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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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#Kinktober #Nessian Here's a prompt! Nesta is now leading the Valkyries. She's the one training the next gen. (Maybe with Gwyn and Emerie?) And after a loooong day training, Cassian wants to treat her. ;) Maybe multiple times. Who knows. *wink*

Oh nonnie, I do hope you enjoy this. We all know I like to have some fun with interpretations...👀

Nesta has a long day and comes home to an empty apartment. She assumes Cassian must just have plans for the night, and she's not entirely wrong...

Warnings: Smut, what did you expect? Also, light roleplaying. 😉

Word Count: 2,903 | Autumn in Velaris Series | Read on AO3

a/n: We all know I like my double entendres...and treat can just mean so many things. 👀 Did I also go a bit soft and fluffy at points? Why yes, yes I did. Because Nesta had a long, difficult day, and Cassian is first and foremost a simp.

Another one I didn't take time to edit. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Nesta flopped down onto the bed, groaning into the mattress at the general exhaustion she felt all over.

She'd just spent an hour working out and then another hour teaching her Valkyrie Self-Defense class for women. Now she wanted to just pass out, but her stomach seemed to have other plans. So, after a minute laying down, she got up and went over to the dresser, pulling out a pair of lounge leggings and one of Cassian's shirts.

After her quick change, she went back out into the kitchen, her brows scrunched at the plate covered in tinfoil on the island counter. Cassian hadn't told her he'd be out, but a night alone wouldn't be the worst thing. She could eat, maybe take a bath, and then get to sleep early before Cassian showed up, likely wanting to talk or watch a movie or something.

Hopping up on one of the bar stools, Nesta pulled the plate toward her, smiling softly at the note left on top of it.

Hey babe! Sorry I'm not home, something came up that's taking me away. I'll be back soon, but I made your favorite as a little treat since I know Thursdays are so long. Love you!

Based on the heat radiating from the plate, she knew that was a lie. Her favorite was chocolate cake, and this was clearly an actual dinner.

She lifted the tinfoil to find a single serving of New York Strip over a piece of garlic bread, fingerling potatoes with harissa sauce, and asparagus. And extra harissa because he knows she likes to dip her asparagus in there too when she can, regardless of how healthy it really is.

After her last few hours, she deserved it.

Fork and steak knife in hand, Nesta dug in, groaning slightly at the flavors. Cassian always cooked their steak perfectly, just on the rarer side of medium-rare, the meat red in the middle and juicy.

Everything about the dinner was just right. It was even still practically hot, as if Cassian had left it out only a couple minutes before she got to it. Nesta must have literally just missed him. And as nice as it was to have a bit of time to herself, by the end of the meal, she was starting to wish she hadn't. Maybe she'd have been able to convince him to stay.

She was just washing her dish when a knock sounded at the door, startling her slightly. She wasn't expecting anyone, and she really didn't want to deal with some random person at the moment.

Yawning as she walked, Nesta reached the door and opened it, pausing in place and gaping at the sight.

There, in front of her, stood Cassian. Dressed ridiculously in a white, collared, short-sleeve shirt tucked into white slacks - though, the coloring did make his own skin seem to glow. He was looking down at a clipboard, some fold up table thing held by a handle in his other hand.

"Are you Ms. Archeron?" he asked, looking up from the clipboard, putting on a near perfectly composed face, as if they'd never met. But she could see the mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Cassian, what ar-"

"I'm sorry, miss, but my name isn't Cassian," he explained, interrupting her question. "I'm Jackson, here to give you the full body massage I was hired for." He lifted up the hand that was holding the table, as if that would prove his point, and Nesta had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing. "May I come in?"

"Oh, of course!" Nesta stepped aside, allowing her boyfriend, who she shared this apartment with, into their living room.

"Would you like me to set up in here, or in the bedroom?" She met Cassian's eyes again, smiling slightly at the lengths he was going to for this…for her.

Nesta always did love a good role-play.

The anticipation rejuvenated her, at least enough to try and play along. Plus, it seemed she would get a massage out of it, which would be perfect. She could already feel some soreness building.

She considered for a moment. The bedroom would be easier, in the end, but she'd never let a truly strange man in there. And if she wanted to do this right…

"In here would be best, please," she responded. "I wouldn't want my boyfriend to get upset about me letting another man into our room. He can get jealous."

The light in Cassian's eyes seemed to grow brighter at her words, his lips curving upward just slightly even as he attempted to keep on his mask.

"Understood," he offered, nodding softly. "I get that a lot. Apparently, many women think I'd pose a threat to their partners." He flashed her a grin as Nesta rolled her eyes.

It seems ego was one thing he and his new character had in common.

"Now, you will need to strip down," he added, shaking out an ivory sheet. "You can do so in your room, of course, and then just wrap this around you when you're ready to come out."

"So you're not going to try to take a peek?" She stared up at him, her own eyes lit with wicked delight.

"I can assure you, I'm very professional," he replied in a guttural voice that had Nesta's toes curling.

"Hmmm," she sighed, walking over to him and taking the sheet, making sure her fingers brushed his. "We may have to change that."

Nesta didn't miss the way Cassian's pupils dilated, and she could feel those eyes focused on her as she walked into their room. She came back out a minute later, completely naked underneath the sheet, which she was now noticing was definitely more sheer than an actual masseuse would provide.

Hazel eyes trailed down and back up her body slowly as she strutted toward the table, fixating for a prolonged moment on the now loose waves of golden brown. She didn't want to make this too easy for him.

"Lay down up here." Cassian patted the set-up table, cushioned on top, as he spoke. "Head in the head rest."

Nesta nodded and then sat down on it before laying back, eyes on the ceiling, arms to the side to make sure he could see what was on display beneath the translucent fabric.

Cassian coughed, frozen slightly as he clearly tried to steel himself. "On your stomach," he rasped, noticeably staring at where her nipples were visible through the material.

"Oh, my bad," she sighed, knowing exactly what she'd just done. It was all part of the game, trying to see who would break first. And Nesta desperately needed the win.

"Okay, Ms. Archeron. I'm just going to ask you to remove the parts of the sheet that are underneath you, so I can adjust it as I work."

Nesta nodded and did as requested - only, it seemed one side was much longer than the other, and it may have had enough weight to cause the entire sheet to slip right off her. "Oops," Nesta offered, looking up at Cassian with apologetic eyes.

Cassian ground his teeth as he tried not to look, failing quickly. He muttered something incoherent and then leaned over, picking up the sheet and resting it over her body lightly.

"Not a problem, ma'am," he breathed, swallowing as he turned and started to rub some oil on his hands.

Once he was at her side, Cassian folded the sheet so that her entire back was exposed and started rubbing softly, his fingers deftly working her muscles, the touch of his skin on hers adding a heat that shouldn't have been there so soon.

"Oh, gods," she moaned involuntarily, feeling Cassian's hands pause for a just a second before resuming. Of course, her reactions were the key. They'd always driven him before, she should've known that from the start.

"You're very…tight, Ms. Archeron," he sighed, rubbing his hands a bit harder on a particularly large knot. "I'll need to get on the table to put the right pressure down, if that's okay with you."

"Please, do." Nesta nodded in the headrest as she said it, quite certain she could see in her mind the exact smile Cassian was wearing at her response.

She felt the warmth of his body around her hips as he straddled her, kneeling on the table to keep his weight off of her. At this new position, he really was starting to put more into his hands movements, but he could also touch her back in different ways, and it felt divine.

It felt even better when he leaned in and she felt a hardness brush softly against her. A gasp escaped her lips as she felt a pounding begin in her core, a desperate need building.

"Is that part of the massage, too?" she asked through a smirk.

"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about." His words were low, spoken through gritted teeth, as if he were focusing on trying to…soften the situation.

"Don't you?"

"We're not that type of business, ma'am," he explained, but Nesta could hear the rasp in his voice. The desire he was attempting to hide for the sake of the game.

She exhaled loudly, lifting her head and propping herself up on her elbows as she looked behind her. "Well, that's quite a shame. I certainly wouldn't be opposed."

His eyes met hers, and she didn't miss the way they widened, the sparkle of lust dancing between the flecks of gold.

"You know, I have been feeling very tense lately," she added as an idea popped into her head. There was one thing, beyond everything else, that Cassian couldn't resist. "Would you be able to take a look at it…Jackson?"

He nodded, pushing himself off the table. She flipped herself over, making sure the sheet continued to cover her, as a client typically would, and then she started to pull it up, up, up.

"The general, er…vulva area," she explained, her voice soft. "I've been feeling quite tight and sore there recently."

Cassian swallowed, his eyes immediately snapping to the area as the sheet lifted. She thought she heard a slight whimper in his throat that he attempted to choke down before meeting her eyes again. "Ms. Archeron, I'll admit, that's not an area we typically work."

"But it is a full body massage, is it not?" she cooed, batting her eyelashes. It likely didn't have the effect she planned, considering the wicked smile she was also wearing. "Are you not willing to make an exception for me?"

His gaze remaining locked on hers, he flashed her that cocky half-smile and nodded. "I think, for you, it's one I'd gladly make."

Nesta's own grin widened as she spread her legs a bit, waiting.

