to the wall. “I can’t even walk.”

Tauriel took a moment to weigh her words carefully. She knew his recent relapse in his recovery ate at him. It would eat at her too if she’d been in his situation, finally walking with a cane only to aggravate the injury and be put on bed rest for days again. He’d only climbed out of his bed a week before.“I was told what you said when you refused to join your uncle when he first traveled from Esgaroth to the mountain. ‘I belong with my brother.’ Perhaps, just as you stayed by his side when he needed help, he only desires to be beside you in your recovery.”

His hand dropped to his leg and he rubbed at it absently, a grimace pulling the lines around his eyes deeper. Something about his expression nudged at something in the back of her mind. She knew that look, but from where?

“I’ll talk to him,” Fili said and his fingers came away from the hilt of the knife up his sleeve. “I’m sorry, Lady Tauriel. I’m sure he hasn’t been the easiest to deal with the last little bit. I know he can be a bit manic when he’s agitated or upset.”

“Don’t apologize to me, unless it’s for calling me ‘Lady’,” she admonished with a half smile. “I love Kili and enjoy every side of him.”

Fili propped his chin in his hand and smirked. “Is that what it’s like to find your One?” he asked. “To understand every little nuannce and bit of insanity your other half deals out to you?”

Movement behind Fili caught her attention. “You tell me,” Tauriel said with a smile and climbed to her feet. “Kili will be early to the council meeting this afternoon.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Fili demanded as he reached for his crutches.

“Your Highness?”

Tauriel just smirked when Fili almost fell over when he twisted in surprise. Bard’s eldest daughter stood behind him with one eyebrow raised and an amused smile playing at her lips. Perhaps Kili was right after all. She would need to find Nori and add her own coin to the betting.

~*~*~

Kili found her that evening as she stood on top of the wall and stared at the latest snowfall. He came and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and burying his face into her back. She placed her hand over his and continued to scan for lurking orcs.

“Thank you,” Kili murmured after a time.

“I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re referring to,” she said and leaned back a bit, letting him take some of her weight. He shifted and came to stand beside her, one of his arms still wrapped around her back. He leaned his head on her shoulder and stared out at the snow. She draped her arm across his shoulders and he reached up to lace their fingers together.

“Will you help?” he asked. “I know you’re trying to stay busy when I’m not able to be around. Do you think you could help in the infirmary? Maybe see if Oin has anything you can do to help Fili along with his healing?”

Apprehension flared in her stomach, making it twist a little. “I’m not sure the good healer will allow me to assist in anything within his domain.”

Kili snorted. “After what you did to save me, twice now, I’m pretty sure he’ll listen to just about any suggestions you may have.”

She hummed absently. “I’d like to learn more about dwarfish medicine. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind an exchange of techniques.”

“Playing on his intellectual side. I love it when you’re crafty.”

She shook slightly with suppressed laughter. “I’m hardly crafty. I honestly wish to learn.”

“Of course you do,” Kili said and pulled her hand to his lips.

Chapter 3

Tauriel ran her finger along the rotation list, searching for her name. Every other name was listed in cirth, as were the times they were assigned watch and their location. When she found her name written in Westron, she wondered briefly why she even bothered to check any more. It was always the same. Second night watch outside the storage rooms where the mountain’s food was being kept and down by the currently little-used smithies. Just like every other night they bothered to add her to the list. Still, it was better than no work at all. She turned and went to get her breakfast before going in search of something else to work on for the day. Perhaps Bofur would have some use for her, or maybe Bombur. The two were some of the most welcoming dwarrow in the mountain and even they weren’t the most friendly people she’d ever met.

“Where are you off too?”

Tauriel looked to the side. It took her a moment, but she finally found the dwarf that had spoken. Nori stood in an alcove, leaning against the wall and fiddling with one of his knives.

“To find someone that will allow me to help,” she said honestly. After all, lying wasn’t going to get her any work.

Nori straightened and slipped the knife… somewhere. Very skilled, she decided, to be able to keep her from seeing exactly where he hid it.

“Funny you should say you’re looking for work,” he said.

Alarm horns started sounding in the back of Tauriel’s mind at the mischievous smirk dancing on his lips. She’d only seen that look once before, back when a delegation from Rivendell had come to Greenwood some hundred years prior. She’d just been a lowly soldier in Thranduil’s guard. Two of the elves that had been part of it, twins, had sported such a look before they’d created absolute havoc within the noble court. “And why would that be?” she asked and wondered if he would notice if she reached for her knives.

He tipped his head to the side, just slightly as he looked her over. “Face it lass,” he said, “there aren’t many that will live in this mountain that like you, Prince Kili not included. Me, I’m not sure if I like you either, but that doesn’t necessarily matter. I need helpers, ones that I can trust not to doublecross the royal family.”

Tauriel’s eyes narrowed. She had a feeling where this was going. “What are you asking me to do?” she asked.

He brought his hands together, palms flat and let his index fingers rest against his lower lip, the smirk curling into a grin. “Cautious. I like that,” he said and his hands dropped to his sides again. Another knife appeared in his fingers. She kept its motions in her periphery but focused the rest of her attention on his face. “Someone’s out to kill the consort. I need someone that can help me keep that from happening. I know your kind are light on their feet. Think you can sneak around a hobbit?”

Tauriel shifted her weight onto one leg and propped her fist on her hip, her fingers close to the hilt of one of her knives. “Now why do you think I’d be a good choice to follow the consort around?” she asked. “You don’t trust me.”

He snorted. “I don’t trust anyone but my One and even that can be a stretch on some days,” he told her. “You can’t be too trusting in my line of work. Well, either of the ones I’ve ever had. But that’s not the point. What is, is that I’m pretty sure you won’t do anything to break Kili’s heart. You’re his One, after all.”

One. Kili had tried to explain it, the dwarfish belief that their Maker often split their souls in their forging and that when a dwarf found their other half, they became One. She still didn’t quite understand it, but she did understand herself and the way she felt.

She could never intentionally hurt Kili.

“And if you hurt the consort, or allow him to be hurt, Kili will never forgive himself or anyone else that was in a position to help.”

Tauriel huffed a small laugh. “You’re good at manipulation,” she remarked. “What would you have me do?”

“Dwarrow don’t like you, not because of who you are, but because of what you are. They ignore you, pretend you’re not there. I’ve watched and I’ve listened.”

Had he? She didn’t remember that distinctive hairstyle anywhere near her until now.

“They say things around you they won’t say around me. They say things they think you’re too far away to hear, but I see the expression on your face when they say something disparaging about Kili. You hear them just fine. Start paying more attention. Help me find who’s behind the attempts on the consort’s life. Help me stop any attacks that may be coming.”

“You need a spy,” she said bluntly, her eyebrows lifting minutely.

He grinned at her. “You’ll be the first of many,” he promised. “No one will suspect the court’s spymaster’s top agent to be the resident banished elf.”

The reminder of her status in Thranduil’s court left a bitter taste in her mouth. But he had a point. Who would willingly trust an elf near the royal family of what was once the greatest kingdom in all Arda and had the potential to be the greatest kingdom once again? “You’re insane,” she told him, even as a small smile pulled at the corners of her lips. “I’ll listen. How should I report to you?”

“Currently, I can usually be found lurking near the royal family. If I see you there without being on Kili’s arm, I’ll know to come talk to you. I’ll also check in with you on your nightly watches outside the store rooms.”

She opened her mouth to say something and then paused. “You had a hand in that, didn’t you?”

He flashed a smile at her. “Now what makes you think I would have any influence with the Captain?” he asked and secreted his knife away before stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Good luck with finding other work,” he said and walked away, the picture of nonchalance and ease. The way he walked, the way he moved. Nori was dangerous. She was sure of it. How had they ever captured him in Mirkwood?

~*~*~

Only dwarrow were allowed in the throne room for the coronation. Knowing how much dwarrow liked their secrets, it didn’t really bother Tauriel, except for one thing. She’d done as Nori asked and listened. She needed to get to the throne room as quickly as possible and warn him of what she’d heard. The only problem was-

“Where do you think you’re going, Tree-shagger?”

Every single dwarf in the mountain wanted to waylay her.

She dodged the latest dwarf to grab at her. She needed to find Nori immediately.

“Here lass. What’s the rush?”

Tauriel paused in her near dash toward the throne room. She knew that voice. Glancing to the side, she saw a familiar hat topping an equally familiar dwarf beneath it.

“Master Bofur,” she said and relief pushed the breath she’d been preparing to use to shout at someone out in a sigh. “Do you happen to know where Master Nori is?”

“Nori?” Bofur asked, tipping his head to the side. “Last I saw of him, he was-”

“Did I just hear someone taking my name in vain?”

“Lurking right behind me.” Bofur turned. “Nori! Tauriel’s been looking for you.”

Nori’s eyebrows rose a bit. “So I hear,” he said, his smirk making his beard twitch a bit. “Thanks Bofur.”

Bofur glanced between Nori and Tauriel, shrugged, and went on his way. The moment he was out of sight, Tauriel caught Nori’s sleeve and pulled him to the side.

“What do you have for me?” Nori asked.

“Bilbo’s crown is a fake. Gilded with gold leaf. Iron beneath. You’ll have a hard time telling the difference.”

Nori’s eyes narrowed as he looked up at the ceiling. His knife reappeared and he flipped it across his knuckles absently. “Treason, huh? I’d heard whispers. Just didn’t think anyone was fool enough to actually do it. Have any names?”

Tauriel shook her head. “No, but the dwarf you’re looking for has red hair, part of his left ear missing at the top, and speaks like a noble.”

“That narrows it down a bit. Got anything else?”

Tauriel thought back to the dwarf she’d stumbled on while patrolling the halls around the little-used private smithies. He’d had his back to her while he covered the false crown in gold leaf. She didn’t want to alert him to her presence after all but he had turned toward the doorway just as she prepared to leave. “Brown eyes,” she said. “Heavy brows. Looked like his beard might have been cut a bit during the battle. The right side seemed a bit shorter than the left.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” Nori asked. “Well done. Keep your ears open for more little tidbits.” With that, he turned and…

Disappeared. Confused, Tauriel went over to where she’d last been able to see Nori. Her hands met solid wall without any imperfections that she could see. Did dwarrow know magic?

With nothing more to do, Tauriel headed back towards the royal wing. She was still trying to decide if Thorin had gifted her rooms there out of gratitude for the healing she’d done for him and his nephews, because Kili had asked him to (she’d never asked Kili if he’d gone to his uncle or not), or because Thorin wanted her in his sight as often as possible.

Whatever the reason, she couldn’t help but feel grateful. Enough dwarrow glared balefully at her on a regular basis. She didn’t want that when she first stepped out of her apartment. Home? Did she consider those rooms within Erebor her home now? She thought of the rooms she had in the barracks back in Mirkwood. Her belongings would still be in there, possibly. Or maybe someone had destroyed them after news of her banishment had gotten out. She’d have to ask next time someone from Mirkwood came to the mountain. Perhaps Legolas-

If she hadn’t been musing on what had happened to her few personal belongings, she would have had a lot more warning than she did. She almost ran straight into the dwarf trying to pick the lock on the currently unoccupied king’s rooms.

He hadn’t heard her though. Sloppy and unobservant.

Bemoaning her new lack of free time, Tauriel stepped up behind the dwarf, drew one of her knives and settled the tip of it against the dwarf’s back. No armor. No lookout. So very sloppy.

Who trained these dwarrow anyway?

It didn’t matter. Only made her life easier.

“What business have you in the king’s quarters?” she asked. No reason to announce that Thorin hadn’t moved into them with Bilbo.

The dwarf snarled something in khuzdul.

“I was under the impression that you weren’t supposed to use the dwarfen language in the presence of outsiders,” she remarked idly and applied a little more pressure with her knife.

“Go shag a tree,” the dwarf snapped.

“You’ll need new material if you think insults are going to make me leave you be,” Tauriel told him.

The dwarf lunged forward, trying to get out of her reach. She stepped with him, grabbed a fistful of his doublet, and slammed him into the door he’d just been trying to unlock. With him pinned, she started going through his pockets. She found a small assortment of weapons.

“You should take lessons from the crown prince,” she told him. “He’s far more adept at hiding blades on his person.” She continued searching and found other sharp, pointy objects as well as a garot. “Going by your assassin’s toolkit, I’ll just assume you’re here to kill the king or his consort.”

The dwarf growled something unintelligible.

“What was that?” Tauriel asked. “I couldn’t understand you with your face smashed against the woodwork.” She hauled him away from the door and started frogmarching him toward the guardhouse.

“You’re robbing me of my free time,” she told the dwarf. “I’d planned to relax during the coronation but you’ve just ruined that.”

The dwarf shouted wordlessly and twisted in her grip. She let him go. If he was going to take away her time to have a long, proper soak in the lovely heated bath in her rooms (Eru bless dwarrow engineering), he might as well provide her with the entertainment of a good fight.

He charged her, the slim, short blade she’d purposely let him keep held in a reverse grip. He slashed at her and she stepped back, out of his reach. With the same motion, she swung and hit him on the side of the head with an open palm. More a challenge than an attack really. Pent up energy not released in the training grounds roiled beneath her skin almost constantly and she finally, finally, had a chance to do something with it.

He cursed at her in khuzdul.

Tauriel tsked at him. “Keep that up and I’ll have to report you to the king.”

“The king will thank me for gutting you like the bi-”

She lunged and jabbed her fist into his stomach, just below his ribcage. He wheezed and coughed, the wind knocked clean from his lungs. He bent double but tried to keep his head up and his knife out to warn her away from him.

She kicked at his hand and the blade spun across the marble floor.

Unarmed, the dwarf panicked. He lunged into her, trying to take her down by hitting her low. She sidestepped at the last second and brought her knee up into his midsection again. Bones cracked against her leg. She swung both fists down, hitting him between his shoulder blades even as he fell to the floor. He didn’t get back up again.

She bent and checked him over. He breathed and his heart still beat, but she had a feeling she’d hit him too hard. His pulse raced harder than the fight called for it too, short as it had been, and he breathed too hard as well.

She cursed under her breath. After tying his hands together behind his back, she hoisted him over her shoulder and left for the guardhouse.

Nori beat her there, dragging in the dwarf she’d seen creating the false crown. She waited for Nori to settle his captive before drawing attention to herself and her burden.

Nori shut the door that separated the guardhouse from the cells. “What do we have here?” he asked and pulled on her captive’s hair until he could see his face. “Oh good. You found him. Where?”

“Trying to enter King Thror’s old rooms,” she said. “I found these on him.” She pulled the weapons she’d confiscated off the dwarf out of her belt and dumped them on a table.

Picking through the pile, Nori nodded. “I knew he wasn’t the soldier he claimed to be,” he said. “Couldn’t decide if he was a common thief or something more though. Good work. Leave him with me. I’ll make sure the right people know he’s here.”

Relief coursed through her. “Thank you,” she said. “I’d really rather not draw attention to myself.”

He smirked at her. “No worries on that one lass. Everyone wants you to not be here so you’ll have the freedom to move. I’ll not be jeopardizing that any time soon. You’ll be useful until you marry your prince.” He reached up to take her burden from her. “Off you go now. Enjoy some free time assuming you don’t find any more would-be assassins lurking somewhere in the royal wing.”

Tauriel inclined her head in acknowledgement of his unspoken request before doing as he said. Perhaps she’d still have time for her bath after all.

~*~*~

Kili greeted Tauriel with a short kiss a few weeks later.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as he took her hand and they started walking toward the training grounds.

“Why would anything be wrong, Amrâlimê?”

Tauriel stopped and waited for him to look at her. When he did, she just raised an eyebrow at him. His shoulders slumped.

“It’s nothing,” he said even as he looked down and to the side. “I just feel like Fili’s avoiding me is all. He’s been busy lately with his new duties now that being crown prince actually matters.”

Tauriel touched Kili’s shoulder gently and he looked up at her eyes again. “I do not have any family,” she said. “I don’t understand your pain or frustration in this. Can I help in any way?”

Kili relaxed a little under her touch. He looked up at her with a small, sweet smile and with his eyebrows drawn together and lifted slightly. His expression coupled with his perpetually disheveled hair lent him the air of a puppy and a feeling of ease settled into Tauriel.