Cassian's hands started on her legs, his calloused fingers oxymoronically soft and rough against her skin in a way that had her inhaling deeply. He took his time traveling up her legs, Nesta's anticipation growing with each second as she waited, secure in the victory that was about to come.

He stroked up and down her thighs, his thumbs drawing circles on the inner side, just how he knew she liked it, and Nesta felt another moan be released. Cassian teased her at the top of her thighs for a moment, but tonight was clearly about her, because it was less than thirty seconds before he had his hands resting on her hips as he stroked her outer folds. Typically, he preferred to tease her for well over a minute.

When his thumbs traveled further inward, she heard a whispered, "Shit," from Cassian as he registered exactly what he'd been doing to her.

"Is everything okay, Jackson?" she queried, noticing that he'd stopped his ministrations, her face the epitome of innocence.

"Of course, Ms. Archeron," he replied, his voice strained.

"Oh, good. I wouldn't want to hurt your…professionalism," she teased, meeting his eyes again and biting her bottom lip just the way he liked it.

His stare flicked to her mouth for a moment, his cheeks flushing a pale pink. But then something shifted, his eyes focusing into a determined look as he moved them down her body and started again. He turned to face her, using just one hand now as he started to rub a wide circle around the area, narrowing its diameter with each full rotation.

Nesta's moan was much louder this time as his finger brushed across her center. She could feel the pressure already building within her as his strokes turned from a massage to something far more focused on her pleasure. He put weight on it just as he knew she liked, focusing on pressing around and across that one spot.

"Cassian," she sighed loudly, practically whining, unable to say another name in a moment like this. Not as she felt herself on the verge of shattering. No one ever made her feel this good. Even before they got together, when she was trying to distract herself with other men, it was always his face she imagined. And far too often it was his name on her lips as she came with another man inside her.

A fact she still hadn't told him.

"Right here, baby," he breathed, his free hand brushing some loose strands of hair behind her ear as he looked into her eyes. Without stopping his fingers he leaned in and kissed her deeply. Nesta's own hands slid into his hair just as his tongue met hers, holding him close.

And the circles continued. Harder, faster, never faltering. Cassian didn't need to enter her for this. He knew that by now as well as she did. The right pressure, the right spots, Nesta would be seeing stars and still wake up pleasurably sore in the morning. And Cassian was the king at finding every point on her body that would make Nesta writhe.

He tore his lips away from her mouth and started nipping his way up her jawline as Nesta began to pant, sitting right at the edge of something incredible. And as he lightly bit down right where her neck and shoulder meet, Nesta broke, shuddering as she gasped wildly. She could feel herself clenching around nothing, her legs trembling as Cassian's ministrations saw her through the throes of her orgasm. His kisses were soft as he worked his way back up her neck and toward her mouth.

By the time their lips met, his finger had slowed down, but her heart was still racing, still jumping for joy at Cassian's love for her.

When he pulled away, Cassian caressed her cheek softly, his eyes gentle and shining, as if he was basking in her love as much as she was his. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and then stood up straight, taking her with him and cradling her in his arms. She couldn't help but wonder if he'd been able to somehow see that her legs were too weak to carry her in that moment, after what he'd done.

"What's next on your agenda?" she asked softly as he carried her into their room and laid her on the bed tenderly.

He chuckled softly and kissed her temple again before going into the bathroom, coming back out a moment later with a damp cloth.

Sitting beside her, he gently cleaned her up, careful with the still-sensitive area.

"Now, we go to bed," he revealed, his tone soft.

Nesta's brows furrowed. "What about you?"

"I didn't have such a difficult and tiring schedule today." He finished with the cloth and threw it into the hamper before moving toward their closet.

Quickly, Cassian changed into a pair of sweatpants, giving her a flash of his perfect ass just before sliding them on.

Like every night, he left his torso bare as he came back to their bed, a pair of sleep shorts and that same shirt of his she'd been wearing earlier in his hands.

He helped her into the clothes, asking as minimal effort from Nesta as possible, as if he expected her to be barely able to use her muscles after everything.

Cassian wasn't entirely wrong. Almost as soon as she'd hit the bed she started to feel the exhaustion of the day. As if Cassian's gift had taken the final scraps of energy remaining in her body.

Once she was fully dressed for bed, he pulled back the sheets from under her and then lifted them over her body before climbing beneath them himself from the other side and shutting off their lights.

Nesta turned to face him, attempting to scoot closer and failing drastically as her body refused to do more. Cassian huffed out a small laugh and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his body. Her own arms snapped around him instinctively as she nuzzled in, Cassian resting his head on hers.

"I could help with that," she offered through a yawn, unable to miss what was pressing against her hip.

"You already are," he breathed, kissing the top of her head.

Nesta was sure she had something to add, was sure her brain told her mouth to speak, but it seemed no part of her body was listening, instead forcing the last working part of her into the lull of sleep they'd already accepted.

@live-the-fangirl-life @generalnesta @secretlovelybeauty @nehemikkele @nestaisgod @julemmaes @live-the-fangirl-life @boredserpent @autumnbabylon @bo0kmaster69 @angelic-voice-1997 @moodymelanist @sv0430 @confusedfandomslut

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yazthebookish · 3 years

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"for some reason, the enemy was desperate to reach the stone at the top of Ramiel. We were never taught the reason why; I think it's been forgotten." (Emerie)

“There was a fourth object in the vision, but it was in shadow—was there ever a fourth part of the Trove? All I could make out was a bit of ancient bone.” (Nesta)

“Made objects tend to not wish to be found by just anyone,” Amren cautioned. “That they have faded from memory, that even I didn't think of them immediately in the fight against Hybern, suggests that perhaps they willed it that way. Wanted to stay hidden. True things of power have such gifts.” (Amren)

��If they're all enchanting you to forget, how is it that Azriel was able to remember and bear information here?” -- “Perhaps once you learn of it, recognize it, the spell is broken,” Amren said. “Or perhaps the Dread Trove wants us to know if it now, for some dark reason if it's own.” (Amren)

“Unsurprisingly, the Illyrians were never curious enough to see what secrets lie beneath Ramiel, if it, too, was carved up like the others by ancient hands.” (Eris)

“I spend so many months preparing for you,” Koschei crooned, “and you don't even wish to speak to me?” (Koschei to Azriel)

. . . . .

It's possible that the fourth trove is under Ramiel and Koschei wants to use Azriel to retrieve it because it's engulfed in shadows and Azriel is a Shadowsinger.

Illyria means the following are involved:

• Azriel

• Nesta, Gwyn and Emerie (The Valkyries)

• Cassian

• Mor

• Eris (possibly)

Which makes me believe that having all 4 trove items by the end of ACOTAR5 will lead up to Elain's book. Elain and Lucien will deal with Koschei, the human Queens, freeing Vassa and the swans, the Spring Court and the final war. There's a reason SJM expanded the map and Elain out of all three sisters was the one that wanted to go to the continent the most. Koschei's lake happens to be there. I think we'll figure out what her father's bargain was through her. I think Elain will use the dread trove but it's also connected to Lucien. Lucien at one point might use the mask possibly during the War. It's no coincidence Helion specifically mentions the mask.

Helion shuddered, and Nesta threw the cloth over the Mask. As if the cloth somehow blinded it to their presence. “Perhaps an ancestor of mine once used it, and the warning of its cost is imprinted upon my blood.” Helion shook out a breath.

ACOTAR 5: Illyria/Autumn Court

ACOTAR 6: Autumn+Spring Court/The Continent

If there's an angry potato passing by this post and about to throw a fit because they disagree, let me pour you some tea to calm those raging nerves, Rosemary tea is very effective I heard you like to add a dash of those on your potatoes 🥔

#acosf #acosf spoilers #azriel #lucien vanserra #gwynriel #elucien

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btsinwonderland · 3 years

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A Drop of Poison - Ch. 14: The Ball

A Loki fanfiction!

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*** This chapter has recommended listening:

Song 1, Song 2

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

It was a day before the ball and you sat in the Great Hall with Pom, Mo, and Valkyrie eating breakfast. A smattering of eggs, bacon, stuffed sausage, hash browns, and toast laid in front of you. You took a small piece of toast and buttered it lightly. Another yawn escaped your lips and blinked several times, trying to shake the feeling of tiny rocks rubbing on your eyeballs.

“How was Hogsmeade?” Mo said dejectedly. His parents had sent him quite the howler after the events in the Forbidden Forest. They banned him from all outdoor excursions and he had to stay in the school for the rest of the year.

Valkyrie shrugged. “It was alright, we just tried on some dresses, and I may or may not have seen Nila naked,” she said, smiling at you and Pom.

Mo raised his head with wide eyes. “You did not.”

Just then, Nila came by and sat down beside Mo. “Hey!” she said, leaning over Mo and grabbing a piece of bacon. Mo was stock still and flushed.

You giggled with Valkyrie. “Morning, Nila.”

Valkyrie raised a brow. “So, do we all have dates?”

You blushed, thinking about Nathan Gill, but more so thinking about Professor Laufeyson’s instructions.

You will go to the ball with this boy,

You will dance with him, have a drink, and do what young girls do at balls.

You gulped, thinking about the last thing he said.

And at the end of the night, you will come to my room, and I will punish you for all of it.

“Y-yes,” you said. Then Pom meekly said “yes” with a small blush. You looked at her, surprised that she had mentioned nothing. Then the three of you looked at Mo and Nila, who looked away from each other uncomfortably.

Nila spoke, a little miffed, “I was asked by Thomas, Jury, Mirwich, and Ali.”

You raised your brows, “wow, that’s great, Nila!”

Mo’s expression darkened, and he turned away further as Nila continued talking. “But I said no.”

She slowly turned towards Mo and looked at him. He looked back, trying to conceal a smile. “And what were you waiting for?” he said.

Valkyrie looked at you and rolled her eyes. You could tell she was itching to interrupt them with some blunt statement like, “just fuck already!”, but you hit her thigh under the table to shut her up.

“I was waiting for this stupid boy to ask me, but he hasn’t seemed to get a clue yet,” Nila said, curling a lock of hair on her finger.

There were a few seconds of anticipation. You saw the realization on Pom’s face, and she brightened immediately. Valkyrie’s leg twitched; she was getting so impatient.

Mo got up and knelt in front of Nila and took her hand. “Nila Odesa, will you go to the ball with me?”

Nila reddened, but nodded profusely.

“You didn’t need to embarrass her,” you said, laughing.

Then, Mo and Nila bid you three adieu and left for a walk in the courtyard. You laughed alongside Valkyrie and Pom at the awkwardness of it all, but you were happy for them. Then, a thought dawned on you, and you turned to Valkyrie.

“Valkyrie, do you have a date?” you said.

Her mouth twitched as if she wanted to say something specific, but she threw you a smirk. “On what planet would I not have one, my sweet Hufflepuff?”

Before you could ask further questions, she changed the subject. “So. Blood on the walls. Was it a prank or not?”

Your heart sank, and all levity fled. The teachers had cleared out the hall upon their arrival. They later confirmed it was all rat blood, and most of the students thought it was a pre-Halloween ball prank. Though you recalled the tension on Headmistress Frigga’s face when she made the announcement. She was holding back.

“What if it’s real?” Pom said. “There is a beast out there. What if it’s not done? What if...that thing...comes after Ken again?” She twisted her napkin in her hands.

You took her hand as a flash of evil yellow eyes surfaced in your mind, and you concealed a shudder. “He’s safe here. As long as we stay in the school, it’ll be okay.” Even though the words came out confidently, you did not feel them. Were you truly safe at school? If it was real, then who had written the message?

“What did they mean by, ‘enemies of the heir, beware’?” Valkyrie said. “Who’s the heir?”

“And of what?” Pom said.

The three of you were quite puzzled about it and your conversation eventually went in circles. You thought about asking Leah, from the switcher book, if she might have some answers. A part of you thought perhaps you should bring this up to your friends; the fact that you had conversations with a book that spoke to you, which was still weird even to Hogwarts standards. But when you opened your mouth, you found yourself stuffing more potatoes into it and forgot what you wanted to say.

The windows closest to the ceiling opened up and owls flew in with morning mail. They dropped letters, packages, and newspapers to the students. Pom caught a letter in a pink envelope while Valkyrie caught Mo’s paper. You were not expecting anything but glanced up to see a large package hurtling towards you, which you caught just before it pegged you in the face.

The package was in a black box with a silver bow tied around it. You touched the bow and rubbed the softness; it was velvet.

“What’s that?” Pom said.

“I don’t know,” you said as you undid the bow. The box opened up to reveal a swath of cool fabric. It was black chiffon with lace patterns all over it. You lifted the fabric out of the box to reveal a beautiful black dress. You gasped at the heft, not too heavy, but it definitely carried some weight. The side of it glittered at the hip while the neck was where the black fabric stooped down to reveal a daring neckline that was covered by translucent chiffon.

“Woah,” Valkyrie and Pom said. “Who sent you that!”

You looked in the box and saw an envelope with a single card with the message: Happy Halloween.

There was a black velvet box underneath the envelope that you did not notice before. You let Valkyrie and Pom occupy themselves with the dress while you popped it open. There was a dark glint as the open box revealed a studded necklace of bright green emeralds. You already had guessed who this was from, but the emeralds were his way of signing it off. A quiet laugh escaped you from how heavy-handed it was, but you felt moved by the thought of his gift. It all seemed far too expensive to take, though he would not listen to a single word you said to oppose it. He would certainly be upset if you did not wear this when he saw you at the ball. You sighed and gave in. Professor Laufeyson was the sort of man that did not even need to be present to sway your choices. You knew that he knew you were utterly wrapped around his fingers.

Valkyrie and Pom sent a tirade of questions your way, but you chalked it up to a secret admirer and that you did not know. You stuffed everything back in the box and popped a bite of sausage into your mouth as you headed out of the Great Hall in a mad shuffle. “See you at the ball tomorrow!” You told them.

The rest of the day passed in a blur as you attended your classes. There was no potions class today, and you just wanted it to end so you could see him. You were slightly alarmed at how your concern for his life had now grown into a mild obsession with the man. A part of you lied to yourself and said that you were still only trying to prevent him from dying, like in your visions. But you knew it was far more than that now. Even if Heimdall came and told you he saw a prophecy that Professor Laufeyson would never die, you could not bear to be away from him. He had taken over your mind in ways that even your visions never could.

You glanced out the window from your common room at the darkness and looked around, blinking. The day really had passed in a blur since you could barely remember your classes. Fatigue hit you like a train as you changed into your nightgown. You fell into bed like a stone and, though you feared sleep these days from knowing what toothy nightmares awaited you, it was also what you desperately needed.

***

It was the night of the ball and you stood in your room and looked at the girl in the mirror. She was definitely not anybody you recognized. There was something cooler, more confident about her. She was in a gorgeous black dress that fit her every single curve. The emerald necklace laid around her neck immaculately, and provided the perfect statement piece to the outfit. You glanced at the plunging neckline and bit your lip. Your breasts were not very large, but this dress accentuated the swell of them. Upon doing a little turn in front of the mirror, you appreciated the curve of your rear with a bashful smile.

You shook your head at the mirror, not believing it, but also thrilled. Tucking a stray baby hair behind your ear, you left your room to head over to the ball. The walk through the halls was busy, with beautifully dressed students heading over to the Great Hall. The boys looked older and more handsome with their suits and dress robes. Some wore a sprig of flowers on their lapel while some fashioned a moving brooch that crawled along their pocket. The flurry of dresses of all colours and shapes and sizes excited your senses.

“Freya?” a voice said from behind you.

You turned around and saw Nathan in black dress robes. His eyes widened when he looked at you. “Wow, you look beautiful - I mean, you’re always pretty - but this - like - wow.”

A laugh bubbled up from your lips as he stumbled for the words. He laughed with you and then held out his arm for you to take. You slid your arm around his and the both of you walked into the Great Hall together.

Though you had spent the last seven years marvelling at the grandiosity of the Great Hall, it still took your breath away. Candles were lit amidst jack-o’-lanterns which floated in the ceiling. There was an ethereal aura of a glittering golden glow that swirled through the air. It moved as you walked through it. The tables were lined with crisp white linens and the centre stage was ready for dancing. There was a band at the far end of the hall that played gentle cocktail music. You spotted a rather grumpy looking group of large toads beside the band and wondered curiously which part of the concert they would make an appearance.

It was a little embarrassing once you realized that everyone you passed was staring at you. You looked into the eyes of people who saw you every day, but this time, they looked at you differently. The staring was perhaps supposed to be flattering, but the long gazes and gawks made you slightly uncomfortable and so you stared at the floor.

You spotted Nila, who wore the peach coloured dress she had bought from Gladrags. She looked beautiful. Her heels were nearly four inches high, and she towered over you. You smiled brightly and gave her a delicate hug. She stared at you, eyes wide. “You look gorgeous, Freya!”

Mo came by with swirling blue drinks and raised his brows when he saw you with Nathan. You told him to “shut it” under your breath and he winked at you.

“There’s Pom!” Nila said, and all of you drifted through the room, chatting along the way.

Pom was with a tall boy that you did not recognize. He had sandy skin and looked to be slightly younger than her. Brown curls fell around his temple and he smiled with deep dimples. She was looking beautiful in her short purple dress and ankle boots. Pom looked at you and audibly gasped. She showered you with compliments until you were sure that you would pass out from the embarrassment, but you smiled and nodded. After several minutes of catching up, you excused yourself and went for a drink.

The cool blue liquid slid down your throat and you exhaled after a few more gulps. You looked around from the drinks table at everyone. Couples surrounded the dancefloor, itching to dance. More students trickled in from the entrances and you saw Headmistress Frigga approach the stage. Her dress was a beautiful grey that almost looked silver. Flowers were pleated into the long braid down her back. You continued to look around the room, searching; where was he?

When you arrived back to the group, the Headmistress began her announcement.

“Welcome, teachers and students, to the annual Halloween Ball! Tonight will be a night of merriment and festivity. It shall be one to remember! Now, to send us off, let us begin with the customary dance.”