“I thank Mahal every day at least once for bringing you to me,” Kili told her and took her hands. “Having you with me is all I could ever ask or I would be too greedy.”

Tauriel huffed a laugh. “You silly dwarf,” she said and bent to tap her forehead to his. She still didn’t quite understand why the gesture meant something to dwarrow, but it made Kili happy, so she did it.

“Amrâlimê,” he murmured and smiled that sweet, puppy grin again. Together, they went to breakfast and ate with those members of the Company that weren’t already up and about their own duties that day. Fili came in late, sat at the far end of the table, wolfed down a small breakfast while going over some document or other, and then limped his way out of the hall as fast as his crutches could carry him.

Tauriel wouldn’t have even noted him if Kili hadn’t mentioned something already. As it was, she was fairly certain she was the only one that noted the golden prince’s pained glance he directed at Kili.

If asking for help with his brother made Kili feel too greedy in the eyes of his Maker, then she would just take matters into her own hands.

First, though, she had guard duty. Down by the little used public workshops and storerooms. Again.

When she finally resurfaced from her duties hours later (not a soul in sight the entire time), she managed to track Fili down in the newly cleaned and repaired kitchens. He sat at a small table set to the side with a small plate in front of him, nothing but pastry crumbs left on it. She sat across from him without preamble.

“Captain Tauriel,” Fili said, startling slightly when she first entered his line of vision. He glanced around. “Is, ah, Kili with you?”

“As long as I am banished from the Greenwood, I cannot be a captain of their guard.” She settled her hands on the table, clasping them together as she leveled Fili with the most level look she could muster. “Would it be a problem if he were with me?” she asked mildly.

She must not have kept her tone even enough. Fili’s eyes widened a little and one of his hands shifted, his fingers touching the cuff of his coat, reaching for a hidden knife. She resisted the urge to frown. She’d thought she could trust Fili. Maybe she’d been a bit misguided in that. She kept his hands in her periphery, just in case she needed to avoid a thrown dagger at any moment.

“No,” Fili hedged. “Why would there be?”

She ignored him. “Then perhaps you’ve truly been too busy to see him and are now trying to find him.”

He visibly flinched, turning his gaze away from her as he ducked his chin guiltily toward his right shoulder. His fingers continued to toy with the cuff of his sleeve. She could see his finger rubbing against the hilt of the knife there. Easily reached, but he still didn’t draw it. A nervous tick perhaps?

She took pity on him when he didn’t look up after a few moments. “He misses you.”

Fili’s shoulders rose closer to his ears and his frown deepened.

“Why do you avoid him?” She asked curiously. “He wants nothing more than to help you and be at your side as he always has been.”

“But he wouldn’t be at my side, would he?” Fili asked quietly once one of the few kitchen workers bustled by with a tray of fresh apple turnovers. The smell wafted over them and Fili paled and went a bit green beneath his moustache and beard. He swallowed visibly. “He’d be in front of me. I can’t keep up with him anymore.”

“Your Highness?”

Fili scrubbed at his face and muttered something into his palms she couldn’t understand. When he finally pulled his hands away he looked up at her with eyes so different from Kili’s but with a familiarity to them it almost hurt at the anguish lining them, pulling at the corners of his mouth, drawing his skin tight and leaving him slightly pale. “I’ve always been there. His big brother. Always immovable and invincible. Now look at me.” He tapped the crutches that lay on the table next to him, close to the wall. “I can’t even walk.”

Tauriel took a moment to weigh her words carefully. She knew his recent relapse in his recovery ate at him. It would eat at her too if she’d been in his situation, finally walking with a cane only to aggravate the injury and be put on bed rest for days again. He’d only climbed out of his bed a week before.“I was told what you said when you refused to join your uncle when he first traveled from Esgaroth to the mountain. ‘I belong with my brother.’ Perhaps, just as you stayed by his side when he needed help, he only desires to be beside you in your recovery.”

His hand dropped to his leg and he rubbed at it absently, a grimace pulling the lines around his eyes deeper. Something about his expression nudged at something in the back of her mind. She knew that look, but from where?

“I’ll talk to him,” Fili said and his fingers came away from the hilt of the knife up his sleeve. “I’m sorry, Lady Tauriel. I’m sure he hasn’t been the easiest to deal with the last little bit. I know he can be a bit manic when he’s agitated or upset.”

“Don’t apologize to me, unless it’s for calling me ‘Lady’,” she admonished with a half smile. “I love Kili and enjoy every side of him.”

Fili propped his chin in his hand and smirked. “Is that what it’s like to find your One?” he asked. “To understand every little nuannce and bit of insanity your other half deals out to you?”

Movement behind Fili caught her attention. “You tell me,” Tauriel said with a smile and climbed to her feet. “Kili will be early to the council meeting this afternoon.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Fili demanded as he reached for his crutches.

“Your Highness?”

Tauriel just smirked when Fili almost fell over when he twisted in surprise. Bard’s eldest daughter stood behind him with one eyebrow raised and an amused smile playing at her lips. Perhaps Kili was right after all. She would need to find Nori and add her own coin to the betting.

~*~*~

Kili found her that evening as she stood on top of the wall and stared at the latest snowfall. He came and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and burying his face into her back. She placed her hand over his and continued to scan for lurking orcs.

“Thank you,” Kili murmured after a time.

“I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re referring to,” she said and leaned back a bit, letting him take some of her weight. He shifted and came to stand beside her, one of his arms still wrapped around her back. He leaned his head on her shoulder and stared out at the snow. She draped her arm across his shoulders and he reached up to lace their fingers together.

“Will you help?” he asked. “I know you’re trying to stay busy when I’m not able to be around. Do you think you could help in the infirmary? Maybe see if Oin has anything you can do to help Fili along with his healing?”

Apprehension flared in her stomach, making it twist a little. “I’m not sure the good healer will allow me to assist in anything within his domain.”

Kili snorted. “After what you did to save me, twice now, I’m pretty sure he’ll listen to just about any suggestions you may have.”

She hummed absently. “I’d like to learn more about dwarfish medicine. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind an exchange of techniques.”

“Playing on his intellectual side. I love it when you’re crafty.”

She shook slightly with suppressed laughter. “I’m hardly crafty. I honestly wish to learn.”

“Of course you do,” Kili said and pulled her hand to his lips.

#my writing #the hobbit #kiliel #Crafty Nori #kili #kili ktuesday #tauriel #also on ao3 #Cross-posted #please leave comments #Nori #Fili #hobbit #happy reading

[theurbanologist]

My First Black Friday

Before I tell you about My First Black Friday, which occurred in the First Complete Year (FCY) of the Rona Times (RT---let's make this FCYRT, okay?), let me tell you about my personal history with Black Friday.

As a kid in Seattle, we never participated in this annual shop-til-you-drop ritual. My father always told us that this rank consumerism was to be avoided at all costs. It was an exercise in highly concentrated American-style capitalism that commenced before the late November sun had risen and ended many hours after the sun had waved goodbye. 

Besides, we lived in a two bedroom apartment.

Where the hell would we put all these Black Friday indulgences? 

Personally, I found the Black Friday TV advertisements insipid and obvious. I recall one for the now defunct Lamont's department store that featured a woman in a long tan coat waiting eagerly outside the store entrance in Some Shopping Mall.

The camera panned across her fingers as she rapped them on the sliding glass store entrance. Rap, rap, rap, and then the camera moved to her mouth as she repeated the words "Open, open, open." This ad was in heavy rotation for weeks on end and thirty years later and thousands of new commercials later, it is still with me. It is an assemblage of images and incantations that haunts me this time every year. 

Black Friday passed largely unnoticed in our household for years on end. When I moved to Chicago, I didn't pay it much attention, except that it screams out and tells us via radio, television, online ads, print ads (the best!), and other forms of coercion that attention must be paid. 

At times, it has been hard to ignore.

So here we are. My first Black Friday.

I found my way to the Macy's in downtown Boston at 6AM to see what I would find. Hordes decked out in Santa-forward N95 masks? The Salvation Army bucket with its jingle jangle and the hope of WILL I BE THE ONE THAT SOMEONE DROPS A BITCOIN INTO THIS YEAR?

Or.....or.....or....something else?

I entered on the Summer Street side and a security guard mumbled something that sounded like "Welcome to Macy's", but honestly, it sounded like "Waffles are racy"---and I thought: "Are they?"

A nod of the head and an eye-smile---wait, you've heard of the eye-smile right? Okay, so we are 8 months into the pandemic and I've decided to always smile-with-my-eyes to indicate a bit of compassion as I make my way through These Times. 

It involves the lifting of the eyebrows along with a concentrated focus on an upward lift of the cheek muscles, NO BOTOX REQUIRED. If you're doing it right, you'll feel a bit of soreness for just a moment. That's an eye-smile.

Eye-smile completed, I walked on and past a display stand of Macy's brand men's cashmere sweaters (GIFTS UNDER $100, thanks for the reminder) and a sign that reminded me to keep at least one reindeer length apart from other shoppers. At this hour, there were significantly more Macy's employees on the floor than actual shoppers. 

Walking through the home goods section in the basement, I found one woman lying on a bed as she "tested out the thread count"---well, that's what she told me, who am I to argue? I'm not sure you can test out the thread count with your clothes on, but taking your clothes off in a department store will probably lead to your removal from said store. I considered a few Martha Stewart duvet covers and moved on.

After 25 minutes, I had picked out a few items and found myself increasingly uncomfortable. Probably due to being inside during These Times, let me be honest with you right now. Also, I felt weird that the store was essentially empty. I was rather hoping to see more people---not because boo-hoo-hoo I am worried about Macy's financial health, but I just wanted to see people. 

I made my way to the register with a French skillet ($4.85) a hot air popcorn maker ($9.99) and four pairs of colorful dress socks (total cost $16). As the woman behind the register rang me up, she commented thusly: "You know it's Black Friday right? It's totally cool to buy more."

As she said this, I think she gave me an eye-smile.

But I'm not sure.

[thewildwaffle]

Abduction - Chapter 24

My goal is to finish this by November so I can participate in NaNoWriMo with a new story. Or at least that’s the current plan. That means in order to make that happen, I’ve got a lot of writing to do in not a lot of time. I think it’s doable though. The next chapter is already well underway, as I was going to make it part of this one, but it was going long (in writing and time) and the chapter I have planned afterward (what will be 25) would fit better if I split it up.

As always, any comments, critiques, suggestions, anything- are very welcome and appreciated. Not only do they help me improve my writing, but they also help with motivation and ideas. You all are the best, stay lovely!

First Chapter      Previous Chapter     Next Chapter

***

The wristband wasn’t too tight or too loose. In fact, she could almost forget it was there if it wasn't still on her wrist every time she looked down.

She followed her guards down the corridor back to the holding cell. Carson whined and leaned against her hand as they went. He really didn’t like that muzzle. It had been decided that even though they could keep the dog with them, he had to be muzzled when outside the holding cell or Drin’s lab. It made sense, she supposed. From their perspective, Carson was a massive canine predator that could potentially attack at any given moment. He wouldn’t though. Not without good reason. He was actually a pretty well-trained dog. He didn’t mind being leashed, but he hated the muzzle.

“Soon, Carson, it’s okay boy,” Wenona scratched his ear gently.

They rounded the final corner to their holding cell and her guards paused. She nearly walked into them. Confused, she looked up and around. There wasn’t anyone else in the hall. Did they somehow make a wrong turn? No, this was the right place. She could basically walk here from Drin’s lab in her sleep by now, and that was definitely their room beyond the glass. So what’s the big…

Where were the guards? Not her guards of course, but where were the guards that were supposed to be with Mike?

Her lead guard, Chook or something like that, activated her comm device with a flick of a thin wrist.

“Team 4, this is Team 2 Leader, state your position.”

There were two soft beeps to signal the end of the message. Everyone listened intently for the response.

It took a few moments to get one, but finally, a voice came back through the small speakers. “Team 2, this is Team Leader 4, we are returning to the position now.”

Chook’s thin yellow face scrunched and she clacked her beak irritably, “And why, please tell, were you away from your position to begin with?”

“We were called away to help deal with the issues in sector 18.”

“You were called away,” Chook’s voice got so shrill that Carson began whining again. Wenona scratched at his ears again to soothe him while she shot a glare at Chook for bugging her dog. Or, not her dog, the dog. The. Carson.

Not that Chook noticed anyway. “What grug-head called you away from your post watching the human?” The response again took a few moments, but by the time it came, they could already hear the actual voices of Team Leader 2 coming down the hall. “Our orders were from Lieutenant Commander Grayk. Human Mike was asleep and we were needed with rounding up and recapture in Sector 18. If you have a problem with that, I suppose you can take it up with Commander Rozar.”

Before they had finished their last sentence, Team 2 Leader had rounded the opposite corner, flanked by three other aliens on his team. Two more yellow, featherless bird-looking aliens and two more gray tree bark-textured aliens. They weren’t often on guard duty, but Wenona had noticed that a few would regularly rotate in now and again.

Chook huffed loudly and led Wenona to the door of the holding cell. She brushed off the help and went in by herself. Carson followed, still keeping his head close to her hip.

Immediately, she knew something was off. Carson usually went right to where Mike was in the room. He liked Wenona alright, but it was clear that Mike was his favorite human. It was a fact that Wenona did her best to not get jealous. But Carson walked up to the mound of blankets she had assumed Mike was asleep under, sniffed it, whined, and looked back to Wenona with the most forlorn look she’d ever seen on a dog.

Mike wasn’t here.

She glanced back at the door behind her. The guards didn’t know. They hadn’t even looked in the room after she and Carson walked in. They still hadn’t even shut the door, they were too busy talking, Chook was still there with one long-fingered hand resting just to the side of the door’s control panel.

Her first impulse was to break out, rush the door. But then the words of the guards’ conversation started to register.

“...was a breakout. The whole section of cells completely set loose. They’ve had to down a few specimens, most of the prisoners at least had enough sense to surrender immediately.”

“Most?”

“There were still a few out, but they had enough to finish rounding them up, so we were sent back.”

Wenona completely turned around to the door. A breakout? Who? Is that where Mike was? He probably caused it. It sounded like something he’d do.

Ugh. Couldn’t he have at least run this plan by her first? She probably would have tried to stop him, yeah, but maybe she could have at least helped him think things through. Seriously, what had he been thinking? What was he going to do now? Get caught? What was that going to do to the plans they’d been making so far? She felt for the small blade she had tucked into her sash. Her mind swirled with plans, ideas, trying to think ahead, trying to deal with this new curveball.

“...try coming for the humans?”

What now? Who was this? Who’s coming? She started listening in again, but the guards were finally starting to close the door. It wasn’t sound-proof, but it still would be the end of hearing what the heck was going on around here.

She should make a run for it. Take a page out of Mike’s book and just go. She turned around to face the door. Her muscles tensed, preparing to spring forward, rush the guards, go! But she didn’t. She stood there frozen, hesitant. What would she do when she got out? Where would she go? Who was out and might try “coming for the humans”? There were too many variables! Too much unknown!

The door shut with a click. It wasn’t a loud click, but it might as well have been an echoing boom to Wenona. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Now what? What could she-?

She should have gone! No! That wouldn’t have been the smart move. But would it have been the right move? She didn’t know. She didn’t know and the options and results of what could have been kept bouncing around in her head. She chose wrong. She chose wrong- she should have gone! No. No- she chose right, now she can lay low and see how things play out. But what if that took too long? Mike. Is. Gone. He is gone and she should have escaped when she had a chance, but she blew it because she’s too dang cautious.

The guards were still outside, but it appeared that Chook and his team were on their way out. She walked slowly around the room, trying to act natural.Her hands were shaking now. Her whole arms were trembling a little bit. She folded them across herself to keep them still. She felt the cuff Drin had put on her wrist. That was gonna have to go. If she got out- or when, when she got out, she’d need to get that dumb thing off. Drin had said it was a health monitor, but honestly, if there wasn’t some sort of tracking device in with it, that would just be plain stupid on his part.

Carson barked and nearly made her jump. He had settled on the edge of the blankets, sniffing around the spot where Mike had stuffed some pillows to look like he was there. The guards looked at them curiously. Carson barked again.