She stepped towards the stage, and Heimdall walked towards her. He was in more traditional dress robes but looked more like a king as he took her hand and led her into the centre stage. The band played a waltz and the two of them moved like swans in the water. Professor Fandral brought in Professor Sif and they danced. One by one, the teachers all started to dance. You saw a flash of red and gasped when you saw Valkyrie being twirled in the arms of Professor Odinson. He wore a black tuxedo and looked as handsome as a movie star. But it was Valkyrie that held your eye; she was show-stopping. Her red dress billowed as she danced and the slit opened just enough for your heart to race, but closed back up just as you got excited. You raised an eyebrow at her when she caught your eye and she laughed.

You looked at each of the teachers, and still could not see Professor Laufeyson. Just as your heart sank at the notion of him missing the ball, you felt a tap on your shoulder. You turned to see Professor Laufeyson holding out his hand. Your breath hitched in your throat when you looked at him. His hair was gelled back, and he held one hand out to you, with the other bent politely behind him. He wore a black suit with a silken green vest and tie that stood in contrast with his fair skin. He seemed to glow in the warm light of the Great Hall. His eyes twinkled and his cheeks were positively rosy. Your heart dashed into a mad rhythm as you took in his presence. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?” He said.

Pom, Mo, Nila and Nathan stood stock still, shocked. You took his hand without thinking twice or even looking back at your friends and Nathan.

“Good evening, Miss Eves,” he said, whisking you away and onto the dancefloor. He looked at you with a hungry gaze. “You look ravishing.”

You gulped as you placed one hand on his shoulder and one in his hand. His free hand was placed on the small of your back. When you glanced up at him, it was hard to remember your footing. “You clean up well yourself, master,” you said, lowering your voice for the last part.

He smiled at you and twirled you around as the music rose in pace. “My apologies for stealing you away from your date before the night has even begun,” he said without remorse.

You laughed. “Don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to get into trouble,” you said with a grin.

He raised a brow at you and pulled you closer. His arms were firm, and his body led you through the unfamiliar footwork with ease. You fell into step with him and your bodies felt as one, moving fluidly across the dance floor. He whipped you about and held you close all alongside with the music. Every time you turned back into him and your body slammed against his, you felt your desire increase exponentially. Now and then Professor Laufeyson would glance at your visible cleavage and you suppressed a smile. In a room filled with people who stared, he could look unblinkingly at you and you would not flinch. When his eyes were upon you, it felt as though you were flying.

During a slower part of the dance, you looked past him and noticed everyone looking at you again. No, not just you, but the two of you. Your face flushed, and you hesitated for a brief second as your thoughts grounded themselves again.

“Careful, any sudden moves and I’ll rip you to shreds,” Professor Laufeyson said under his breath. “At least, that’s what they all think.”

“Everyone is watching,” you said apprehensively.

He spun you around and dipped you back. A devilish smile stretched across his face. “Miss Eves, are you ashamed to be seen with the most evil man in Hogwarts?”

You shook your head as you brought you back up. “No, and you are not evil.”

The music swelled, and he spun you several times; you were thrilled and dizzy all at once. He ran a hand across your back, leaned in close, nearly inappropriate. “Oh my dear girl, you have no idea what I am.” His voice sounded almost sad, but when you tried to look into his eyes, he deflected your gaze by turning to the stage and clapping for the band.

Nathan approached the both of you hesitantly. “May I steal her back, Professor?”

You did not want to leave him, but any more sensual dances and you would become a puddly mess. Professor Laufeyson nodded and handed you over to Nathan, a gleam in his eyes that told you, ‘see you later’, as a sort of warning.

The next dance was more upbeat and now most of the students joined in and some teachers stepped away. You laughed when you observed the head of your house, Professor Bjorn, dancing rather erratically with himself. Then you noticed he was holding a ferret in his hand and doing a waltz. Valkyrie came over to you and gave you a tight hug. You held her close and both of you shouted each other’s ear over the music at the same time.

“Did I just see you dancing with Professor Odinson?”

“Did you just dance with Laufeyson?”

You both smiled widely at each other and broke into laughter. Arms still entangled, you jostled her gently. “What is going on between you two?” You said, glancing at her and then at Professor Odinson, who was now in conversation with Headmistress Frigga over by the tables.

Valkyrie looked down and then back up at you. “I have a lot to tell you,” she said. But then her eyes grew suspicious. “And what have you got to tell me? Shaggin’ the bad boy now?” She clicked her tongue and looked you up and down, impressed. “My sweet Hufflepuff, always surprising me.”

You hit her shoulder. “Stop it! I am not shagging him…” Not yet, at least...

“Can I cut in?” Nathan said, dancing over to you. You disentangled from Valkyrie who gave you a ‘this isn’t over’ look. You danced together in a big group with Pom, her date Vlad, Nila and Mo, and Valkyrie. Some other members of the Quidditch team came over and joined as well.

The music sped up into a fast-paced rock number as all of you jumped in the newly formed dance circle to show off your best moves. You laughed when Mo started raising the roof and waving his arms in the air and at one point you, Pom, Nila, and Valkyrie made a conga line while the boys watched you sway your hips. The song shifted into another tune seamlessly, and when you heard the croaking of the toads and you undeniably lost your shit.

“This is my JAM!” you said, grabbing Nathan by the hand and dancing away. He perked up at your moves and you spent the next hour sweating, swaying, jumping and having the time of your life.

After another half an hour, you were panting as you yelled, “I need a break!” And left them all on the stage. Your feet got sore but in a good ‘dancing pains’ kind of way. You went to refresh yourself and catch some air. Upon sneaking out the door, you did not realize that Nathan followed you until he gently grabbed your arm as you descended the stairs towards the garden. You jumped and nearly tripped on the stairs when he caught you and held you close.

“Careful,” he said, flashing you a gorgeous smile. You were frozen in place with a small flutter of butterflies in your stomach.

He leaned in and you thought about pushing him away, but your arms stayed still as he kissed you. It was not intrusive; it was more of a questioning sort of kiss. This kiss would have been perfect a month ago, when your life was normal and you weren’t falling for a mysterious man who may or may not be doomed.

He pulled away but continued to hold you. “You’re beautiful, Freya,” he said.

The slight flutter of butterflies now sank into stones from your guilt. You should not have led him on. “Nathan,” you said, taking a deep breath and stepping away from him. “You are so sweet, and handsome, and honestly, a lot of fun…”

“But you want to stay just friends?” he said, with a knowing look.

You looked up at him and nodded. “I’m sorry,” you said.

He seemed slightly crestfallen, but the smile never left his face. “It’s okay, and you’re pretty fun too.”

“Thank you for being such a great date,” you said.

He laughed and nodded, leaving you to go back inside. You appreciated what a gentleman he was about the whole thing. Many of your friends had rejected boys only to receive scorn, disdain, and sometimes downright violence. It warmed you to know that Nathan was one of the good ones and you hoped he would find someone extra special.

The night air was cool, and a gentle wind fanned against your skin. You closed your eyes as you wandered into the gardens. You looked at your watch and realized that it was nearly midnight. The balloons would explode at the stroke of midnight and the tiny pumpkins would be there to surprise everyone. You thought about returning, but the thought of tiny pumpkins nipping at your ankles was just not as appealing as spending your time in the night air surrounded by flowers and beautiful trees. You had gotten your fill of the Halloween prank last year, when the stone gargoyles had sprung to life and puked all over you and Valkyrie. Mo had laughed up a storm until a gargoyle flew across the Great Hall and vomited right on his head.

“Did the Headmistress not advise you to avoid wandering about alone?”

Your heart leapt at his voice. “I’m not alone,” you said, not looking back yet, and continued walking down the trail of gardens. A long row of willows stood gorgeously with their sweeping leaves blowing in the breeze.

He fell into step with you, a hand on your lower back. His touch made your chest tighten. Where else might his hands go?

“Thank you, by the way,” you said.

He glanced at you, not clear on your meaning.

“For the dress and necklace. I only wore them since I knew you would curse me if I didn’t,” you said with a teasing smile.

He chuckled. “That’s right, I would have.”

For several minutes, the both of you silently walked through the gardens; smelling the flowers without speaking. It was peaceful and not terribly awkward. There was a comfort that had set in when you were around him. However, after a certain amount of silence, you wondered why the man who loved to talk so much was particularly taciturn.

“You’re quiet tonight,” you said boldly. Perhaps it was the overexertion from dancing or the dress that gave you the delusional idea you could coax the truth out of this man, but regardless, you tried.

He shifted closer to you. “Perhaps I’m plotting to kidnap you as a part of my master plan, and lock you in a tower,” he said mischievously. You laughed loudly at his response.

“Do you always laugh when the villain reveals their grand plans?” he said, smiling. Though his smile did not reach his eyes.

You pushed him as you walked. “You’re not a villain,” you said.

“And how do you know that?” he said, stopping underneath a tall tree. You had wandered back towards the castle. The warm glow of the candles and pumpkins inside illuminated the windows in an orange light, as if the entire castle itself were one gigantic jack-o’-lantern.

There was a rustling, and you stepped away from Professor Laufeyson in case it was a student, or worse, a teacher, and a couple walked by. However, they barely glanced at the two of you, for they were far too busy searching for somewhere to...well...finish off the night. When they walked around the corner in a hushed fit of giggles and quiet moans, you took a step towards Professor Laufeyson again.

“I know you’re not a villain because there is warmth in your heart,” you said, placing a hand on his chest.

The moonlight reflected off his eyes and illuminated his face. You noticed a look of utter desperation in his expression that you had never seen before. It was there for only a second before it vanished with a raised brow. “What you see is a fire, Miss Eves; dangerous if you get too close,” he said and seized you with a grin. You wrapped your arms around him and his lips touched yours in a passionate embrace.

Your core awakened from the feel of his tongue gliding across your lips and the strength of his arms gripping you so tightly that you might break. But you wanted him closer, tighter. You bit his upper lip as he took a hand and palmed your breast through the fabric of your dress. It was as if a new feral hunger hit you. It took all your strength of will to not strip bare right in the garden and let him take you. You tangled your fingers through his hair and moaned as his hand grazed the most sensitive part of your breast.

A scream tore through the air. You broke the kiss and immediately felt the chill of the night. Screams erupted from the Great Hall. You and Professor Laufeyson glanced at each other before seeing several students run out the door in terror. Some were frantically moving about as if they were trying to get something off of their bodies. A boy was thrashing so hard that he ran down the stairs, knocking several people over along the way.

“It’s not supposed to be like that, they’re just pumpkins,” you said to Professor Laufeyson, alarmed at the chaos that ensued from the castle. What was going on?

It was then you saw a girl, completely pale and red-haired in a light blue dress. At first you thought she wore a strange patterned glove, but in fact, there were large black masses covering her arm. They wriggled over her skin and she screamed and shouted, “get them off! Get them off me!”

You both were about to run over to the crowd of students when a shriek closer to you echoed through the garden. “Help me! Please!” It was in the direction where the couple from earlier had gone.

You and Professor Laufeyson ran over to the couple and you saw the boy was crawling away on his hands and knees while the girl was trying to do the same. The boy shoved past you as the girl reached out for help.

A horrifying creature, about the size of a dog, was slithering through the garden. It was scaled and dark green with the body of a snake, but five times thicker. It had five heads protruding from its centre, and each head had a menacing pair of red eyes. Each head snapped its fangs at you and the girl. The creature hissed and lashed its barbed tail. You ran over to the girl and grabbed her by the arm to help her up.

The creature whipped its tail, and you pushed the girl away from it, right into Professor Laufeyson. You cried out when you felt its painful barbs against your leg. The creature hissed, and you saw five forked tongues, inches away from you. You tried reaching for your wand, but the pain had set in immediately and it was debilitating. You fell to your knees.

This was when the screaming and noise all slowed down, as if you were in a film. One moment the five heads reared back to bite you, the next, you saw an insanely bright green light. You heard someone screaming right next to your ear, and it annoyed you to the point you begged them to stop, only to realize that it was you that was screaming.

“What’s happening?” You said your words slurred.

Darkness edged your vision, and you saw Professor Laufeyson’s face above yours, looking terribly distressed. “Stay awake Freya! Stay awake!” It looked as if he was yelling at you, but his words sounded far away.

You felt yourself being carried, or floating away. Perhaps you were in the castle again? It was hard to tell. Your stomach was aching terribly and your whole body was sore. Shooting pain ran up your leg and your chest tightened. How you wished it would end, but as soon as the wave of pain ended, another wave rose. You thrashed back and forth trying to shake the feeling, but it would not stop. “Please, make it stop,” you screamed.

Darkness clouded your vision, and you saw Professor Laufeyson once again. This time he was saying things, but you could no longer hear him. “Loki,” you whispered, and everything went dark.

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qqueenofhades · 2 years

Note

Smut promt 44: “Hmm, is that a threat or a promise?” For garcy?

Only if you’re so inclined!

"You know," Lucy pants, trying (with no success, and truly, not very hard) to extricate herself from her current predicament beneath a large Croatian, who has stretched her out into the tousled sheets of their bed and seems very intent on giving her a proper Christmas present, if you know what he means. "Iris and Amy are going to be here any minute. We don't really have time for -- ungh, Garcia, listen to me -- for this."

"Mmm." Flynn, of course, is not in fact listening to her. "Turn your head a bit. Hmm. Yes, like that."

"No, really," Lucy persists, in the middle of a gasp. "We need to go down and set the table and get everything ready for dinner, so -- "

Flynn swallows her increasingly feeble protests with a long, slow kiss, and Lucy sighs, whimpers, wraps her arms around his neck, and tries to keep one eye on the clock, so they don't get so carried away as to forget to prepare appropriately for Christmas dinner. This is their first one since it all ended, since Valkyrie and the recursion, the last time-traveling mission and the return of their lost ones, and obviously, they're all looking forward to it. They dropped by Rufus and Jiya's place last night for Christmas Eve celebrations and general tomfoolery, with Wyatt, Sarah, Denise, Michelle, Mark, and Olivia, and today is for just the Flynn-Prestons. Or, well. It will be. If they succeed in not getting terribly, terribly distracted, though it might be nice for Flynn to know that he can still provide Iris with a few traumatic childhood memories at this stage in the game. But Lucy has been laboring to actually cook a proper dinner, she doesn't want it burned, and --

Except Garcia Flynn is still kissing her, with those intense, burning, soul-scorching kisses that make her feel like the only person in the universe, and if they hurry, they can get this done before the turkey's ready (or at least before it burns). "C'mere," Lucy pants, squirming around to change her position and pulling at him in a needy little fashion. "If you really insist, then you are going to regret this."

Flynn cocks a dark, categorically sassy eyebrow. "Hmm," he breathes. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

(Of course, they both regret it-but-not-really, and by the time Iris and Amy arrive, carrying wine bottles and presents and stepping inside to hug them both, it's pretty clear what they were doing a few minutes ago. But that's just par for the course when you have family, when you aren't alone anymore, when Flynn's daughter and Lucy's sister are with them around the table, laughing and joking and passing the mashed potatoes, and she would not trade it for anything, anything, in all of time and space.)

[fic prompt list]

#lucy x flynn #garcy #garcy ff #still taking prompts btw!#list is linked above #also i see what the people want #which is smut #and y'know #valid #anonymous #ask

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just-the-hiddles · 3 years

Text

Something to Hide | Loki x Jewish Female Reader

A/N: The long discussed Hanukkah fic is here. As I mentioned to the prequel to this, I am not Jewish, I did do research but if I have written anything offensive, please reach out to me and I will rewrite. The prayers are transliterated, so that is why they look the way they do.

Follow up to Something Different

Pairing: Loki x Jewish Female Reader

Summary: A year has passed since last Hanukkah. You and Loki are in a relationship and he is looking forward to celebrating the holiday with you again. You noticed Loki is more and more absent. A phone call one night reveals what Loki has been up to.

Warnings: implied smut, maybe a curse word or two, overuse of sugar and sweets.

The Whole Enchilada: @winterisakiller @nonsensicalobsessions @yespolkadotkitty @hopelessromanticspoonie @pinkzz123 @jessiejunebug @cherrygeek86 @littleredstarfish @rjohnson1280 @the-minus-four @wiczer @lotus-eyedindiangoddess @catsladen @coppercorn-and-cauldron @gerli49 @lovesmesomehiddles @devilbat @he-is-chaotic-she-is-psychotic @tinchentitri @theheartofpenelope @noplacelikehome77 @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore @snoopy3000 @voila-tout @wolfsmom1 @queenoftheunderdark @xxloki81xx @thewaithfuckingannoyme @kcd15 @amirra88 @malkaviangirl @evanlys19 @thejemersoninferno @sadwaywardkid @is-it-madness @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog @peterman-spideyparker @caffiend-queen @sleepylunarwolf @anagrom @bradfordbantams @ms-cellanies @what-just-happened-bro @stubby-toe-589331 @alexakeyloveloki @loki-smut-library @imnotrevealingmyname @trippedmetaldetector @tea4sykes @noambition-blog @sherala007 @vodka-and-some-sass @cursethedarkness @jewels2876 @fixatedfandomhunter @myraiswack @lokikenway97 @groovylokifanficpersona @ciaodarknessmyheart @bitchcraft-at-its-finest @hanyasnape @lokislastlove @stuckysdaughter @theunwantedomega @dryyoursaltyoceantears @petitefirecracker10 @thummbelina @andreasworlsboring101 @krazycags01 @howaboutash @thehumanistsdiary @daddylouislittle @flakyfreak @sigyn-nightshade @green-valkyrie @usedtobegoodfriend96 @salempoe @traumschiffe @letsdisneythings @arch-venus25 @thefuckthesaurus @karushinekomiya @black-ninja-blade @worshipping-skarsgard @songbirdonamission @freakishlyadorable @xxxeatyourh3artoutxxx @rorybutnotgilmore @give-him-a-banana @idontevenknowwbro @nikkalia @lokilvrr @slutforhiddlebum @make-it-rien @nildespirandum @kimanne723 @build-a-bucky @ladyacrasia @dangertoozmanykids101 @mandywholock1980 @vengrl @delightfulheartdream @creator-appreciator @loki-yoursaviourishere @liz-rdwitch @luke-windsors-diary @pandaxnienke @mariekoukie6661 @7soulstars @kiliskywalker666 @rebbie444 @thefallenbibliophilequote @hufflautia @jaysayey @what-a-flammable-heart @imherefortomhiddleston @6heaven6horror6 @megand2017 @rachelxwayne @vipervixxen @cartoonlover101 @velvety-soft-kitten

Loki: @drakesfiance @obtain-this-grain @theoneanna @lokilover2000 @lokixme @jade10077 @bluefrenchfries604 @rosierossette @lots-of-loki @cateyes315 @readsalot73 @villainousshakespeare @galagcica @weirdfangirl2416 @antihero4967 @theatrelove3000 @sweatycalzonedeputyhumanoid @tropicaltroubletheo @buckaroo-barnes @myblissfulparadise @songbirdonamission @lokislittlecorner @chezagnes @fantasydevil2002 @confessionsofastrugglingteen @sigyns-notebook @tomsfish @mfdisco @brightsun-and-darkmidnight @sinfully-lustful-darling @introvertedrambling @carryonmywaywardbucky @plaidshirtsandpizza @silvertongued-obsession13 @demon-goddess-of-night @kaogasm @lucywrites02 @like-a-wildfire

Thank you for reading! Tag lists are open! Le me know if you wish to be added.