“Shh! No, stop! It’s okay, it’s okay, be quiet!” The last thing she needed was to have the guards come in and find out Mike was gone. She sat down next to Carson and started petting his head comfortingly. He rested his head in Wenona’s lap while his tail thumped rhythmically against the “bed”. That seemed to do the trick.

“So now what?” It was a question partly to Carson, but mostly to herself.

Now what indeed. Before, she had just wanted to come back to the room, get some sleep, and figure out what to do about Drin’s tracker band with Mike and how it would affect their plans of getting out of here. Those plans were shot and now she needed to figure out what to do. Her nose prickled and it felt like her heart was being squeezed tight. She should do something, anything. But she didn’t know what. She tried thinking of an escape route, but her mind just wouldn’t stay still long enough on one idea to plan anything reasonable.

What had Mike been thinking? He probably hadn’t thought. Where was he now? What was he doing? Was he coming back?

She stood up at that. Would Mike come back? Of course he would, she had no doubt. If he didn’t get himself killed before then, that is. That last part was quite a real concern. He could be a real idiot, but circumstances had made him her idiot. She couldn’t sit around and wait to be rescued. She was no damsel in distress, she was Wenona Peters, and she was getting out of here! 

Somehow.

A loud alarm made bother her and Carson jump. She covered her ears and Carson ran around barking, looking for the source of the noise that seemed to be coming from everywhere. She had to take a few deep breaths to calm down her heart rate. As she did, she glanced to the guards outside the room. Even though she could only make out just a little more than their silhouettes, she could tell they were just as tense and confused as she was.

This was it.

This was just what she needed.

She was going to act this time. She had to. It wasn’t much of a plan, but it was something. Was it a smart plan? Maybe not, but maybe she could pull a ‘Mike’ and get out of here anyway.

She screamed loud enough to rival the blaring alarms. As convincingly as she could, she collapsed. She managed to let her head and shoulders hit the soft blankets, but her hip wasn’t quite as lucky. She’d probably get a bruise there, but honestly, if that’s the worst she has to deal with by the time she got out of here, then that would be amazing.

Carson was at her side instantly, sniffing her face and nudging her, barking nervously as if to rouse her. She stayed still. She had one chance to make this look as convincing as possible. It took only a few moments before she heard the holding cell door open.

“Get that beast under control!” Wenona could see three guards enter through nearly-closed eyes. One held a long pole, like the kind dogcatchers use. Carson growled as they approached hesitantly.

“Did you see what happened?” “No, I just looked in and she was down!” “Oh, Klern beyond, she’s not bleeding, is she? Tell me there’s no blood.” “Call the medics. And get Drin down here now!” “Do we have a readout on her vitals?” “Chekk, get that monster out of the way. I don’t see any blood. Just do your flargin’ job!”

Carson was pulled away and Wenona felt her guard’s clawed hands fumble under her nose. She held her breath. They moved their hands to her neck, likely to check for a pulse, but they put it on the wrong part, over a muscle. They wouldn’t find a pulse there. 

“Frewan,” the guard muttered.

They started pushing her to roll her onto her back, but as soon as the arm Wenona had fallen on was free, she grabbed the nearest guard by the leg and in a move that surprised even her, she threw them halfway across the room. She rolled with the throw, sweeping a leg to knock down the next closest guard. She jumped at them, grabbing their blaster from their holster. The guard who now had Carson at the end of the pole stared blankly at her, eyes wide open, too shocked to move. Wenona wrenched the pole out of their hands, released the loop that held Carson, and before the guard could draw their blaster, swung the end of the pole up at their head. They went down with a thud. She grabbed their blaster too. Best be as armed as possible right now.

A beam of light shot right in front of her face. She flinched back. The guard she had thrown across the room was back up, blaster pointed directly at her. She dove towards the still-open door. The fourth guard, who had been calling in medics, had only just realized what was going on inside the holding cell and couldn’t react quick enough as Wenona barreled into them and threw them hard into the ground.

A sharp jolt hit her in the side. It felt like electricity shooting across her skin. She felt herself be thrown back against the wall, or maybe it was the spasmodic reaction of her legs that sent her back. In any case, she hit hard. Hard enough to see stars. The first guard limped forward, blaster fixed on her.

Only a few steps away from the door of the holding cell, there was a deep and low growl. The guard screamed as Carson attacked, biting and shaking their blaster arm. They dropped the weapon and fell backward, trying to get away from the massive “Earth Beast” still on them.

Wenona winced as she pushed herself back up to her feet. She leaned against the wall, shaking her legs until she felt they could support her completely. Everything felt like a weird mixture of tingling and numbness. Except for her head and right side of her body where she’d hit the wall. Those hurt. She could feel her heartbeat throbbing at the impact spots, and where she must have been shot.

She reached out for the door frame and stumbled to it, rebalancing herself for a moment. The fourth guard’s blaster was on the floor. She didn’t quite trust herself to bend down to pick it up, so she carefully shuffled forward and dragged it closer to her with her foot, then kicked it back out the door behind her.

“Carson, come here boy.” Her voice felt too high and soft, but Carson heard it and came. He kept himself between her and the guard who was now clutching their arm and trying to get back up. Wenona reached for the control panel she had seen the guards use before. She didn’t need to understand whatever language it was in to recognize symbols for ‘shut door.’

She sighed with relief as she rested her head against the wall. She did it. She knew this was just the start of getting out of here, but it was a successful start.

“Guard Team 4, this is Drin. What is so important that you had to summon for me at this time of the cycle? End.”

Shoot. The communicator. She could barely hear it over the alarms that were still going off. Wenona hobbled to the fallen fourth guard. She probably should have shoved him in the holding cell too. Although, she really didn’t feel like she had the strength to right now, and it turned out to work in her favor anyway. She struggled for a bit with the controls of the comm device.

“Guard Team 4. I am losing patience. Respond or I will be writing your entire team up for insubordination and incompetence. End.”

Wenona must have hit something right because a soft click sounded on and off. She hit it again. “Uh, this is Guard Team 4,” She thought she did a pretty good impersonation of the guards if she did say so herself. “We apologize for the miscommunication. Everything is fine here. Nothing to report.”

The line was quiet for a moment. Maybe she didn’t do as good of an impersonation as she thought.

“You are on duty with the humans, yes? My readings show Wenona with an elevated heart rate. End.”

Shoot. Oh shoot. She took a few breaths, trying to calm down her heart. Could he read it right now? How fast did the readouts show up? Oh, shoot.

“There was… a fight… between her and the… her and Mike. Nothing serious, they’ve calmed down now. Think the alarm scared them a bit too. We’re all fine here. You can… go back to whatever you were doing... End.”

“Mmmhhhhmmmmmm…” Wenona scowled. Drin’s condescending attitude wasn’t even being directed at her, and it still managed to tick her off. “I believe I sent another band to be fitted for Mike. Why hasn’t it been activated yet? End.”

Wenona wasn’t sure she’d seen Drin give the guards another tracker with the guards when she left his lab. Though the fact that she didn’t see it didn’t mean much. She’d been a bit preoccupied being angry and trying to smuggle out her blade. 

Her blade! She could rid herself of the dumb tracker band! But then Drin wouldn’t be getting her readings. But, she countered to herself, then she wouldn’t be able to be tracked.

“We’ll get right on it, sir, we apologize for the delay. End.”

“And get someone on those alarms, would you? Some of us are trying to rest. End and over.”

Wenona sighed. He’d bought it. She slipped the communicator into the folds of her sash. She felt for her blade. She was lucky it hadn’t cut her in all the…

Where was it? She couldn’t feel it. It must have fallen out, but she couldn’t see it on the floor out here. She even tried shifting the fallen fourth guard. Nothing. She barely managed to not fall over when her head started swimming.

It was quiet. She looked up. The alarms had stopped. Good. Not only was it loud and annoying, but it would have kept security on high alert if they’d kept going. She just needed to wait for things to die down.

“How are you still up?” Wenona jumped. The guard Carson had attacked was at the door leaning against it, looking out at her. No. Not at her. They couldn’t see through the terrible one-way window. “I know you’re still up. I can hear you out there. How in gadring are you still up after that shot?”

Wenona tenderly rubbed the spot where she’d been hit. 

“Eh.” She shrugged, even though they couldn’t see her, and carefully slid down the wall to sit, resting her back against the wall by the door. If she’d dropped her blade in the holding cell, she had no way to cut the dumb tracker off. Her best bet now was to wait until Drin was back asleep and couldn’t monitor her while she made a break for it. In the meantime, she could rest, gather her strength. 

She smiled. Considering the outcome of the last time she’d broken out of an alien cell, she’d done remarkably well just now.

She picked up the two stolen blasters she had dropped. They were the same. All the guards she had seen had one exactly like these.

“‘Set blasters to stun,’ am I right?” She looked up at the guard who followed her voice down, though still not able to actually see her. “Guess your ‘stun’ settings aren’t strong enough to keep me down.”

The guard had a number of new swears and phrases Wenona hadn’t heard before, but they stopped suddenly when Carson began growling again.

“Good boy.” She pet his head. She figured she’d give herself five minutes. Five minutes, and then it was time for step two of getting off this ship. Whatever step two happened to be.

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#abduction #HUMANS ARE WEIRD #space #aliens #humans are space orcs #humans in space #wenona #original writing #writblr

[wafflesetc]

I’ll be there for you II- Chapter 4 (previously)

A/N: I know I’ve been slow at cranking anything fanfic out for quite some time. But this chapter has had so much encouragement and patience from so many different people I don’t even know where to begin to say thank you. So to anyone who has read, liked, commented, sent me an ask, or given kudos over on AO3, this is for you. I hope it was worth the wait.

And to @missclairebelle​ and @kkruml​ for always, always, being there to tell me what I need to here and what I don’t want to here, this one is for you.

The One Where Nothing Fits

Jamie

He could smell the coffee pot as it finished making the liquid gold on which he’d been running non-stop on the past few weeks. He cracked an egg gently on the side of a ceramic bowl, tossing the yolk and other contents into the rest of the batch. He added some salt and pepper, a dash of milk, and garlic powder before he started to beat the eggs.

As he turned to the stove, he heard a voice in the distance portraying nothing but vehemence at the inanimate furniture in his, no their (he corrected himself), bedroom.

“Sassenach?” He bellowed turning the heat down on the pan before emptying the scrambled mess onto the hot surface.

He waited a second and didn’t hear a response, so he turned his attention to making two cups of coffee. A few moments later another, “FUCK” rattled through the walls.

“Christ, Claire.” He picked at the eggs turning the heat down once more and then wiped his hands on a kitchen towel. What is it this time? He thought to himself.

Slowly he walked to their bedroom to find his girlfriend sitting on the edge of their bed with nearly every pair of pants she owned tossed about the room.

“What is it?” Jamie opened the door a bit more, leaning against the doorframe.

“Nothing.”  She grumbled, undoing the bun in her hair.

“Tis obviously something,” He cracked a smile at her walking towards her vicinity. “Ye look like ye had a runway show in here for one.”

Rolling her eyes, she leaned her forehead into his abdomen- her hands, fingers slowing curling into fists subconsciously searching for his pockets.

“My pants…They don’t bloody fit.”

He let out a small breath and ran his hands down her back. “Sassenach…”

“I’m a human incubator. I’m growing a life. I shouldn’t be upset about my breeches not fitting, but I’ll be damned.” He couldn’t pinpoint her tone, she was slightly sad, somewhat upset, and seemingly, utterly confused.

He tilted her face up towards his, kissing the tip of her nose. “I’m a man, Claire… I ken I am no’ nowhere near a what ye’d call a doctor, but I do ken that as ye grow a child ye can expect yer belly to get bigger and yer body to change. Correct me if I am wrong.”

That earned him a half-assed laugh. He watched as she let the air out of her lungs, the tension leaving her body.  

“Yes…. You are correct. I mean, I’m a doctor. I should know this.” He saw her cheeks flash red, “I think the hormones are getting the best of me.”

Jamie sat down next to her on the edge of the bed.

“Ye already were a petite woman, mo chridhe.” Gingerly he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her head to rest on his shoulder.  “But you are growing a human, yer body is swelling with a life, Sassenach.... That just means there is going to be more of ye to love on.”

“Are you telling me that I am getting fat, you bloody Scot?”

“Dinna be twisting my words, Sassenach. Ye ken what I meant.” He kissed the top of her head. “After breakfast why don’t we go shopping, get ye some pants that fit, aye? Ye ken I have always loved yer round arse and now it’s just going to be a bit more plump.”

She rolled her eyes at him and smiled, “You have always been a fan of my arse, let’s go eat.”

“Aye, c’mon. Ye dinna even have to wear any pants.”  

Claire

“Claire!” I heard my name called from around the corner. Peeking my head in that direction I saw a bright flash of red hair. “Do ye wanna go get dinner?”

“Oh bugger.”  I put my pen back into my lab coat. “I would but I have to dictate these two charts and I promised Jamie we’d have some time tonight just the two of us. You’re still coming over for game night tomorrow, aren’t you?”

“Aye, I’ll be there. I just havena seen ye in a while but I’ll take a rain check for a girl’s night next week?”

“I promise… Let me check my calendar as I have a benefit dinner for the hospital next week and another doctors appointment, but I’ll text you when I get home and confirm.”

“I’ll hold ye to that, I know where ye live!”

Just as fast as she had appeared, she had gone. The next hour I spent dictating the rest of my patients I had admitted for the day and turned over the pager to the doctor who was on the night shift rotation.

In the locker room, I changed into my leggings and oversized sweatshirt I had stolen from Jamie and tossed my rain jacket over my shoulders. Pulling out my phone, my fingers tapped the screen: ‘Leaving the hospital now. Will be home in fifteen minutes.’

He texted back immediately: ‘Sounds good, see you soon. Walk safe.’

Tucking my phone into my backpack, I started the quick walk home. Though winter was ending, there still a brisk, crispness in the air. I could feel the last remnants of sunlight fading as the wind started to pick up, my cheeks turning slightly flushed and my nose rosy.

Opening the door I was flooded by the scent of my favorite candle and found Jamie sitting on the couch, a whisky in his hand and a steaming cup of tea waiting for me.

“Oh my god,” I groaned slipping my backpack off and placing it in on the floor of the entryway. “You’re the best damn person to come home to.”

“I missed ye too.” Jamie welcomed me warmly rising to his feet. I took off my sneakers, stacking them onto the shoe rack in the coat clast. His hands found my waist as I turned to face him, “Have a good day?”

I kissed him slowly, welcoming him in return. As he pulled away, I pecked him once more. “It was a long day. Nothing out of the ordinary, a few admits from the A&E and a few orthro patients needing monitoring on pain meds and checking on another in the CVICU.”

“Ye always lose me with some of the acronyms that ye use at the hospital.”  He shook his head at me gesturing to the couch, “Sit, let me rub yer feet.”

“Go, sit. I have to get one thing out of my bag and then I will join you.”  He turned making himself comfortable once more. I reached into the front zipper and pulled the manila envelope out of the slot and then joined Jamie on the couch.

As I as sank into the cushions, I positioned myself so my legs were draped across Jamie’s lap. His large hands started to run in circular motions along the soles of my feet.

“CVICU…” I half managed to stutter in my daze of relaxation, “Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.”

“Ah, sounds like it’s a matter of the heart then.”

“Yes.” I took one foot and poked him with my big toe, “Don’t be a smart ass, you certainly are a Scot but you’re not as daft as you try and pretend to be.”

He gave his best attempt at a wink and kissed the back of my calf. “What’s that ye got in the folder? Ye’re clutching it like it’s a matter of life or death.”

“Oh, yes!” I started to undo the metal prongs on the folder. “Remember the genetic testing I wanted to get done?”

“Aye.” I could hear the short curtness in his tone. “Have ye looked it over then?”

I pulled my legs from his lap and swung my body around so that my head was now in his lap. “No. The office left it for me in my mailbox.  I saw it on my rounds this morning, but I wanted to wait to open it with you. The damn thing has been burning in the back of my mind all day.”

“Let’s see to it, then.” His body stiffened in response. I took one hand reaching up and cupped his jaw.