You picked up a ten-pound bag of potatoes and stared at Loki lounging on the couch. You spied a similar oversized bag of onions.

“Loki, how many people are we feeding this Hanukkah?”

His head peeked over the back of the couch. “You and me, dove.”

“Then why am I looking at an industrial, restaurant sized bag of potatoes?”

“I get hungry.”

“‘You’re peeling them.” Loki grinned. “Without magic.” His face fell.

“Why no magic?”

“It gives everything an aftertaste.” You smacked your lips. “You can use the food processor.”

“My knuckles are eternally grateful.” Loki returned his attention to his book.

“Someone getting punished?” Steve kicked a toe against the sack of potatoes. You stared at him blankly, blinking. “KP duty.”

“Loki gets hungry.” You stabbed a finger at the couch.

“Come on, Loki, no one gets that hungry.”

Loki stood up and gestured at himself. “And yet here I am.” He glanced at the large clock in the kitchen. “Now if you excuse me, I have a prior engagement.” He tucked his book under his arm and headed to the elevator.

“Tomorrow starts Hanukkah!” you called out to him.

“I already bought your present.” He smirked as the door shut.

You dragged the potato sack into the pantry and checked to make sure you had ingredients for sufganiyot, making a list for JARVIS to place an order. You headed back to the apartment you shared with Loki to make some last-minute preparations. You fell asleep before Loki snuck back in. He carried you to bed.

Loki left a note on the table that morning.

More appointments. I made a pot of coffee and your favorite creamer is in the fridge. I will be home before sundown.

All my love,

Loki

You frowned at the note. First yesterday and now today. And as you thought back over the last several months, Loki had been out for appointments more often than usual. You hadn’t noticed until now. The burble of your stomach pulled you away from your thoughts and you shoved the nagging thoughts aside in favor of in search of breakfast.

You wandered out into the common room with your coffee to find Clint rummaging in the fridge.

“Hey, want some breakfast?” You leaned over to see him holding bacon and eggs.

“Just the eggs, please. I am going to make some toast too. Want?”

Clint nodded and pulled a couple of pans out. He fixed you a couple of sunny side up eggs while the toaster toasted three slices of sourdough bread. You smashed up an avocado to put on top, chuckling at how much your life had changed in a few short years. You were struggling to hold down a job, surviving on ramen and leftovers your server friends gave you to now living in one of the tallest buildings in New York, eating avocado toast with eggs prepared by one of the Avengers. And dating Loki. A god.

“Clint…” you asked. “You still going up into the air vents?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. From time to time. Why?”

You squirmed in your seat and took a bit of toast, the egg oozing over the avocado.

“What is going? Is it Loki?”

You choked on your toast, coughing hard. Clint slid your coffee mug over to you and you took a big sip, clearing your throat.

“So that’s a yes.” Clint leaned over the counter. “What do you want to know?”

Your head tucked down. “Have you noticed him coming and going a lot recently?” You took another bite.

Clint shrugged his shoulders. “No more than usual. But he does have his magic so who knows?”

“Not helpful, Clint.” Egg yolks dripped from the corner of your mouth and you shoved the last of your piece of toast.

“You could always ask him.” Clint suggested before walking away.

You spent the rest of the day trying in vain to distract yourself. You made jam for the sufganiyot and wrapped Loki’s first present. A first edition of one of his favorite Midgardian books, Good Omens.

“I particularly enjoy Crowley’s style.” He would comment.

“Does that make me Aziraphale?”

Loki smiled up at you. “Only if you want to be.”

“All those books… I would rather enjoy that.”

You even found one with both authors’ autographs. You hoped Loki liked it. It was so difficult to shop for him. Loki came back some time after lunch, a few shopping bags in his hands.

“Oooo, is that for me?”

“What?” Loki asked, confused, still holding the bags.

“The bags, Loki.” You pointed at them.

He glanced down as though they appeared from thin air in his hand at that moment.

“The bags…” His eyes darted around the room. “… are a surprise!”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “You are clearly lying.” You walked towards him and grabbed him by the front of the shirt. “I am going to need to punish you.” You lifted to nuzzle his neck. He smelled of chocolate and woods and something else that tickled at the back of your brain, but not enough to jog a memory.

Loki’s arms wrapped around your waist. “I am completely at your mercy.” He nipped at your ear.

You tugged him towards the bedroom with a smile.

As the two of you got redressed, you reached out for Loki.

“Where are you going when you have all these appointments?”

Loki frowned. “Why does it matter?” He kissed your forehead.

“Is there someone else? I can take it. Just be honest.” A whimper catch in your throat.

Loki sat on the bed beside you and took you into his arms. “How can you even imagine such a thing, darling? You are my everything.” He squeezed you tight.

You sniffled, burying your head into his bare chest. “Then why can’t you tell me where you go. I thought we would always be honest with each other.”

Loki’s shoulders slumped. “Unfortunately, this is a secret I must keep a bit longer, but allow me to put your mind at ease. There is nothing in this world, short of death, that would tear me away from you.” He smiled. “And even that, is negotiable.”

You chuckled. “What number of lives are you on these days?”

“Three. But they were all meaningless until I met you.” He kissed you sweet. “Now it is getting close to sunset. I’m going to shred while you set out the menorah. I already cleared the table by the door.”

“Thank you, darling.” You smiled, not fully accepting his secrecy but knowing better than to push the issue. “I will be along in a few minutes.”

You watched Loki pull on a t-shirt and head out the door. Your mind spinning at what Loki might be hiding. After placing the menorah on the table, Loki cleared by the door, you headed to the common room kitchen.

Loki grated an enormous amount of potatoes and onions that the two of you couldn’t finish all the latkes. You left them on a plate with a note for the others to enjoy. Tony grabbed two as he wandered through, grabbing an extra for Bruce, who he was meeting in his lab.

You fried up the sufganiyot, slapping Loki’s hand away.

“Not until after gifts.” you warned.

Loki pouted but didn’t reach for them again. He carried the plate back to the apartment and set it on the table.

“Will you say the prayer?” you asked.

Loki nodded as you lit the shamash.

“Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner Cha-nu-kah.” Loki said with perfect pronunciation.

“You say it better than me.” you teased, shoving his shoulder with your body. “Have you been practicing?”

Loki blushed. “Something like that.”

Loki continued on with the second blessing and then finally the Shehecheyanu. You lit the first candle. Loki took your hand and squeezed it.

“Now for…” He pulled a box from thin air. “… presents.”

You scrunched your face up. “You just want sufganiyot.”

“If you prefer, I can put this away—”

“No!” You held your hands up. “Let me go get yours.” You hustled to grab his present from the closet. “Happy Hanukkah, Loki.”

“Happy Hanukkah.” Loki countered, handing over the box. You pulled off the lid. Inside you found some gorgeous lingerie. Gorgeous and skimpy.

“Loki, I…”

“To replace the pajamas from last year.” His voice growled low in his chest. “Would you model them later?”

“Perhaps. Open yours.” You gestured at the box in his lap.

He tore off the paper with the energy of an excited child and opened the box. His eyes widened as he saw the book inside and then opened the cover.

“What a thoughtful present, dove.” He kissed your cheek. “I love it. Thank you.”

“I am glad you like it. You are so hard to shop for.”

Loki laughed. “As long as it is from you, it will be perfect. And now…” The plate of sufganiyot appeared in his hands. “… the sweetest part. Beside you.” He took a big bite, sending powdered sugar flying.

“Your shirt is a mess, Loki.” You took a more reasonable bite of the sufganiyot Loki offered you.

“Then you should take it off so I don’t make a further mess.” Loki teased.

You rolled your eyes. “You are the worst.”

“No, I’m the best.” He pulled you close to kiss you.

As the days passed, you continued to notice Loki’s absence. It troubled you and no amount of reassurance from Loki, Clint, or anyone else settled your mind. On the 6th night of Hanukkah, things only got worse.

“Are you sure we can’t reschedule?” you overheard Loki talking on the phone.

“No, I understand. Of course. I will see you tonight.” Loki nodded before hanging up the phone.

You hustled away from the door so Loki wouldn’t realize you had eavesdropped. You dived for the couch as Loki stepped out with a long face.

“I have terrible news, darling.”

Your eyes widened. “What is it?”

His hands fidgeted in front of him. “I’m afraid I am going to miss the festivities tonight. I’ve attempted to reschedule, but this is the only time I can meet with this person.”

“Oh.” Your lips pulled tight. “Who is the person?”

You saw Loki panic for a moment, you knew the next words would be a lie. “Someone for Stark. They have insisted on meeting with me before traveling overseas. I’m so sorry.”

Your eyes burned with tears, which Loki mistaken for disappointment. He sat on the edge of the couch and rubbed your arm. “I will come home as soon as I can.”

You nodded, the words choking in your throat. You wiped the tears away with the back of your hand. “It’s fine. Fine. Work is important.” you lied.

Loki leaned over and pressed his lips to yours. “I will be home as soon as I can.” He stood and grabbed his coat. “I love you.”

“Love you too, Loki.” you grumbled. When the door shut, you heaved a pillow at the door. “Liar.” you collapsed into tears.

If anyone else noticed your sour mood, they made no mention. Most likely out of fear of getting their head snapped off by you. You made some latkes and a few sufganiyot, just in case Loki made it home in time, but your heart wasn’t in it. With a dour expression, you lit the shamash and the six candles after reciting the blessings. The food taunted you on the coffee table as you sulked on the couch. Your phone buzzed in your pocket.

“Loki?!” you answered, not bothering to look at the screen.

“No, it’s Rabbi David. I’m cold calling.” The voice responded on the other end of the line.

You rubbed your forehead. It had been months since he had coldcalled you. An annoying thing he did at not only bar and bat mitzvahs, but when people were looking to convert to Judaism or learning more about the Jewish faith. He believed hearing words of wisdom was helpful. You disagreed.

“Evening, Rabbi Edelman.” You gritted your teeth. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well, I have a young man sitting here with me and he has been attending lessons with me for the last several months. And since Hanukkah is going on, I thought I would call up some members of the temple to offer some insight to him about the holiday. Are you game?”

“Of course.” you lied. This was the last thing you wanted to do.

“I’m going to put him on speaker.”

You collected your thoughts as he fumbled with the phone. A familiar voice came on the line.

“Hello?”

“Loki?” you sputtered. “Loki, is that you?”

“You said your name was Stephen Strange.” Rabbi Edelman commented in the background.

“Loki, what is going on?” you demanded.

He sighed on the other line. “I had hoped to tell you in two night’s time, but it would appear that someone had other plans.”

“Loki…” Your voice wavered. “Is this what you have been doing? When you are sneaking away?”

“Yes. After about three months with you, I realized I didn’t want a life without you in it. And I also realized that your faith was a part of who you are. An important part.”

You sobbed into the phone. “Loki, are you saying what I think…”

“Yes. I am saying will you be mine, be my wife? I am still learning and it may take some time. Are you willing to wait?”

“Yes. YES to all of it. Loki, no one has ever put forth this kind of effort for me.”

“You are worth it, my love. I would go to the ends of the earth for you. I love you.”

You collapsed into happy tears. “I love you too.” you croaked.

“But if you are not Stephen, but Loki, then…” Rabbi Edelman muttered in the background.

“Rabbi, perhaps it would be best for the two of us to meet with you tomorrow and explain everything.”

“I’ll have Kristin call you in the morning and schedule something. I must say this is the first wedding proposal I have had during one of these calls.”

Loki commented. “You will find us to be an… unconventional couple.”

“Right.” he commented. “Well, I won’t keep you. Happy Hanukkah.”

“Happy Hanukkah.” Both you and Loki responded.

You heard the phone click of the speaker. “I’ll be home soon. I love you, darling.” Loki purred into the phone.

“I love you too. Hurry home because I am going to eat all these latkes without you.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Try me.” You taunted.

#loki #loki fanfiction #loki imagine #loki fluff #loki x reader #loki fanfic #hanukkah fic #hanukkah fanfiction #jewish reader #loki laufeyson #loki odinson

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realityhelixcreates · 3 years

Text

Lasabrjotr Chapter 77: Like a Good Old-Fashioned Barn Raising

Chapters: 77/?

Fandom: Thor (Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe

Rating: pg

Relationships: Loki x Reader

Characters: Loki (Marvel),

Additional Tags: Post-Endgame: Best Possible Ending (Canon-Divergent), Party Time

Summary: Buridag begins!

Loki was awake long before you were, getting preparations ready, loose ends tied up, last minute orders sent out. He allowed you to sleep until you woke on your own, having removed his little illusory alarms from you some time ago.

Sometimes flower petals still rained upon you, and perfume rose from your footsteps, but no more snakes in the bath.

So you rose slowly, stretching and yawning the grogginess away at your own pace. Time was very hard to tell by looking out windows at this time of year, but when Loki entered the room carrying an egg sandwich, a little pile of fresh potato chips, and a glass of coffee, you placed yourself firmly within brunch territory.

Loki flicked on your sunlamp, gestured at the chair, and handed you your brunch once you'd taken your seat.

You munched your food and absorbed your light while Loki laid out the day's plans. You'd get dressed in a ceremonial outfit that included your armor and helmet, and join the parade that was gathering even now.

They were initially going to put you on Sleipnir. You had asked them not to. Sleipnir was magnificent, but you had no connection to him, nor to Leynarodd, who was the second choice. Your sweet, stout, shaggy little Acorn was who you preferred, a horse that belonged to no one initially, but who had formed a trusting bond with you.

Your clothing was, predictably, green, the underdress and apron a dark mossy color, hemmed on all edges with fine gold braid, embroidered with stripes of delicate knotwork, and your mark, also in gold. Over the top of this went your quilted tunic, in it's shimmering jade, and then your armor; the breastplate, the tassets, the bracers, pauldrons, greaves, and poleyns, though the last two were not visible. They went on over the leather trousers you'd been given to wear under your dress. They were sleek things, made of tough black leather, pleated in diagonal patterns, just like something Loki would wear. You thought the pleats had the advantage of putting more leather between you and any danger, and were flexible as well.

There were actually places where your familiar oval brooches could be fastened, your strings of shining beads strung between, your chatelaine dangled. Your belt was tooled leather and brass findings, hung with a leather purse, your Yggdrasil phone case, a small drinking horn carved with your mark, and of course, your knife. A little burst of deep pink against all the gold, green, and black.

You wore a minty-green velvet cape, a gift from Andsvarr, and your beautiful helmet to top it all off. You truly looked like something out of a fantasy novel, someone who looked like they should be standing next to the legendary figure that Loki currently cut.

He looked enormous, with his many asymmetrical layers, and molded shoulder guards, his billowing cape and hair spilling from beneath his magnificent curling horns. He shone with nornbein, and his cloak, shot with silk, shimmered subtly.

“You're so beautiful.” you mumbled. Loki smiled, and leaned down to adjust your cape, cheeks dusted with pink.

“Thank you.” he said, “I make every attempt. Though I think I will fade into the background under the power of your radiance.”

Warmth rushed to your face.

“Um, I know we've got to hurry and get Acorn, but I want to ask you a favor, Loki.”

“Anything. Tell me what it is and I'll make it so.”

You took a deep breath.

“I need you to stop trying to impress my father.”

The pink on his cheeks transformed into bright red.

“Ah. Yes, I rather hashed that, didn't I? I apologize. I thought that was still standard procedure, but your father, uh, explained otherwise.”

“Mhm, I'll bet he did. Look, I know you wanted to surprise us, but when it comes to things like that, you really oughta run it by me first. I could have told you that wouldn't work out the way you thought it would. You know, saved you from being chewed out like that. You can let me save you sometimes too.”

“ Like with the Huldra.”

“Kinda. Dad's not as bloodthirsty as she was, but he's a lot more stubborn.”

“Like father, like daughter, hm?” he teased.

“You have not seen me be stubborn yet.” you warned, and he gave you a quick smooch.

“A blessing, I'm sure. Very well, I agree. Surprises get run by you. Anything to save me from another tongue lashing. That man truly does not hold back.”

“I mean it though.” you persisted. “I'm not saying that you can't have any surprises at all, but talk to me about big stuff like that. If it's something that Asgardian law or custom would demand, but would be insulting to a human, we can maybe hash out an alternative that would satisfy both. That's the point, isn't it? Please, I really don't want to deal with anymore trouble between you two. Don't get hung up on impressing him, he has every reason to reject it, and he will. No more gifts, no toasts, no calling attention to him in public, nothing. He hates being the center of attention. Just let him be a guest, and see, without interference, that his little girl is doing fine on her own.”

“I really didn't mean to make him so angry.” Loki said, a little crestfallen. “And the more I tried to explain, the angrier he became. I just wanted him to know how much I value you. I wanted you to know too.”