"I’m not worried, I was before we did the tests… But now, you know… I’m ready for whatever these results show. IF there’s something wrong, I bloody know that I’d rather face it with you rather than anyone else.” I played with the stubble on his jawline. “I was scared before. This wasn’t planned..”

“Ye mean whatever it is between us?” I saw the film of tears rim his eyes.

“Yes, whatever it is between us. It just kind of happened.” I then felt his hand rest on the small swell of my lower abdomen.

“And that happened.” He nearly whispered down at me.

“Exactly. I was scared. I’ve been scared since I peed on that stick... But after we got the tests run and while we were waiting, it suddenly became crystal clear. It didn’t matter, none of it mattered. So long as whatever we face, we face together… I knew we’d make it through. I wasn’t scared anymore, I was ready for the unknown.”

A single tear escaped down his face. He bent over placing a soft, sweet kiss to my stomach.

“There’s more, aye?” The edge in his voice was gone, replaced with excitement.

“Yes, there are the results of the genetic testing, but it also tells us the gender. I figured we could read it all together.”

He laughed as he took the folder from my hand.   “Do we wantae find out?”

“I would like to,” I answered honestly, “But if you want to wait, I am happy to do that for you.”

“I dinna want to wait.” He said quickly, pulling the papers out of the folder. He was quiet for a minute. I continued to lay my head on his lap, watching him inquisitively.

Those few moments he was quiet felt like a lifetime, but then a smile crept on the corners of his mouth.

“I dinna ken what most of this means…” He gave me the papers then, “But I can read some science and know what an XX chromosome would mean.”

It was my turn to start to cry then, “A girl, huh?”

“A little lassie, mo chridhe.” He pulled me up into lap and cradled me like a small infant in his own arms, the rest of the results falling from my hands and scattering onto the floor.

I didn’t read the rest of the results but succumbed to his hold on me, having all the faith in the world that we were exactly where we were meant to be.

#Outlander #Outlander fanfic #Jamie x Claire #Jamie Fraser #Claire Beauchamp #Outlander fanfiction #I'll be there for you AU #ITBFY II #myfic! #yikes I sure hope this was worth the wait

[thenamesseven]

Word count 3.2k

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Morning came and as expected sun light started filling your bedroom, shaking you awake from your deep slumber. The headache that welcomed you as soon as you opened your eyes was not a joke and it made you rethink your idea of getting out of bed, it seemed like since you didn’t have to open the shop in the morning you would stay in bed for a little bit more.

Groaning, one of your arms landed on your eyes, protecting them from any bit of light that attempted to disturb you, the birds singing outside were a sign that the weather was undoubtedly good but honestly, you just wanted a huge storm to come and make them shut up. Sighing you rolled on the bed, laying on your side to face the wall instead of the huge window making your life impossible right now, your arm moved away from your face once your eyes were closed and a small smile pulled up the corners of your lips when you felt yourself drifting into dreamland once again. 

That’s the moment when you heard your television, the morning news to be exact.

You jumped out of your bed faster than light travelling through a cable, you regretted that action instantly because everything around you started rotating. “Shit” You whispered, laying a hand on the nearest wall to avoid falling down.

With cautious steps and as quiet as you could you walked out of the bedroom after poking your head out to check there was nobody hanging out in your hall. Whoever broke into your apartment hadn’t realized you were still inside sleeping and had decided it would be a really good idea to stop for a moment and watch the news.

Feeling all brave and ready to assault the stranger in your living room you made your way into the bathroom and grabbed the broom, you knew it wasn’t the best weapon to defend yourself considering the person in your house could have a gun but at least it was better than nothing. Plus, you could attack them from far away using the stick and if you felt like it wouldn’t work you could also threw him one of your shoes to the head, if you were lucky and threw it strong enough it would leave them unconscious for enough time to call the police.

“Come on, you can do this” You muttered to yourself, leaning back against the wall before you started approaching the living room “You can’t let them take away the little money you have (Y/N)”

Mentally counting to three you prepared yourself before looking into the living room, scanning the place to find out it was a guy. To be robbing an apartment he looked incredibly relaxed on your couch, arms spread on the back and hair messy (probably after taking off that black hat all thieves wear), he was in the perfect position to be hit, his head was just so close to where you were standing and he wasn’t paying attention to anything but the news so he wouldn’t see it coming.

Determined, you raised your arm, shoe in hand and aimed as good as you could. Your hangover was not helping but the adrenaline of the moment was making you feel so confident, so sure your plan was going to work that you threw the shoe before thinking about it twice.

Unfortunately, it hit your TV instead of his head.

Fortunately, your television survived the attack and didn’t break.

To your dismay, your attacker was now aware of your awake presence.

Kihyun, who had been watching the news calmly on the couch, was waiting a little bit more before bringing the breakfast he cooked to your bed, wasn’t expecting to see a shoe flying into your television all of a sudden. That’s why, his good reflexes quickly kicked in and stood up from his seat, turning around to see the attacker.

When his eyes landed on you, still with your hair being incredibly messy but extremely adorable, your hungover face and the other hand holding a broom as if it was a sword, a mix of feelings crossed Kihyun’s expressions. The situation was kind of funny but he still couldn’t come up with something he had done to make you mad. Did you want him to stay in bed with you until you woke up?

“What the fuck? Kihyun! I thought you were a thief!” Your words were what triggered his laughing outburst, Kihyun leaned against the back of the couch with his arms crossed on his chest while he chuckled.

“And you planned to fight me with a shoe and a broom?” He asked amused, shaking his head a little as he laughed.

“I-I don’t know! What else could have I done?”

“First of all, if somebody enters your house always call the police before doing something idiot” Kihyun instructed, still smiling brightly as he kept his eyes on you “The sooner you call, the sooner they will come” He stood straight, stretching a little before approaching you “And if you’re going to attack them with a shoe, at least aim right and hit them” He started laughing softly again, reaching out to grab your hand and squeeze it softly.

“I aimed right, I just-You just moved right when I threw the shoe”

“Mhmm right” He said with a boyish smile, his teeth biting onto his lower lip to avoid laughing again “My fault, I should have stayed still and let you attack me” Tugging your hand, Kihyun made you get closer to his body “Were you that drunk last night? You didn’t remember I slept here?” He asked with a smirk, his head tilted to the side as he watched you

“I guess? I’m just not use to people staying over” The words were out of your lips before you could stop them. You had said them unconsciously, you really didn’t have any bad intentions but Kihyun didn’t know that and he immediately supposed you were talking about him, about that night when he left before you woke up. “I didn’t mean that” You quickly cut him off, placing a hand on his lips before he started apologizing again “I just woke up with the biggest headache and didn’t even stop to think about last night before attempting to hit you with my shoe” Now that you said those words aloud, you realized how stupid your plan sounded and smiled a little “It was a bit ridiculous, wasn’t it?”

“Will you be mad if I say it kind of was?” Kihyun asked giggling a little “It was funny though, I’ll give you that” He carefully placed an arm around your waist, keeping you close to him. “And your courage was worth of the breakfast I prepared for you”

“Yes! Tell me you did something greasy because that’s what I always feel like eating for breakfast when I’m hangover” You whined a little, looking up at him

Kihyun smiled, raising one of his hand to fix your bed hair “I did some bacon, scrambled eggs and a couple of toasts for you” He let go of your body to head into the kitchen “And I waited to eat my scramble eggs with you so you wouldn’t have breakfast alone”

You walked behind him, a small yet shy smile on your lips as you watched his back. Right there, in your kitchen, you just saw Kihyun as potential boyfriend material and not as the mafia boss he was supposed to be. In fact, if he hadn’t come to you that one night he was shot, you would think he was just using this bad boy facade because he was scared of getting into a relationship or something cliché like that.

Kihyun had never been aggressive to you (if we ignore that time the both of you made out in your shop), he had never talked about deals or killing people with you around even when he received calls he always tried to voice out as minimal detail as possible or if he had to use them he would excuse himself and walk away. You had never seen him wearing any kind of weapons and you had never seen him threaten somebody, forget about killing someone.

When he was with you he was a complete different person, he was someone who was really easy to love, someone who made you feel warm and fluffy inside sometimes but hot and bothered when his lips were too close to yours or when his hands cautiously wandered your body with innocent touches. If you told somebody Kihyun was like this, they would surely laughed at you, think he was lying or acting because you had something he wanted but since last night you trusted Kihyun and decided to believe that he went away because he wanted to protect you, to not pull you into his world.

“Sugar?”

“Mhm?” His voice snapped you out of your thoughts, your eyes quickly moving up from the floor to his face

“I said if you want some sugar in your coffee” He chuckled quietly “What has your mind so distracted?”

“One spoon please” You said softly “I was just thinking having a mafia boss in my kitchen cooking breakfast for me feels so domestic”

Kihyun laughed at your words “Feel honoured because I would usually be too lazy to get out of bed to cook breakfast” He said pointing at you with a spoon before he handed you your coffee.

“And what made the great Kihyun get out of bed this morning?” You asked taking a sip from your coffee, getting the plate where he had placed your breakfast

“I want to make up for what I did” Kihyun said softly, walking into the living room as he spoke “Gonna show you I’m worth of that second chance”

“That’s right, if you leave like that again instead of just showering you with my drink I’ll kick your ass” You muttered sitting down by his side, leaning back against the couch to start eating your breakfast with him.

“Trust me” He said quietly, his eyes on the television as he spoke “I came back to stay this time” You didn’t look at him, feeling a blush creeping up the back of your neck.

Kihyun and you ate your breakfast in a comforting silence, the two of you watched the news and casually commented something but your tired and hangover states made you stick with short and nonsensical conversations, quiet giggles and stolen glances at the other. Once your empty plates and mugs were abandoned on the coffee table in front of you, the two of you had started moving closer to the other little by little until Kihyun’s thigh was against yours.

At some point he placed his arm on your shoulder and brought you closer to him, your sides together and his head resting on top of yours as you watched the end of the news. Somebody would consider what you were doing boring but so far, ignoring the hangover that was still nagging you a little, you could consider this to be one of the best mornings you’ve ever had.

“What would you say if I proposed going out on a date, mhm?” Kihyun suddenly asked breaking the silence, making you choke on the air you were breathing.

“A what?” Kihyun smiled slightly frustrated, this was his first time asking somebody out on a date and you weren’t making this easy for him. Was it so weird the fact that he wanted to take you out?

“A date” Kihyun replied, moving his head away from yours to look down into your eyes “But not to a fancy restaurant I’m tired of going to those” He added, resting his forehead on yours as he explained “Let’s go to your favourite pizza place, let’s eat until we can’t stand up from our chairs and then let’s take a nice walk around in which you will let me hold your hand and I’ll lend you my jacket if it’s too cold”

“Sounds nice” You said with a small smile, enjoying the idea “Ah, we can go to the arcades, play some games and see you being a sore loser” A chuckle escaped both of your lips when your eyes met

“You mean, watch YOU being a sore loser” Kihyun teased “I don’t care if it’s a date I’m not going to let you win and shove it into my face for the whole night” You laughed at his accusation

“We both know I won’t lose” You said smiling, reaching up to fix his messy hair a little.

Kihyun’s expression shifted, his bright smile faded a little and his eyes turned softer “You know what I know for sure?” He asked quietly, one of his hands moving up to your face to caress your cheek gently

“What?” Your voice was now quieter, afraid that if you spoke too loud you would break the moment between the both of yourself

“That I won’t wait until that date to have our first Kiss”

With that Kihyun confidently leaned down and pressed his lips against yours, at first softly and gently afraid to hurt you if he was too rough. You weren’t a big expert when it came to this kind of situations so your first reaction was to be shocked, you just sat there with your eyes closed, face turning red as your heart pounded against your chest. Kihyun gave you some seconds before making another move, moving his lips against yours in what probably was the sweetest kiss somebody had ever given you.

Forcing yourself to calm down you finally reacted and moved your lips too, tilting your head gently to kiss him back. Kihyun smiled against your lips, relief filling his body when he realized he hadn’t made a mistake by kissing you tonight. He closed his eyes, ready to melt and drown on the sensation of him being so close to you, of him doing what he had been willing to do for more days than he could count.

The hand that was cupping your cheek moved to the back of your neck when he tilted his head to deepen the kiss a little more, you leaned foward closer to him way more relaxed and enjoying the situation a lot more.

One thing led to another and minutes later you were laying down on the couch with Kihyun on top of you, hair messy, heavy breathings and pupils slightly dilated with pleasure and lust for each other. When he leaned back a little to stare into your eyes you noticed his swollen lips pulled up in a smirk before he leaned back down to place small kisses on your neck, tempting your skin with his tantalizing pecks.

“God I’ve wanted to do this for so long” He whispered against your neck, the tip of his nose brushing against your jaw “To have you underneath me like this baby” You had to bite your lower lip to stop the moan that was dangerously close to getting out of your mouth.

“Kihyun” You whimpered, arms around his neck to pull him closer to your body. Your embarrassment was long forgotten since you only wanted him against you, your lips against him and his kisses on your skin “Bedroom. Clothes off”

Kihyun glanced down at you, watching your expression to make sure if you were kidding but when he saw the determination brighting in your eyes Kihyun smirked “You don’t need to tell me twice princess” With an unexpected strength he picked you up from the couch making you wrap your arms around his neck to make sure he wouldn’t drop you “I would never let you fall” He said staring into your eyes, serious as if he wasn’t just talking about the current situation “Never”

“I-I know” You stuttered, kind of intimidated by the intense look in his eyes. However, when Kihyun heard those words coming out of your lips he smiled sweetly and leaned back down to kiss your lips once again.

“Let’s get you in that bed though, need to give you all those kisses I’ve always wanted to give you”

The both of you stumbled into the bedroom giggling like teenagers in love, Kihyun closed the door with a gentle kick before placing you down on your bed. The sheets were still a mess from these morning but none of you seemed to care about that too much as you made out, Kihyun wasn’t scared of being slightly rougher with you, his kisses seemed hungrier and more confident while yours were still a bit shy but tried to keep up with his pace.

At some point Kihyun’s shirt came off, tossing it down to the floor before he went back down to kiss you passionately and softer this time, as if he wanted to memorize the feeling of your lips molded against yours as his hands slid underneath your shirt touching your skin. Whenever he touched your skin burnt whenever he touched, your body turned into a bunch of goosebumps as his hands wandered up your stomach until the tips of his fingers caressed your bra.

“Take it off” He whispered “I want to see you, beautiful”

You nodded quietly, your cheeks flushed softly as you sat up on the bed and took of your pyjama's top, tossing it on the floor with his shirt “Fuck” Kihyun muttered under his breath, staring your semi naked figure up and down with hunger in his eyes “You’re so pretty babe” He smiled sweetly, puling you into his arms before he managed to get his lips against yours.

The two of you kept making out on your bed for minutes and you would dare to say that even for an hour when your hands started to slowly drift down his chest to his pants. You had never done something like this but you were so ready and sure about doing it with Kihyun that your insecurity vanished when your fingers were playing with the button of his jeans. However, as soon as it vanished it came back on full force when Kihyun grabbed your hands and moved them away from him, shaking his head with a small smile as he pinned you down onto the bed.

“Not today love” He whispered quietly, pecking your lips “I think we’re not ready for that step yet, you haven’t let me take you out yet” He faked a pout, resting his forehead against yours

“But...Ah come on” You groaned a little, covering your embarrassed expression with your hands.

Kihyun smiled, reaching down to move them apart “Hey, hey” He said softly, in the sweetest tone to comfort you “Do not feel shy on me now, come on (Y/N)” He chuckled, pecking your lips as he held your wrists against the mattress “Do you know why I stole our first kiss today, mhm?” He asked, his lips against your ear as you gently shook your head “I did that because I plan to make love to you all night long after our date, you hear me baby? I plan to make you feel so good that you’ll be screaming my name all night long”

You don’t know how you didn’t suffer a heart attack after hearing those words.

#kpop fanfiction #kpop smut #kpop oneshots #monsta x #monsta x fic #monsta x fluff #monsta x hyungwon #monsta x jooheon #monsta x kihyun #monsta x minhyuk #monsta x shownu #monsta x wonho #monsta x changkyun #kihyun fluff #kihyun smut #kihyun #dangerous

[valentines-in-london]

I Need Fire (Part 16)

Authors Note:  Okay before you read further you all have to promise me you won’t hate me for this chapter okay?  Okay, now that that is out of the way... this was a hard chapter to write.  Once you finish it you’ll see why.  But it had to be done.  I love you all!  Comments & feedback are always welcome, even your angry and you don’t like it. Word Count: 4,604 Warnings: heartbreaking tragedy & loss.  You’ve been warned Taglist:   @freddiessmallnipples @triplehaitches @samanthadegaro @lauravic @oh-well1 @la-sorciere-fleur If you’d like to be added please let me know!

Previous Chapter  //  Master List  //  Next Chapter

Chapter 16

Life was a whirlwind since they agreed to buy the house in Malibu, between moving everything over to the new place, decorating, and shopping for whatever they didn’t already have.  To say Rayne was completely exhausted was an understatement.  Between working at Poison Ivy with Stanley and coming home to work on the house with Tommy, it was just never ending. At some point Rayne must have fallen asleep on their bed because she was woken up by the sounds of the piano down in the living room.  Pushing herself off the bed Rayne moseyed her way to the railing overlooking the living room.  She smiled watching as Tommy repeated a few notes before he surprisingly opened his mouth to start singing.

You know I'm a dreamer But my heart's of gold

He then trailed off and continued humming a melody before picking back up with some more lyrics.

Just take this song and you'll never feel Left all alone

Take me to your heart Feel me in your bones

She had honestly never heard Tommy sing before so it was a little strange to hear him.  His voice was very different from Vince’s, where Vince was high pitched Tommy’s was more raspy.  Rayne quietly descended down the stairs watching as Tommy wrote on a piece of paper sitting on top of the piano.  He then quickly went back to his beautiful melody on the piano.

I'm on my way I'm on my way Home sweet home

Rayne slid onto the bench next to him causing him to stop playing the notes.  “No please don’t stop on my account.  That sounds beautiful.”

Tommy began to fidget nervously.  He rubbed the back of his neck replying, “Thanks.  It’s just something I’ve been working on.  It’s not finished, I’m gonna bring it to Sixx to help finish the lyrics but I have the melody down.”

Rayne leaned in and kissed his cheek.  “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s about you.” Tommy whispered.

“What?”  Rayne questioned.

“The song is about you. I had the idea when I was on the road without you.  You’re my home.”  He repeated before leaning in to capture Rayne’s lips with his own. “I told you when we met I’d write love songs for you.”

Rayne smiled at the memory of him saying he had to go big in the romance department to win her over.  Well he certainly did that.  

December 8, 1984

Tommy had everything planned out, tonight was the night, he was going to propose to Rayne.  The Shout At The Devil tour was over and a complete success.  The videos for Looks That Kill and Too Young To Fall In Love were in constant rotation on MTV.  He and Rayne had just purchased a house that was completely and totally theirs.  He had everything he wanted, now he just needed the woman he wanted more than anything to be his forever.

Vince was throwing a huge party at his new house in Redondo Beach and Tommy knew that’s where he wanted to propose.  He wanted to do it in front of all his friends, proclaim his love for his woman to them all.  While Rayne was in the shower Tommy called Vince.

“Vinny, hey bro everything still good for tonight?”  Tommy had planned everything out, he was getting hundreds of roses delivered to Vince’s house along with a few pounds of petals. He was going to spell out Marry Me with the petals out by Vince’s pool surrounded by candle light.  He wanted Rayne to walk out to the pool and see it, and when she turned around Tommy would be on one knee.

“Yeah Tommy, my house looks like a fuckin florist.”  Vince said on the other end of the phone. “Now what do I need to do?”

“I want to set everything up perfect, but first she’s gotta get out of the house.”

“And how can I help with that?”

“I don’t know dude.  You just got a new Pantera take her for a ride in it or something.  Just get her out of the house so I can get everything set okay?”  Tommy thought off the top of his head.

“Yeah, yeah okay.  I kind of hate you for doing this at my place, Jo is starting to get ideas. I unlike you am definitely not ready to get married.”  Vince and Jo, to no one’s surprise made up shortly after the tour ended.

“That sounds like a you problem bro.  Later.”  Tommy chuckled hanging up the phone.  It was perfect timing because Rayne just walked out of the shower, a towel wrapped around her body.

“Who was on the phone?”  Rayne questioned, tousling her hair.

“Oh it was just Vince.  I called him for the address to his new place.  You know I can’t remember shit like that.”  Tommy smiled wide looking at her.  Her skin was still glowing from her shower and he wanted nothing more than to take her to bed and pull that towel off of her to reveal the heavenly body beneath it.

“Oh okay.”  Rayne smiled looking at the clock.  “When do you want to leave?”

“Seven?”  Tommy suggested while Rayne did some calculations in her head.  It was 5:04.

“Yeah I can be ready by then, and stop giving me that look.  If you and I start going at it we’re definitely not going to be on time.”  She smiled turning towards their bedroom, which Tommy followed her into. Rayne laughed seeing his reflection in the mirror.  “I’m serious Tommy, not right now.”

“Babe?”

“Yeah Tommy?”

“What are you planning on wearing tonight?”  He asked sitting down on their bed facing her as she walked into the closet sorting through her clothes.

“I was planning on wearing these leather pants, and this top.” Rayne said pulling out the blouse Tommy had gotten her for their first Christmas.  It was black and see through with white skulls that reminded her of polka dots.  The blouse also had cute sleeves that were a bit oversized except at the shoulder and the wrist.

“Perfect.”  Tommy smiled nodding his head.  She would look amazing in both pieces of clothing.  Perfect for all the pictures that would undoubtedly be taken.

She chuckled, “But you have to promise not to rip anything this time! I really liked the shirt you ruined last week.”

“I’m sorry.”  He whined before he too headed to the shower to start getting ready.  As he undressed he took the black velvet box out of his pocket and opened it up looking at the glittering diamond ring that sat inside.  He thought about the day he took Rayne to his parents house for Christmas and he disappeared with his Dad for a little bit.

Christmas

“Dad can I talk to you for a minute?” Tommy asked his father while Voula and Rayne went to the kitchen to start getting ready for dinner.

“Sure Tommy.” His father nodded as he followed Tommy into his bedroom.

“So?” Tommy questioned closing the door behind him once his father walked in.

“So, what Tommy?”

“What do you think of Rayne?”  Tommy asked full of enthusiasm.

“I think she’s a lovely girl Tommy. Got a good head on her shoulders.  And she seems to really love you back, which I can’t say about some of your previous girlfriends.”  David put a hand on his sons shoulder.

“That’s good Dad.  Because-“ he paused. “I want to marry her.”

His father didn’t seem surprised, he knew his son.  “I figured that was coming, especially when you told us you wanted us to meet her.  Usually you keep them away.”

Tommy smiled looking down at his feet.  “I was wondering if I could borrow mom’s ring, to take to a jeweler. I’ll give it back, I just always liked moms engagement ring and want to get something similar for Rayne.”

David smiled and nodded, “Let me get your mother.”

“Don’t make it obvious though Dad!”

“I won’t. Calm down.”  He chuckled before going out to grab his wife. After a few minutes Voula excitedly entered the room.

“Tommy I love her.”  She spoke in her thick accent.

“Well that’s good mom.  Because I’m going to ask her to marry me.”  Tommy beamed.

“Oh my love!” Voula hugged her son tightly.

“Mom, calm down.”  Tommy chuckled. “I haven’t asked her yet.  I was hoping I could borrow your ring to bring to a jeweler to get something similar.”

Voula nodded her head.  “Absolutely. I’ll put it in your bag before you leave.  I’ll be subtle.”

“Sure mom.” He shook his head knowing full well his mother wanted to go right out and congratulate Rayne at that moment. “Now I’m serious, just be normal.”

“Promise.” She smiled up cradling her sons cheek.

Present time Later that night

The party at Vince’s was already in full swing when Rayne and Tommy got there.  The house was a total party pad, which was a big reason why Vince and Jo had chosen that particular house.  Vince loved to be the ringleader of a party so the open floor plan of the house really enabled that.  Rayne was sitting with a very tipsy Jo on the piano bench while Mick, Nikki and Zutaut sat on the couch in front of the two women.  “Congratulations Jo.”

“I know I can’t believe it!  I’m gonna be a Playboy bunny!”  She smiled wide holding her hand to her heart.

“I always told you that you had the body for it.”  Rayne said utterly amused.

“Who would’ve thought going to a party at the mansion with Vince would result in that, right?  I go to shoot next week, Vince is gonna come with.”  Jo batted her lashes over at her man who was currently appeasing some blonde who had her hands all over him.  “These girls are too much.  Can’t she see he’s not interested?”

Nikki tapped Mick on the shoulder before he started to caress his chest, putting a female inflection on his voice.  “Hey, hey are you in the band?”

Mick actually chuckled while Jo and Rayne cracked up and replied, “What do you fuckin think?”

“He does say that all the time doesn’t he?”  Jo chuckled.

“Like a god damn broken record.”  Mick laid back against the cushions.

Soon Vince removed the girls hands from his shoulder and chest, making his way over to Jo, Rayne and the guys.  “Some girls just can’t take the hint.”

“Looked like you were enthralled by her Vin.”  Rayne teased.

“Oh yeah, totally.”  

“I was just telling Jo how excited I am for her to be a Playboy bunny.”  Rayne nodded at her best friend.  

“It’s fucking amazing isn’t it?”  Vince said with pride.  It was kind of funny when you thought about it.  You would think men wouldn’t want their girlfriend in a magazine completely naked for the world to see.  But some men, like Vince totally loved the idea.  She assumed it was like showing off your toys because the other boys couldn’t play with them.  

“And Ray has her first fashion show in February.”  Jo announced proudly to the group, “It’s all happening for us.”

“No shit, do you really?”  Vince asked.

“You do?”  Nikki questioned turning fully around on the couch he was sitting on.

“Knock em dead Cherry.”  Mick saluted her with his drink not turning around.

“Yeah,” Rayne blushed.  “I don’t really have any place on a runway but apparently my boss thinks I do.  And it’s in my contract as Stanley likes to remind me.  So I have to do it.”  

“You’ll do great.”  Nikki nodded while Vince scanned around the room locking eyes with Tommy who gave him a little nod.  Vince sprung into action.  “Hey, I know you said you wanted to take a ride in my new Pantera, and Razzle wanted to check it out too.  Wanna go now?”

“I don’t know Vince.  Haven’t you been drinking?”  Rayne questioned.

“I’m good, I promise.  We’ll just go for a quick drive.”  Vince promised.

“Alright.”  Rayne relented.  “Let me just go find Tommy.”

“No come on, Jo can tell him right baby?”  Vince questioned.

“Yep, don’t worry about Tommy.  I’ll find him and tell him.”  Jo assured her best friend.

“Alright, sure lets go.”  Rayne smiled pushing herself up from the bench.  Vince and Jo both smiled and as quickly as that they were off making their way through the crowd.

“Raz you coming along?”  Vince shouted.

“Twice already today mate, but yeah I’m coming.”  Razzle stumbled down the stairs, placing his infamous hat on a girls head as he walked through the door.  “Gin, so glad you’re coming with.”

Ever since she met him Razzle called Rayne “Gin”, short for ginger, because of her red hair.  Razzle was like a ray of sunshine, he almost reminded her of Tommy in a way, he was always happy and wanted to make people smile.  “Thanks Raz.  I figured I’d take a spin in Vinny’s pride and joy.”

Vince shifted his seat forward allowing Rayne to sit in the backseat behind him.  Rayne buckled her seatbelt before Vince lowered the seat back into place and climbed in himself.

“Let’s go grab some more booze.”  Razzle complained.

“I think we have enough booze back at the house bud.” Vince replied shifting the car making the car roar as it sped up through the streets.  After more complaints from Razzle, Vince relented and went to the closest liquor store about five minutes away from his place.  On the way back Vince started an interesting conversation to say the least.

“Alright, alright, you got a gun to your head who are you fucking Cindy Lauper or Boy George?”  Vince turned to his friends in the car.

“What?”

“I’m having a hard time accepting this premise.”  Razzle said with a smile.  “Who’s getting pleasure out of my sexual humiliation?”

“It’s a mystery you cockney fuck.”  Vince shook his head.  “All I know is you’re definitely going to die if you don’t pick.”

“I’d go with Boy George.  He’s pretty and can rock a face full of makeup, and we know I can’t resist that.”  Rayne nodded in the backseat.

“I think I’d have to go with the Lauper.  At least she’s got the proper plumbing.”  Razzle replied and Vince started laughing before the car turned a corner.  “But Georgie boy, he’s probably more familiar with the handling of a peni…”

“Vince look out!”  Rayne screamed seeing headlights come over the hill and coming right towards them.  After that everything went back.

Beep….

Beep….

Beep….

Rayne woke up to the sound of repetitive beeping, she groggily opened her eyes and was confused to find herself in a white sterile room. She looked down and saw various tubes hooked up to her arms.  Starting to panic she let out a cry of pain and tried to get up off the bed. A woman rushed into the room. “Miss Sykes.  Miss Sykes.  You’re okay, you’re in the hospital, you were in an accident.”

Hospital?  Accident?  What?  Then it all came rushing back to her.  The car, Vince Razzle, the headlights bearing down on them.  She laid back in bed still in a confused panic.  “You’re okay Miss Sykes.  I need you to breathe okay?”

Rayne nodded her head which hurt like hell.  “Is, is everyone okay?”

“What do you remember about tonight Miss Sykes?”  The nurse asked.

“No, you tell me, is everyone else okay?”  Rayne said defiantly.  “Vince?  Razzle?”

“Vince is okay.  Your friend Razzle,” she paused.  “He didn’t make it.”

Rayne felt the tears brimming in her eyes.  How could Razzle not make it?  She hadn’t known him long but he was always so full of life.  How could that life be gone, just like that?

“Miss Sykes, there’s something else.”  The nurse said heavily.  Rayne quickly panicked and moved her fingers and toes, she could feel all of them so she knew she wasn’t paralyzed.  “The baby didn’t make it.”

“I’m sorry what?  What baby?”  Rayne leaned forward knowing she couldn’t have just heard what the nurse said correctly.

“Miss Sykes, you were pregnant.”  The nurse said giving Rayne a sad smile.  Rayne absentmindedly ran her hands over her stomach looking down at the flatness there in utter shock.  The tears now were no longer brimming they were uncontrollably running down her cheeks.

“What?”  Rayne asked again, her voice weak and broken.  How could she be pregnant?  She was on the pill.  “How?  I’m on the pill!”

“Miss Sykes, you are a smoker correct?”  The nurse asked and Rayne nodded her head.  “Well I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say that, that is extremely risky to begin with but in rare cases it can also make your birth control less effective.”

It was at that point that Rayne began to sob.  She didn’t want a child at the moment by any stretch but to hear that she was carrying her and Tommy’s child only to lose it broke her heart.  She’d let not only Tommy down, but her baby down, the one thing that she never wanted to do as a parent.  She never should’ve gone with Vince, she was stupid to want a ride in his new car.  If she had stayed at the party their baby would still be alive and safe.

“I’m so sorry for your loss Miss Sykes.  I can get you number for a grief counselor if you’d like. It may help you cope when you get out of here.”  Rayne silently shook her head in response.

The nurse nodded and left the room.  A few minutes later Vince walked through the door, his head hung low.  If she could have managed it, Rayne would’ve gotten up to embrace him.  “Vince are you okay?”

Vince walked over to the bed, embracing Rayne and allowing himself to cry for the first time that night.  She grasped onto his vest and sobbed right with him.  Rayne felt Vince’s hand at the back of her head, soothingly running down her hair before repeating the motion.  “Rayne, the nurse told me um, everything.  She thought I was your boyfriend.  I’m so sorry about the baby, I didn’t know.”  Vince started to cry harder, still clutching onto Rayne.  “I killed one of my friends and my best friends baby.  I’m a monster.”

“You’re not a monster.”  Rayne said softly wiping away tears from his cheek.  “You weren’t drunk driving.”  Vince remained silent.  “Vince?  You weren’t drunk driving right?”

His silence told her everything she needed to know.  God she really was an idiot for getting into that car, she even suspected he’d been drinking, she knew better.  Rayne also couldn’t help her anger in that moment, but there was nothing she could do to change the situation now and the man in front of her was as broken as she was.  “And as soon as I step foot off the hospital grounds the cops are gonna arrest me.”  Vince buried his head in Rayne’s shoulder.  “I’m so sorry.”  He kept repeating over and over and in that moment she truly felt sorry for him.

“Vince, hey, look at me.”  Rayne said sternly grabbing Vince by the shoulder, pushing him away so he would look at her.  “It’ll all be okay.  I’m sure of it.  Doc will figure something out.”  She tried to remain stoic but failed miserably to get the next words out. She just broke down, “Vince you just can’t-you can’t tell Tommy anything okay?  Promise me you won’t, no matter what.”

“What?  Rayne that’s a lot to ask of me, Tommy’s one of my best friends.”

“It’s a lot to ask, but I’m asking it.  Please Vince.  I don’t want to hurt him, and this news will absolutely destroy him.”  The tears continued to run down her cheeks. Sighing deeply Vince nodded his head lifting his eyes to meet Rayne’s, “Alright.  I promise.  I don’t like it, but I promise.”

“Thank you.”  Rayne whispered before she laid back in the bed.  Vince took a seat in the chair next to her and Rayne got lost in her thoughts.  She was pregnant, or had been pregnant.  It broke her heart to even think about it.  She tried to think about when her last period was and with everything being so crazy she couldn’t even pin point when that was.  She didn’t even want a child, Tommy and her had talked about it and she meant what she said, it was too soon for them. But it didn’t matter what she thought, life had other plans and she had fucked it up.  If she would have paid attention she should have known she was late, she shouldn’t have gotten into the car with Vince, and she should have protected their baby.  But she didn’t, she had failed.  Her biggest fear realized.  She was no better than her piece of shit parents.  Those thoughts continued to swirl around her head for the rest of the night.

She sobbed herself to sleep that night.

The next day Rayne opened her eyes and was startled by a different nurse standing right next to her checking the machines she was hooked up to.  “Good morning Miss Sykes.  How are you feeling?”

“I’ve been better nurse.”  Rayne said sadly, all the emotions and memories from the previous night came flooding back to her.

“Well there’s a guy outside who’s been here since 6am waiting for you.  Visiting hours don’t start until 10am, but you look like you could use a friend other than sleeping beauty.”  The nurse replied causing Rayne to look over to the chair next to her bed to see Vince sleeping.

Rayne heard the sound of heavy boots running down the hallway. She knew it was Tommy, and it was confirmed when the door to her room flew open to reveal him.  He looked like a complete mess.  As soon as she saw him she started to cry again and Tommy rushed over to her taking Rayne in his arms and clinging to her like she could disappear.  “Oh my god baby.  I was scared to death.  I thought I lost you.”

Rayne held onto him tight, crying into his shirt.  “Hey.”  He said softly, hooking his finger under her chin slowly lifting her face to meet his eyes.  “Why the tears?”

“It’s just so good to see you.”  Rayne’s heart broke that she couldn’t bring herself to tell Tommy the real reason for her tears.  She couldn’t break his heart, which she knew the truth absolutely would. She could bear this tragedy and heartache, she wouldn’t allow Tommy to feel it, she could at least protect him from that.  Tommy leaned in and kissed her lips tenderly, he was being gentle as if she would break.  

Rayne and Tommy were laying in her small hospital bed and Vince was off getting coffee when the nurse returned.  “Miss Sykes, we’re going to have the doctor come and check on you but you should be able to go home today.”

Rayne smiled and thanked the nurse.  It would be a few hours until she was released and thankfully Vince worked on Tommy to get him out of the room so the doctor could talk to Rayne alone about what to expect post miscarriage.  She nodded her head as the doctor told her to only take showers, not to go swimming, and not to have sex for at least two weeks. She knew the third one would be the hardest thing to not do.  She and Tommy always had a very healthy sex life, and turning him down without being able to tell him why would be a tricky endeavor.  

Three hours later Tommy was helping Rayne out of the car and into their new house.  Tommy’s arm was around Rayne holding her close.  Sighing heavily Rayne spoke up, “Tommy I’m not going to break, you don’t have to dote on me.”

“I know.”  Tommy smiled sweetly, “I just want to make sure you’re comfortable.”

“God, I’m comfortable!”  Rayne said irritably shrugging out of his grip to walk into the house before quickly making her way upstairs to the bathroom and turning on the shower as hot as it would go.  Stripping her clothes off she got into the shower immediately stepping into the heated water sighing as it completely ran down her body.  A part of her wished it was hotter, so she could feel something other than numbness.  She reached for her soap and loofa and began washing her skin.

“Hey.”  She heard softly from the door.  She turned around to see Tommy standing in the threshold looking like someone kicked his dog.  “Did-Did I say something wrong?”

Rayne turned her back to him feeling the tears threaten to spill over. She snapped at him and she knew it.  “No Tommy, you didn’t say anything wrong.  I’m just-my head is all over the place.”

“Can I come in?”  Tommy asked softly, taking a step toward the shower.

“No, please Tommy.  Just give me fifteen minutes alone.  Please.”  Rayne put her head down and tried to mask her voice to sound strong.

“Okay, yeah.  Sure.  I’ll just-I’ll be out here.”  Tommy replied turning to shut the bathroom door.  As soon as she heard the click of the door she sunk to the bottom of the shower and cried until she felt as though her heart would explode.  She didn’t understand how she could be so emotionally destroyed over something she didn’t know about, and didn’t want-or didn’t know she wanted.

Meanwhile outside the bathroom Tommy let out a heavy sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.  He didn’t know what he did wrong, he just wanted to be helpful.  Heading downstairs and out the back door to the patio he sat in a lounge chair, allowing the sun to hit his skin. Last night had certainly not gone as he hoped it would.  In all honesty he felt completely responsible for everything.  If he didn’t have this stupid elaborate plan of how to propose to Rayne, he never would have talked Vince into helping him and taking Rayne for a drive in his car, Razzle would be alive and Rayne would have an engagement ring on her finger.  He felt like such a guilty asshole.  

Once they got word about the accident Tommy’s stomach dropped fearing the absolute worst, especially after hearing Razzle didn’t make it.  He knew Vince would be going to jail, but for how long?  What did that mean for the band?  Doc had called a band meeting for the next day to discuss what was happening.  He knew it was selfish to think about the band at a time like this but he didn’t care.  They always felt untouchable and in one second it was shown to them that they weren’t.  Tommy almost collapsed when he got to the hospital and the nurse told him that Rayne was going to be okay and recovering in one of their rooms.  In some fucked up way being in the hospital waiting to see her sealed the fact that Tommy never wanted to live a day of his life without Rayne. She was the one for him.

Something was off though, he could feel it to his core.  Rayne had never snapped at him the entire time they had been dating.  And since they had gotten together for real she had never pushed him away, which is exactly what she had done upstairs earlier.  Obviously the accident was traumatic for her.  Tommy decided he wouldn’t be too overbearing on her.  But he also vowed not to let her push him away.  Whatever she was dealing with they would deal with together, because they were better together.

Take me to the next chapter...

---

I know, I know!  Don’t hate me guys!  This totally broke my heart to write.  I promise there is a happy ending here!  I’d love to know what you all think of this chapter and what happened in it.  You’re all amazing and incredible for coming along on this journey, and we are obviously far from done!  Love you all!

#I NEED FIRE #The Dirt #the dirt fanfic #the dirt imagine #motley crue fanfic #motley crue imagine #tommy lee fanfic #tommy lee #tommy lee x oc #tommy lee imagine #heartbreak #loss #vince neil imagine #nikki sixx imagine #nikki sixx fanfic #proposal #car accident #grief #Original Work #my story #fan fiction #fanfic

[lavenderbones22]

She Is Golden (Nikki Sixx) Chapter Two

Chapter Summary: Marina gives Vince a lap dance...much to the dismay of somebody else.

A/N So glad you guys all liked the first chapter. I’ve had this story written for months but always used other characters. Now, I feel it’s a perfect fit for the guys of Motley Crue. Enjoy the second chapter.

Word Count: 2192

--------

Anxiety.

'A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.'

Marina had always had bouts of anxiety throughout her life, but nothing compared to this moment right now. Unsure what had come over her, she had actually said yes to giving a lap dance. Maybe it was all the confidence building from Hannah beforehand when she was doing her makeup or maybe it was the fact that these hot guys, or specifically, hot guy, had asked after her. Robert was unsurprisingly ecstatic, so much so that Marina could only guess he thought that meant she would consider actually going on payroll as an official dancer-she'd let him keep thinking that.

"Perfect!" Bonnie finished tying up the straps on Marina's heels-the straps having gone right up to her toned thigh. "You look pale," she commented, stepping back and taking in Marina's appearance. "Sexy as fuck, but pale babe."

Marina laughed. "I feel amazing, but I'm terrified Bon...I don't know if I'm cut out for this."

Pulling her friend into a hug, reassurance.

"Don't think about it like it's work, just pretend he's your boyfriend or something," she advised the girl in front of her who wouldn't stop nervously biting her fingernails. "You've given a lap dance before, right?" She shooed Marina's hand away from her mouth.

Marina nodded.

"Easy done. Just imagine it's a totally normal, couple setting. That's what I did for my first few lap dances. I promise it makes it easier."

The butterflies in Marina's stomach were flying rampant and she honestly thought she was going to throw up.

Her breasts were nearly at her chin with the ridiculous push up, bedazzled bra she was wearing. The thong that went up her butt, she swore was making it's way to China. Despite all of this though she felt incredible, like one of the goddesses she got to watch every night up on stage.

The guy was going to pay her one hundred and fifty dollars for a dance, as Robert had told him that she wasn't actually a dancer but the in-house makeup artist. He had been thankful, telling Robert she was 'phenomenal' and that he 'would do anything to get a dance from her'.

If anything, it made Marina's ego fly.

"Right, he's in the private booth," Robert poked his head into the small dressing room where Marina and Bonnie were. "Ready hun?"

He was cuter close up. Blue, ocean eyes that looked at her like she was the greatest thing he had ever seen. And maybe she was. Although his eyes they were tinged red, Marina guessed from smoking too much weed and various other drugs beforehand. His hair was long, sitting just past his shoulders. It suited him well, especially with the band tee and black jeans he was sporting. He appeared as though he should be in a band from the seventies, she was kind of into it.

The private booths that lap dances...amongst other things... were held in were nothing classy. The girls had been begging Robert to do some sort of renovation for a while now (or so Marina had heard) and he simply refused. He was stingy as fuck old Robert, always keeping his money right where he wanted it, under a wooden panel in his house.

"Banks are overrated." Marina had heard him say a few times and had to ask the girls what on earth he meant by it.

"He's just a bit nutty," Melissa had told her.

"Reckons he doesn't need a bank account but unfortunately when you own the hottest strip club in West Hollywood, you NEED a bank account!" Bonnie had added.

Thick, purple curtains cut Marina and her client off from the rest of the club and a deep red, cheap velvet knock off go-around couch shaped the small area. A small table in the middle meant for drinks and bags-but used for many more things, completed the booth.

Marina had asked Robert whether she should use a stage name since all the other girls did. He and Bonnie both agreeing it was a good idea in order to protect her identity. Settling on 'Cherry', Marina couldn't help but be excited by her new alter-ego.

"You are spectacular, babe," the guy spoke, his eyes crawling the length of Marina's barely covered body.

She wasn't stick thin. No, she had curves. Big breasts matched with gorgeous hips. She had cellulite and stretch marks too, something she had learned to love over the years. She worked out every other day, so that always kept her stomach flat and everything else where it needed to be. She was fit and he was drooling.

She thanked him for his compliment shyly.

"I'm Vince, but you don't really care about that do ya?" He chuckled, Marina could tell he was shit faced.

"It's nice to know your name. I'm, uh... Cherry." Hesitating, she was getting nervous again.

"Cherry ey? That your real name?"

This wasn't Vince's first rodeo, he knew it was a fake name but he also knew that this girl was goddamn beautiful. She shouldn't be giving him a lap dance right now but fuck it, he was a sleaze and he was fucking horny.

Marina ran her hand through her locks, a nervous trait she had had for as long as she could remember.

"Does it matter?" She spoke, confidence shining through out of nowhere. "You're here for a dance anyway, not a discussion about my name."

Led Zeppelin, 'Kashmir' played from the speakers in the booth as Marina was already ten minutes into Vince's dance. She couldn't lie, she was loving it. She loved the attention he gave her, how he simply worshipped anything she did and even if she did fuck anything up he wouldn't know since he was completely wasted.

She rotated her hips against him to the rhythm of the music playing; some random dance song she had no bother for right now. She was enjoying herself and he was well and truly enjoying having her grind against his body; she could tell by the nudge she was getting against her inner thigh. Those skinny jeans were certainly not hiding much.

He was yearning for her body, to feel her skin against his, to grasp her delicious ass in his hands. But although he was pissed as fuck he knew he wasn't allowed.

He also knew that he was never one for rules.

"C'mere," Vince grabbed Marina's hips with force, pulling her into him even more than she already was. "Can I kiss you babe?"

Marina didn't know the in's and out's of giving lap dances in the club but she was pretty sure a standard rule amongst all strip clubs was that men weren't ever meant to touch or kiss the girls in any way.

But what Marina did know was that she was feeling Vince right now.

Unsure still, moving her body slower against him, stuck in her thoughts. Something she did also know was that there weren't any security cameras in the private booths so anything that did happen, as long as she had consented, wouldn't be known to Robert.

He was cute, she thought. He was hot for her and he had been respectful so far.

"Sure," she smiled.

One kiss turned into a pretty heated make out session. She could feel Vince hard as hell underneath her and his fingers creeping along her panty line. In any other situation she would probably have just slept with him but she didn't want to sell him sex under any circumstances.

"God I wanna fuck you so bad," he breathed, kissing and biting along her collarbone. Moaning, Marina let her head fall back. Vince-biting her throat eliciting more moans from Marina.

"Vince, I'm not a hooker," her hand on his chest, pushing him back just a little.

"Well when do you finish work? Come back to my place," he suggested. As much as she wanted to, Marina knew that it wasn't the right thing to do.

"I'm not sure Vince, I don't think that's much of a good idea."

"I think it is babe, c'mon," he kissed down her neck softly, rubbing his hands up and down her bare sides. "I'll make you feel so good." If ever she was tempted it was right now. This boy was pulling her into the depths of hell with him and by God did she wanna go.

"I can't Vince, I'm sorry." She stood up, fixing her breasts back into place. Staring-Vince couldn't look away. Mesmerised. She was shy and he liked that. Although her outward appearance would have one thinking otherwise; her dark makeup, huge tits and innocent face made him go wild.

"Can I at least get your number?" His puppy dog eyes were adorable. He was adorable.

***

Walking back into the dressing room Marina was nearly bowled over by Melissa bounding up to her. "What the fuck is this I hear about you giving a LAP DANCE!?" She yelled excitedly.

Laughing, Marina nodded. "Yeah, I just gave my first lap dance." Melissa engulfed the small girl into a hug telling her over and over again how proud she was and 'welcome to the club'.

Half an hour later and back in her skinnies and bodysuit, Marina wandered back out into the club. Bonnie was on stage again and gave her friend a wink when she spotted her watching from the bar. Still on a high from her session with Vince, the young girl honestly felt the best she'd felt in a while. In a job that had such a strong stigma attached to it, it sure did make a girl feel good about herself.

"Was he alright?" A deep voice sounded from next to her. Startled, Marina looked up and into the eyes of the black haired, gorgeous boy from earlier- Vince's friend.

"He was fine," she laughed.

"Good."

The strong smell of hard liquor lingered on his body mixed with cigarette smoke, weed and cologne; Marina liked it.

"I gather he has a tendency of usually not being alright?" Turning around to order another wine from Hugh, mister dark hair and handsome leaned his side against the bar-eyeing Marina. She had a North Eastern accent and it was charming the pants off of him.

"Usually." His eyes studied the beauty in front of him. He didn't know her name, her age, anything about her but he was floored. A girl this beautiful, this magnificent, shouldn't be roaming around a strip club giving lap dances to his wasted friend.

"Are you alright?" Marina sniggered. This boy wasn't saying much, seeming to be stuck in his own head.

"Y-yeah," he scratched his head-caught off guard. "Sorry. Uh, so your boss said you're not actually a dancer?" Making conversation, desperation, he needed to know everything, anything about her.

"Yeah, Vince was my first lap dance actually...you know...professionally. I'm the house makeup artist," she said with a smile that Nikki couldn't help but find extremely endearing.

God, she was cute.

"Oh God, he didn't try anythin' else with ya did he?" Taking a sip of his beer, Nikki eyed this girl whose name he was still to learn.

Marina bit her lip. "He wanted to fuck, but I'm not a hooker so yeah, told him no obviously. We did make out a bit though."

"Fuck, sorry doll!" Nikki always found himself apologising to people for his best friend's behaviour-that is when they weren't apologising to people for his. "Fuckin' dog, he's got a girlfriend, did he tell ya that?"

Marina raised her eyebrows in surprise. "No, he did not."

Nikki nodded, shameful."She's a real nice girl too. Fuck, he can be such a dick." Nikki spoke more to himself than the pretty brunette.

Marina just shrugged-not surprised. "Honestly, he struck me as that sort of guy. Super nice, but also super charming and can get his way into any girls pants."

Both laughing. "You got him spot on, babe."

Sudden interruption, Bonnie bouncing over. "Miss Marina, there you are!" Engulfing her friend in a hug. "Four shots of tequila thanks H!" Her loud voice easily heard over the music, perhaps more so than usual since Marina could tell she was already drunk. Bonnie stopping, eyeing the tall drink of water in front of her, she liked what she saw.

"Spotted you from the stage baby, want a dance? I'll give it to you for half price coz you're so cute."

Nikki unsure, looking from an eager Bonnie to an awkward looking Marina. Eye contact, almost asking permission. Marina instantly looking away, turning her head back to the bar where Hugh was pouring out the four shots. Nikki would much rather a dance from the pretty girl he'd just been speaking with, whose name he assumed was what her friend had called her. Or maybe it was something he couldn't figure out in his hazy state of mind; but it was just as beautiful as she was.

He had gotten many dances off girls before but he more respect for Marina than getting some cheap dance off of her. She seemed different and he wasn't Vince.

Marina, who was now looking at the ground. Bonnie always did this. Overconfidence, something far more than what Marina had.

He was drunk and a little high on some shit. He was horny too and after all, he was in a strip club. He had just met Marina and god did he want to do dirty things to her, but not tonight. Bonnie would have to do.

"Yeah, alright."

TAG LIST: @chocolatealmondmilkshake @motley-queen @kingbouji3 @fandomshit6000 @lovesick-heart0 

#nikki sixx #nikki sixx smut #douglas booth!nikki sixx #nikki sixx fanfic #douglas booth #motley crue #motley crue imagine #motley crue fanfic #fanfiction #fanfic #imagine #rock and roll #the dirt #the dirt fanfic

[bxcketbarnes]

The Innocent Girl // Part Twenty-Nine: Going Undercover // Bellamy Blake

Words: 3900+

Warnings: cute and fluffy, kinda

Author's Note: GUESS WHO'S BACK BABY! THAT'S RIGHT! IT'S ME! Guys, you've got no idea how excited I am to get back into writing this. I missed this series so much and it's my absolute favorite series I've written. I love Britt and Bellamy's relationship. Ugh. Anyway, I hope you guys are excited and enjoy this chapter! Thank you to @lovefilledtragedy for reading this over for me xox

I was in the med-bay with Abby as she was checking up on Raven and her leg. I stood a couple feet away, my arms crossed with a small smile on my lips as the mechanic had a grin on her lips. “How about now?” Abby mutters while rotating her leg. “Anything?”

“Nope. All good,” Raven told her and Abby stands up straight. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as I gave a thumbs up to the teen from behind the older woman. “The pain’s gone.”

The doctor hums before speaking up. “Your leg…” she trails off and the dark brunette finishes her sentence.

“It still doesn’t work. I know,” Raven nods and grabs the clunky brace from beside her. “I just don’t hurt anymore.” She began to place it back onto her left leg when Abby stopped her.

“Hey. Hold on,” she mumbles and turns on a flashlight, checking her pupils quickly. “Pupils aren’t dilated.”

Raven chuckles with a large grin on her lips, looking up at Clarke’s mother. “Jaha gave me the key to the City of Light, Abby, not drugs.”

My eyebrows furrow at the mention of the city of light, not exactly knowing what that is nor did anyone tell me about it. My eyes glance at Abby as she just looks down at the clipboard in her hand. “Yeah. Let’s see what the blood test says,” she informs as Raven continues to put her brace on with a small smile on her lips.

“I thought you’d be happy for me,” Raven speaks up and I bite the inside of my cheek, feeling the uneasy tension filling the room.

“I am,” Abby spurts out hastily, “it’s just unusual for pain to subside this quickly.”

The mechanic hops down from the table as I step a bit closer, patting her shoulder lightly as she gave me a small smile before turning towards the doc. “So, am I all clear?”

“Apparently,” Abby chuckles before continuing, “let Sinclair know that I said that it’s okay for you to go back to work, but you’re benched again if I find anything abnormal in those tests.”

“You won’t. Thanks, Doc,” Raven smiles and gives me a quick hug before leaving the med-bay.

-

I walk down the various halls of Arkadia, sighing slightly as I see everyone in guard uniforms, missing my old job. I let out a sigh, hearing Pike’s name come from my left and an idea pops into mind. I shove my hair into a messy ponytail, jogging towards the area where Pike was seen to be greeted by the man himself… and Bellamy. Shit. Okay, Britt, you got this.

“Pike! I’ve been looking for you,” I call out and the Chancellor’s eyebrow raises a bit before looking at Bellamy. “I’m sure Bellamy’s told you all about m-,” I begin but gets cut off by the curly-haired man coughing extremely loud.

Both Pike and I look towards him and he apologizes before giving me a knowing look, one saying that he hasn’t said anything. “Sorry, what were you saying?” Pike asks.

“I, uh, I just wanted to talk about joining The Guard. I was apart of the team before we moved into Mount Weather and I was announced dead and honestly, I miss it a lot. Is there any chance I could get my old job back?” I ask, fiddling with my fingers together as my heart beats quickly inside my chest.

A smile comes to his lips and was about to answer when Kane’s voice comes into play. “There you are. We need to talk about these things Jaha is distributing,” he almost commands and I turn to face the bearded man, bumping into Bellamy slightly. His fingers graze my lower back, sending chills down my spine as my eyes slowly close shut. Don’t think about it. Don’t think about it…

“No, we don’t, that’s Abby’s department. I have much more immediate concerns,” Pike mentions and tries to continue on but Kane quickly stops him.

“Like the imprisoned grounders?”

“Interned, for their safety as well as ours,” Pike corrects.

“They came here for our help,” Kane pipes up as I chew on my lip, looking between Bellamy and Pike who now stand in front of me and Kane. “If we’re not going to give it to them, we should at least send them home.”

“They’re a liability,” Bellamy’s deep voice speaks and I glance towards the ground, trying to ignore the agonizing pain in my chest. “Let them go and they’ll tell their people what they know about us. Our defenses and capabilities.”

I take in a deep breath before adding to the discussion. “We’re talking about Lincoln here,” I add and cross my arms a bit, furrowing my eyebrows together like I know nothing.

“No, we’re talking about the enemy, Britt,” Pike states and I let out a quiet, oh, playing dumb.

“Not all grounders are the enemy.”

“Kane, we’ve been through this alright. The election decided it,” the dark-skinned man pressed as Miller was walking behind the two men in front of me, nodding his head slightly before taking a turn down a hallway. I glance towards Kane, curious to what that was about as the bearded man spoke.

“Public opinion is a funny thing, Charles.”

“My job is to keep us safe. Not to be liked. Brittney, if you want to follow us we can talk about getting your job back,” Pike mentions as he and Bellamy began walking away.

I slowly began to follow, glancing back at Kane as he gave me a curt nod. “Then keep up the good work!” I wipe my sweaty hands onto my pants, releasing a breath I haven’t realized I was holding as I caught up to the two men.

Bellamy managed to grab me before I walked in, the door closing in front of us. I look up at him, his dark brown eyes meeting mine instantly and I swallow the lump in my throat. “What are you doing?” He asks and I scoff quietly, prying my arm from his grasp.

“What do you mean? What does it look like?” I ask while tilting my head to the side.

He scoffs as well, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “If he finds out that you’re helping Kane, Clarke, or Octavia in any way you’re going either get thrown in lockup or worse… killed,” he informs me and I can see the hint of worriedness on his features. “We may not be together anymore, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.”

My heart drops at the words not together as I never stated we were broken up. “I-I never once said that we were no longer together… but if that’s what you want then fine. I’m still going in there and you can’t stop me,” I tell him in a hushed whisper that was laced with heartbreak, officially losing what made me happy.

Before he even got the chance to speak up again the metal door in front of us opens, Pike on the other side of it as he just tilts his head for us to come in. I step into the office, standing beside a large table as Pike, Bellamy, and six other people began to file into the room. My eyes lock with Monty as his eyes widen in shock, immediately bringing me into a hug.

“Holy shit, you’re alive. I-I-How?” He asks and I mutter to him that I’ll explain it later on. Everyone gathers around the table, Bellamy standing on the far end of me as I can’t help but look at him.

“Okay,” Pike mumbles and moves to the side of the table, placing his hands onto the metal top. “Let’s get this meeting started. Welcome Farm Station’s own Monty Green, Factory’s girl, Zoe Monroe, and daughter of the great Michael Moore, Brittney,” he introduces us to the others in the room and I quickly glance around, giving a small shy wave. “Now we begin our next crucial phase of expansion and salvation, and this will lead the way.”

He holds up a metal tube and I analyze it for a short second as someone else speaks up. “Dirt?”

“Soil,” Pike corrects with a raise of his eyebrows, “fertile, arable soil. Vastly richer than anything we’ve found since landing. We’ll clear the trees and plant within the month.”

“We start with soybeans and corn,” Monty’s mother, Hannah, speaks up and I glance behind my shoulder to look at her, “they grow the fastest.”

Monty steps away from the table to look at the lit up map with a ton of writing on it, taking a couple steps towards it. “What’s the matter, Monty? Don’t like corn?” Miller’s boyfriend, Brian, asks and I tear my gaze away from his mother to look at him.

“I’ve never had corn, actually,” he mutters a bit softly and points his finger to an area on the map. “Is this where we’re going?”

“That’s right,” Pike answers.

“There’s a village here. What about the people who live there?” He asks, turning his head to face us and I turn mine to look at Pike, wondering the same thing.

“That’s Sector Four. We talked about this,” Bellamy interjects, “the people there are not a threat.” He shakes his head at Pike as I couldn’t help but smile lightly, knowing he’s not completely a monster.

Pike turns his attention to Bell and leans forward slightly. “We need that land. With the loss of Mount Weather’s resources, Arkadia will be starving in less than a year,” he explains as Monty steps back towards the table, his arm brushing mine slightly.

I swallow thickly, glancing to everyone who stood beside the table, landing on Bellamy last. “With all due respect, sir, you still haven’t answered Monty’s question.”

“You know the answer. Every field must be cleared of stones before it’s tilled.”

“We were spotted by a child. So, they’ll be expecting us,” Hannah comments and I quietly tap my fingers against the table, trying not to get overwhelmed about the fact that a whole village of grounders will be killed because of us. “But they lost their fighters when we took out the army. We don’t expect resistance.”

Monty squeezes his eyes shut and furrows his eyebrows. “They’re grounders. They’ll resist,” he mentions and I nod my head in agreement.

“Even if they don’t. The Commander’s message was clear. Blood must not have blood that means-”

“What would you prefer? Die fighting for your home? Or starve to death? Will you do what needs to be done for your people to survive or not?” Pike asks while looking to all of us standing at the table and my eyes move to Bell’s as he was looking at Monty.

“We’ll do what needs to be done,” Bellamy mentions for all of us and I don’t take my eyes off him. His brown eyes move to mine and I give him a fake smile, feeling my stomach churn.

-

I stood in a secluded corner of the camp, pacing a bit as I gave Monty a message to give to Bellamy. I look towards the sky, closing my eyes as I take a deep breath. Footsteps nearing snap me out of my thoughts and see the curly-haired man waltzing towards me, his head looking over his shoulder every few seconds.

My heartbeat quickens in my chest as he grows closer to me. “I got your message, obviously, so what’s up?” He mumbles and I can feel my anxiety grow slightly.

“I-I…” I trail off and run my fingers through my hair as Bellamy’s stare burns into the side of my face. “I want to hate you, to be angry at you for what you did, but I can’t. Why?” I ask while turning to face him.

He raises an eyebrow, shrugging his shoulders while slapping his hands onto the outside of this thighs. “I don’t… I don’t know, Britt,” he starts and takes a step closer to me. His fingers reach out to graze against my arm, sending shivers down my spine. “Could it be for the fact that maybe you still love me?”

I nod slowly and I step back from him and begin to pace once more. “How can I not?” I whisper and glance up at the freckled man. “Y-You’re different from the others. Somehow we got along even when you drove me insane,” I laugh and shake my head.

“I’m sorry for what I did and I’m sure Audrey feels the same way. She may have a different reason for her actions than I do but we still care about you, everyone who thought you were dead does,” Bellamy explains and I chew on my bottom lip. A sigh leaves my lips and I take a step towards him, pressing a short kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“I know you are. I can see it in the way you react to Pike’s suggestions, but I still just need time to regain your trust. You get that right?” I ask him while stepping back. He dips his head low, his bangs handing in front of his eyes and nods his head.

Bellamy brings his hand up to the side of my face, sliding it around to the back of my head and pulls me into his chest. “You’re still my angel…”

-

We were currently packing up the Rover with whatever ammo or supplies needed to start the attack on the grounder village. I’ve felt sick to my stomach ever since I stepped foot into the cargo bay, watching everyone rush around as indistinct chatter was sounding throughout the area.

I stumbled towards Hannah and Bellamy as they were gathering more ammo when Kane had stepped up to us. “That’s a lot of firepower,” he mentions and glances at me quickly.

“Let’s hope we don’t need it,” Bellamy replies while loading the gun in his hand.

“What’s the mission?” The ex-Chancellor asks and I chew on my nails, giving Hannah a fake smile when she looks towards me.

“Planning for our future,” he mutters and hands Monty’s mother the rifle.

His dark brown eyes meet my gaze and I softly smile before looking away. “You know, that looks a lot like our past,” Kane mutters while leaning in close to the young adult.

Bellamy looks at him with an incredulous look. “We are building a life here,” he scoffs and begins to furiously gather the stuff on the table, bumping into me a bit. I take a step back and watch with wide eyes as I zip up my guard jacket. “Not trying to make peace with people who only understand war.”

“Damn right,” Hannah comments as she walks past me, grabbing one of the duffle bags off the table. I press my lips together, seeing Kane approach the older woman before I make my way towards Bellamy.

Everyone files into the back of the Rover as Bell calls out to move out. I quickly put my hair into a ponytail before getting into the back, sitting down beside Monty. I scoot closer to my best friend as Bellamy piles in along with Bryan. The back door closes while the vehicle turns on, the engine revving before we drive out of Arkadia.

-

It was mainly a quiet journey to the grounder village. My eyes dancing around the six other people that are sat in the car. I can’t believe we’re doing this… I can’t believe I’m doing this… Bellamy’s the last person my eyes move to and I chew the inside of my lip before shaking my head, tearing my gaze away from him. C’mon play the part. Get your head in the game.

“I’m really glad you’re here, Britt,” Audrey’s voice calls out and I snap my head towards her to see a small smile on her lips, eyes filled with guilt and regret.

I nod my head, returning the smile before speaking up, “me too.”

The rover comes to a stop, signaling that we arrived at the village. I adjust the rifle in my arms as Bryan opens the back door and the five of us pile out of the vehicle as quietly as we can. “I don’t hear anything,” Monroe whispers. I take notice at how quiet it is as I stealthily follow after Hannah. “Maybe no one’s home.”

The group makes it closer to the village, guns hot and ready as Bellamy calls out, “hello? Anyone here?” I roll my eyes a bit. Yeah, because they’re definitely gonna answer you, mhm.

“Maybe they saw our lights and left,” Hannah points out and I had a strong feeling that someone we know had warned them. Octavia…

Bellamy makes a sigh for us to move forward. A line of people on each side of the entrance move in, searching the abandoned place. I furrow my eyebrows as I approach a bound of sticks and logs, noticing a yellowish-green substance covering it.

“What the-?” I start but cut myself off at the sound of a horse neighing.

“Contact. Two o’clock,” Bellamy mutters before heading in that direction and I quickly go after him.

“Bellamy, get out of there!” I could hear Octavia yell as we come to a stop, seeing Hannah and Bryan had come along as well. “It’s a trap!”

Another yell was heard in the distance and I look towards the direction, seeing an array of flaming arrows heading towards us. “Incoming! Take cover,” Bellamy calls out and we begin to move.

“The smoke is poison!” Octavia yells as I see the forgein stuff I saw earlier now on fire. People from our group began to fire in the direction of the arrows as a lot more came over the hill.

“Fall back, fall back!” Bellamy orders and I take a couple shots at the grounders, intentionally missing before heading back. “Stay out of the smoke. Head back to the rover.”

I run back towards the rover, hearing Monroe call for Monty as I glance back, seeing the asian teen go into the smoke to save her. “Monty!” Hannah and I yell in unison, both of us heading in his direction when Bellamy stops us.

“Come on, come on!” He ushers us and grabs Hannah by the arm. I ignore him, continuing further into the village to make sure they both get out alive. “Britt, no! Get back here!” He screams at me and I looking back at him to see the fear in his facial expression and eyes.

“Monroe! Monty!” I call out and see the two of them emerge from the smoke. I run over quickly, tucking my gun to the side and grab Monroe’s other arm.

She coughs violently as the two of us bring her towards the others, Bellamy coming up to us. “We need to get her out of the smoke,” he mentions while we bring her towards the rocks. I watch her with worried eyes as she gasps constantly, looking up at us with wide eyes.

“How the hell did they know?” Bryan asks and Monroe suddenly stops gasping.

“Monroe!” Bellamy and I call out, tears coming to my eyes as she didn’t breathe anymore. I bring a hand up to my mouth, sitting back on my feet.

“Your sister did this,” Hannah tells Bell and I look over at her, feeling a bit of anger rushing through my veins.

“How did she know?” Bryan asks, glancing between all of us.

“We have a traitor in our camp,” she simply states and I get up from my spot, walking towards the rover while combing my fingers through my hair. Fuck, fuck, fuck. This isn’t good.

I kick the body of the vehicle, grunting loudly before they turned into angry screams. I breathed heavily as everyone around me stares, and I slide my back against the car, planting myself on the ground.

-

Once we got back to camp I separated myself from everyone. I went to my room, peeling off my guard jacket and throwing it against the wall. “God damn it,” I yell and place my hands onto my hips, letting out deep breaths to calm myself.

Knocks were heard on my door as I look towards it, really tempted to just not say anything in hopes they go away. “Britt, I know you’re in there,” Bellamy’s voice calls out and I sigh.

I open the door, giving him a plain look. “What do you want, Bellamy?” I ask in a monotone voice, not wanting to talk to anyone right now.

“How you holding up?” He asks and I scoff, moving away from the door as he comes in. Bell closes the metal door behind him as I sit down on the bed.

“Not great. She died. S-She was just a kid still, and now she’s dead,” I tell him while having my eyebrows furrowed together. Bellamy crouches in front of me and grabs my hands, stroking the back of them softly.

“I know, angel. I know. Do you see why I’m following Pike now?” He asks and I roughly pull my hands from his.

“No, honestly, I don’t. We could’ve just left their village alone. None of this would’ve happened then,” I tell him sternly.

He sighs, rubbing his face before bringing them through his hair. “God damnit, Britt. Why can’t you just understand that we’re trying to survive?!” Bellamy yells while standing up.

“I understand that, but that doesn’t mean we can just go around and start killing grounders,” I yelled back, standing up at well. He wants to fight, I’m game.

“God, you’re so frustrating,” he mumbles and stares down at me.

I snicker, shaking my head. “Feeling’s mutual, freckles.” Bellamy’s eyes lit up at the nickname that came from my lips, and I watch as his eyes move down to my lips for a few seconds.

He lunged forward, placing his hand on the back of my head before connecting our lips together. A small gasp sounds out, my fingers gripping his shirt as my eyes flutter shut. Fuck, I’ve missed his lips. My other hand wraps around his neck, pushing myself closer to him as we deepened the kiss, his free hand moving to my waist.

Bellamy pushes me back, feeling the mattress hit the back of my legs before I fall onto it. He hovers over me, breaking the kiss for a few seconds. “I love you so much,” he whispers and my heart flutters. “I’m sorry I’m a dick and working with Pike, but I… I can’t work with you and just not do something about my feelings.”

I move my hand to his face, stroking his cheekbone with my thumb as I look into his eyes. “I love you, I do. I-It’s just hard. You’re not the Bellamy I know,” I tell him sadly and his face falls a bit. I lean up to press a quick kiss to his lips. “I’m sorry, Bell. This just,” I pause, motioning my hand between the two of us, “this can’t happen right now.”

Bellamy slides off of me, standing up and walks towards the door. I sit up on the bed, feeling my chest clench a bit as I hate to see him walk away. “There’s still hope though, right?” He asks and I provide a small smile.

“Of course,” I mumble and get up, heading towards him to place one last kiss on his lips. “You’ll be the first know, freckles.”

He lets out a deep sigh, moving some of the hair from my face. “See you soon, angel,” he whispers before opening and walking out the door. I flinch slightly as it slams shut and I let out a breath, feeling the tears come to my eyes.

Taglist: @lovefilledtragedy @triscuitcracker @writing-in-riverdale @kaylinfayezink @1happygir1 @simplisticwriting @panda-pops701 @twd-rocks-blog @jodiereedus22 @literallyhelpme

#bellamy blake #bellamy blake x reader #bellamy x reader #bellamy blake imagines #bellamy blake imagine #bellamy imagines #the 100 #the100 #the 100 cw #cw the 100 #the 100 imagine #the 100 imagines #the 100 x reader #the hundred #the hundred imagine #the hundred imagines #clarke griffin #octavia blake #lincoln #jasper jordan #raven reyes #jaha #monty green #hannah green #charles pike #marcus kane #nathan miller #abby griffin #bob morley

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 204: Chintetsu

Previously on BnHA: Shouto left Endeavor on read. Team TodoIidaShoujiRo attacked Team TetsuHonePonySen head-on, hitting them with a wave of ice and freezing them all in place. But it turns out Honenuki’s quicksand quirk is actually a “softening” quirk which can soften anything he touches. He used that to melt the ice to allow his teammates to escape. It also turns out that he had pre-treated some of the surrounding area with his quirk, and Ojiro and Iida came crashing down from their hiding spots shortly after as the softened ground gave way beneath them. Sen attacked Ojiro with his drill quirk while Pony took on Shouji. Meanwhile Tetsu went for Shouto, realizing a direct attack was his best bet. And Honenuki trapped Iida under a layer of the softened ice, but then made the mistake of rehardening it, intending to keep him stuck in place. Instead, Iida blasted free with his Recipro, revealing that he’s built up his endurance to the special move. So now we’ll see if he can take Honenuki down.

Today on BnHA: We get a wholesome Iida flashback to when Tensei explained how to upgrade his Recipro by -- wait, what? Mutilating his own fucking leg?! Holy shit. That’s not wholesome at all. What the fuck. But anyway, it worked I guess because back in the present day Iida is zipping along at speeds faster than Gran fucking Torino, and he’s able to maintain this speed for up to ten whole minutes. The only downside is that he can’t fully control himself because he’s so goddamn fast and so he keeps skidding around. Anyway, so Honenuki is like “nope” and gets the fuck out of there. Meanwhile Sen continues to whoop Ojiro’s ass, but then Iida shows up to save him so yay. Elsewhere the Tetsuroki fight has heated up, quite literally, as Todoroki activates his left side to create a wall of fire, and Tetsutetsu proceeds to walk right through it and attack Shouto as a red hot steel man. Shouto thinks back to his dad’s training and decides that the solution to this is clearly to make shit even hotter, so he starts up with that, and the chapter ends.

(As always, all comments not marked with an ETA are my mostly-unspoiled reactions from my first readthrough of this chapter. I’m caught up with the manga now at chapter 223, so any ETAs will reflect that.)

ohhh my god

IIDA FAM FLASHBACKS!??!

AHHHHH

EXCUSE ME IS THIS THE FUCKING FUTURE OR NOT?? CAN WE GET IIDA TENSEI A FUCKING HOVERCHAIR HERE PEOPLE? IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK. IF ONLY HORIKOSHI WAS AT ALL FAMILIAR WITH MARVEL COMICS -- OH, WAIT

but seriously though. also he’s supposed to be rich too isn’t he? c’mon

also! Iidamom looks exactly like I expected her to. welcome to our canon full of other awesome moms, Iidamom! a few more moms and I’ll be ready to do a top ten moms post. spoiler alert, the winner is not who you’d expect (unless you’re expecting Aizawa, because then you’re absolutely right)

anyways so I got SUPER distracted just now but apparently Tensei is talking about “tuning up” Iida’s engine!

wow can they do that?? fucking quirks, though. wild

oh my fucking god

just yank that fucking muffler right the fuck out. and a new one will grow in!! fucking QUIRKS, though. WILD

dsfalkhsd

just yank that fucking muffler right the fuck out without anesthesia. what are you, a pussy!?

gee thanks Horikoshi for this graphic image of Iida biting down on something while he uses his bare hands to yank what are essentially bones -- or organs, or whatever! the point is they’re part of him! -- right out of his fucking body. might wanna add some vodka to that OJ tonight Iida

OH SHIT, THAT PAYOFF THOUGH

IN TEN MINUTES YOU COULD TAKE OVER THE FUCKING WORLD, IIDA!

okay maybe I got a little overexcited. but damn though!

so he’s DRRNing over to Honenuki and

oh my god

loool at the thought of Iida zooming around wildly for the next ten minutes while he tries to figure out how to stop this thing, and meanwhile Honenuki can’t land a hit on him though

GET HIM IIDA!!

oh fuck

can he breathe under there? you know, depending on how long they still have until time runs out, he could just hide for the next ten minutes and then emerge and drag the paralyzed Iida to Rat Principal Jail

(ETA: actually that was a stupid thought. obviously Iida doesn’t have to keep Recipro activated the whole time if there’s no need to.)

but no, he’s swimming back to Tetsu and the others for now

meanwhile Iida’s still up top and trying to figure out what he’s up to

maybe you should do the same

holy shit we’re cutting back to the kids outside and Deku says Iida’s even faster than Gran Torino

“by a long shot.” that’s fucking fast. and I love it

by the way, with the way Mina was pointing, I thought, “oh, maybe Ojiro’s finally getting the upper hand!”

but no

Horikoshi why do you hate poor Ojiro

it’s probably the pain of this guy kicking you in the chest with his rotating fucking foot

so he’s trying to figure out what to do because he can’t really attack, and he keeps getting hurt whenever he tries to guard

oh hey there

trying to decide if I’m disappointed that Ojiro will never get to do anything cool, or ecstatic that Iida fucking Tenya just pulled off a badass save of this caliber

leaning more toward ecstatic, honestly. sorry Ojiro

oh, Iida

nice use of the word “forthwith”, Iida

(ETA: and nice use of the word “slammer”!!)

and now he’s telling Ojiro to go help Todoroki and that he’ll be right back

well I guess class 1-A will need some sidekicks too

meanwhile we’re sticking with Iida, which means I’m going to keep right on posting all of his panels, because his dialogue honestly deserves a fucking pulitzer prize

never, Sen!

Sen’s trying to reason his way out of this and telling Iida that he shouldn’t let Honenuki get away because he’s more of a threat

and he’s also grumping about Iida interrupting his and Ojiro’s fight. “you shouldn’t interrupt a one-on-one fistfight like that”

um, says who? fuck that. we’re trying to win here, we can make friends after

Iida says if he allows his will to be bent here, it will be bent in the real world as well

basically he’s treating this seriously. well, good

meanwhile! we’re cutting back to two minutes prior!

I guess Tetsu’s best option is to somehow knock him out. but the problem is that Shouto’s reflexes are too good and he can create an ice barrier in an instant

I think Tetsu’s steel would allow him to withstand Shouto’s fire long enough to punch him on his left side, though, so that would be my personal strategy if it were me

heh

A+ attack name. Shouto I’m sorry, I love you, but if I’m being honest I’m rooting for this guy here

heh

so you think he should try the fire instead? I’m not so sure that’s the best play in this case though. at least with the ice he has better control and he can hold him at bay. I just don’t think the fire would be that effective against Tetsu, but I’m sure we’ll find out shortly

because Tetsu’s bragging about how easily he can break through Shouto’s ice defense

ah here we go

for some reason Bakugou actually wanted to go up against this. still don’t quite understand it. my baby boy got a death wish

lol Pony’s running off. honestly a miracle she wasn’t incinerated just now

Shouto’s yelling at Shouji to go after her and Shouji’s all “got it”

yeah I’m thinking my initial assessment was right and this was indeed a mistake

fucking great. now you’ve got a molten steel man after your ass, Shouto

LOL

holy fucking shit. just in case anyone isn’t aware, “chinchin” means “penis” usually. so yeah

and I fucking love that here he’s using it to mean “hot”, but it could also be a throwback to the whole “five peepee man” thing, which he doesn’t actually know about but I do, and so to me this is the funniest thing ever okay

I have no further comment

oh fuck

no but as you can plainly see he is no stranger to burns, so please try not to maim him too badly...!?

lol Vlad has started narrating again. no doubt elated that his team is somehow eking out a win in what initially appeared to be the most one-sided matchup we were going to see today

uh oh but now it looks like Tetsu may have accidentally triggered the quirk development that Endeavor was trying to trigger but couldn’t because Shouto won’t return his damn texts

before I continue to the next and presumably final page of this chapter, I’m just gonna take a moment here to appreciate the irony of Endeavor accidentally conditioning Shouto to never listen to him ever, even on the occasions where it turns out he’s right. he spent years trying to get Shouto to use his flame side, but failed utterly, and then in the span of one fight Deku did what Endeavor had spent Shouto’s whole life trying to get him to do

and now it’s happening again here, where we see that Endeavor was once again trying to teach him something, but Shouto just ignored him until a random kid from the class next door just happened to say something similar. and then it clicked

like, it’s a major burn on Endeavor (no pun intended), but it’s also really unfortunate for Shouto, because his dad has been such a prick until recently that he’s missed out on absorbing the few worthwhile things he actually had to teach him. lot of lost time to make up for here, on both sides

anyways, let’s watch as Shouto slowly processes all this

well I assume (a) because of the “surpassing my limits” thing, and (b) because he’s been texting you nonstop and it was probably on your mind even though you were stubbornly trying to pretend it wasn’t

lol what kind of cliffhanger is this??

he’s not even doing anything! come on Shouto what are you doing to us. this isn’t fair

also, what happened to your hand? why is it all smooth. I assume because of some fire bullshit you’re about to do, but that’s still just weird looking

oh and on the last page there’s a long translator note explaining what I mentioned before about “chinchin” meaning penis. sometimes on select occasions I’m down with Horikoshi perpetually having the mind of a 12-year-old. if he wants to make this a recurring thing I won’t complain, lol

#bnha #boku no hero academia #iida tenya #honenuki juuzou #kaibara sen #ojiro mashirao #todoroki shouto #tetsutetsu tetsutetsu #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #makeste reads bnha #listen though #if tensei doesn't have a goddamn hoverchair by the next time we see him then I am going to start making some calls #and writing some emails #there is no excuse #don't tell me we don't have the technology when a high schooler is out here building jetpacks just for fun #we have sassy robots and holograms but no hoverchairs?? #give me a break