“Material culture is different where I'm from. There are places in the world where that would have been understood and appreciated, but we've stopped doing it. In the same vein, fathers don't make all the decisions for their daughters anymore, so you don't actually need his approval. But...I need you to understand, it's not just that you took away his child, though that's bad enough. It's that I'm the only family he has left. My grandma only had one kid, and that was my dad. And she's dead, and so's my granddad, before I was even born. And then my mom died, and Beth too, and so I'm all that's left for him. And I have this giant Sword of Damocles hanging over my head all the time, and he's had to worry about that for my whole life. Most of the women on my mom's side all died from this, but occasionally, rarely, there's one that doesn't. I'm starting to hope that might be me. Maybe the magic is protecting me. But he's not going to be able to accept that so easily. I'm all he had left, and you took me away. That's all that's going to be important to him. You didn't even have to do the things you did in New York, this is the worst possible crime you could commit, in his eyes.”

Loki heaved a sigh of remorse. “And I cannot even return you to him. It seems there is one more thing I cannot set right.”

“The best you can do is make sure I'm okay. And don't bother him anymore. And maybe let him come visit more often. The more he sees me living my life and being fine, the more confidence he will have that I'm actually safe here.”

“I shall endeavor to help you thrive.” Loki promised.

“All right, so if that's settled, we should go get our horses.”

******

Acorn was, like you, a bit overdressed in your opinion. Long tabbards and blankets covered her from nose to rump, green and gold, embroidered with oak leaves. They were so long, they almost brushed the ground. Ribbons were braided into her wild mane and tail, and bells jingled with every movement. Like you, she could barely be seen under her splendor. But she was probably warm, and happily accepted a carrot from your hand. Placid as always, she let you up on her back, and fell into step behind Leynarodd, who likewise, followed up behind Sleipnir, whose hooves still rang like bells even over the thin layer of packed snow that covered the recently cleared streets.

There was a whole procession of people-this was a parade after all, and Thor, on Sleipnir, was preceded by the twin Valkyries, carrying Asgardian banners, as well as several musicians, and Beli, who chanted an ancient epic on the exploits of Buri.

Saga had translated the chant for you a while ago, and it sounded something like the sensationalized, self-aggrandizing boasts of pharaohs, or Mesopotamian kings-the kind that claimed to be rulers of the world, or rulers of the heavens themselves, to have battled armies of demons, killed giant lions with only a stick-that sort of thing. But when Beli called out those verses in such an ancient dialect of Asgardian, the words themselves felt powerful.

Thor followed slowly, Sliepnir plodding along, both of them absolutely huge. Loki and Leynarodd came right behind, only slightly smaller. And then you and Acorn, almost comical in your stature, diminutive by comparison. You were keenly aware of it, but either all of Asgard was too polite to say anything about it, or they simply didn't care.

The human guests, corralled in roped off areas, whooped and cheered when when you passed. Behind you, more musicians played, and a circle of Seidkonas walked in silent dignity. Then came more banners, the rest of the Valkyries, representatives of each noble house and guild, and the rest of the Aesir in Asgard, provided they didn't already have another position in the parade.

After them, the gathered Asgardians began following, lengthening out the procession, bright balls of magical light bobbing overhead. The sun had barely peeked over the horizon, and would be slinking away in a mere three or so hours, so the mage lights sparkled everywhere. Helpful Einherjar herded the humans to the next specially roped off area, so they could follow the parade as well; you caught a few amused faces at the playful rowdiness displayed by celebrating humans.

That was just how humans were when they were excited about something. Humans loved to holler, to jump, and dance, and clap. Some of them were even trying to keep time with the music.

You weren't actually able to pick out your father or Tara in the crowd, nor anyone else you knew, so you just kept your head forward and your back straight, trying to look as dignified as you could.

You'd only ever seen a few of what you considered 'proper' parades: in a small town a parade mostly consisted of people waving from the backs of neighborhood pickup trucks and tractors, maybe decorated with balloons or paper chains, blasting music from dusty old speakers. In the autumn, there might be pumpkins and corn stalks, and usually hayrides. But never anything like this spectacle.

As you got closer to the construction site, the apprentice mages responsible for all the floating lights started throwing sparks from their hands, like colorful sparklers. The gathered Asgardians began lining up in their designated areas, ready to play their part. The foundations had already been dug, and everything that needed to go into them was already there. All that remained was the pouring.

Thor, Loki, and yourself dismounted as close to in unison as you could manage, the horses carefully lead away to a temporary enclosure. You headed to the stack of decorative bricks, and took your place among the Asgardians there, while Thor gave the order for the cement to pour.

While this went on, Beli gathered his students and skalds in front of the Huldrastone to recite a modern epic. Within the first few verses you realized that it was about the Huldra's attack, and your confrontation with her.

Of course, the poem was much cleaner and more elegant than the actual events had been, but certain things had still been included. Your ears burned beneath your helmet when Beli reached the part where you had 'bestowed upon the fallen prince, a gentle sacrificial kiss, knowing that to trade life for life would grant him breath once more.'

You had finally spotted your father and Tara in the crowd; he crossed his arms and glared upon hearing the verse, while Tara gave you a cheezy grin and thumbs up.

As the poem reached its conclusion, the cement finished pouring, and a new recitation began. As Thor and Loki knelt and began scratching ritual runes into the wet cement, Beli's current group of student came forward and began telling the story of Beli, while apprentice mages illustrated the words with colorful, stylized illusions.

There were harrowing battles against huge stone people, the construction of the original Bifrost, which at that time connected a fleet of alien ships to one another. The illusions showed the gathering of construction materials, the building of a platform in space, and the grand revelation of the crystalline platform upon which Asgard slowly grew. Mountain and plain, river and ocean, building after magnificent building rose into the sky. Their ships captured and carved an asteroid, then set it in orbit as a bright new moon. All this was accomplished by the use of a glowing, icy blue cube that was difficult to look directly at. It was compelling though; it caught and held your attention with its beautiful, sparkling light.

You knew what that device was: you had learned about it in your lessons with Saga. It was the object known as the Tesseract, a four dimensional creation meant to house the incredible energy of an Infinity Stone. Perhaps that was why it was simultaneously fascinating, yet hard to perceive. Your curious human brain was drawn to its uniqueness, yet equally unable to fully fathom it.

That device was the key to Asgard's existence and eventual success. It was unthinkable to you that Odin had just lost it on Earth, as Sagas histories had proclaimed. It must have been a terrible loss.

Thor and Loki completed their carving, and began the process of imbuing the foundations with divine power. Goosebumps rose on your arms, and there was a pricking in your sinuses, like you were about to sneeze. There was almost a flavor to it.

The actual blessing didn't take nearly as long as the rune carving ritual, and soon, the two brothers stepped back, to allow others to begin their work. More mages worked a spell together that lifted the water out of the cement, drying it within moments. People came forward with wires and pipes, floor and wall supports, insulation, hammers, plaster, bricks, and mortar. In rotating lines people laid flooring and installed fixtures, scraped grout and assembled frames. Every now and then youths moved through, sweeping up dust, always away from you.

It suddenly became clear that that was why you were so far back in line, why you'd been assigned a decorative brick, something that would be placed near the very end of the construction. There would be no dust then. Gratitude swelled in your chest, but you said nothing. There was singing now, simple, repetitive melodies that sounded like work songs.

Every hour, volunteers carted huge, heated cauldrons around the lines and groups of human spectators, dipping out hot drinks like witch's potions, and it was possible that there was a simple sort of magic in things like hot chocolate, strong coffee, and buttered rum on a cold day.

The building went up faster than you thought possible, the widows, doors, and lights being set into place as auroras began ribboning across the sky.

Finally, there was one brick left. You lifted it up, as the singing seemed to intensify, scooped some mortar from the pail, and fitted it all into the only remaining slot. Giving the brick a light pat to make sure it was secure, you turned back to the assembled crowd.

“We did it.” You said, and the cheering began.

#lasabrjotr #loki (marvel)#loki x reader

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wannabe-fic-writer · 4 years

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Natasha Romanoff x Reader : Escape

Summary: The Red Room haunts you, from the moment you stepped foot inside to long after you’ve left. Truth is, you don’t think there is any escaping it.

Warnings: 18+ Violence, Depression, Mentions of Death, Smut

Chapter 15

******

Silence settles over the building. Aside from the pained breaths escaping Bruce’s lips no one makes a sound.

After the stones had been set in the gauntlet, and there was a brief discrepancy over who would snap, Bruce decided to do it. Despite it being painful, he’d still managed to do it. Now you all wait for some sign of it having worked.

You feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

It’s the faintest sound but you recognize it, birds chirping. Scott walks over to the window.

Natasha’s hand squeezes yours when a trill ring sounds. All eyes snap to the plastic device ringing on a nearby table.

Moving like a snail, Clint inches towards his cell phone. Tears spring into his eyes immediately and he scoops it up.

“Honey? Honey?”

A smile breaks across you face. Natasha throws herself into your arms kissing your lips repeatedly.

“Guys! I think it worked.” Scott calls.

But the joy is short lived. For you before anyone else.

Rushing wind. You listen closer. An aircraft of some sort? It gets louder.

You panic and quickly press the Black Widow symbol on your wife’s belt, just barely watching the black nanotech cover her body.

A weight presses on to your left arm. Pain bursts through your ribs. Water drips on your forehead.

When your eyes snap open there’s nothing but darkness, minus the sparking of electricity coming from your wrist. Cursing, you tap the band and almost jump when the nanotech suddenly spreads from the bands and over your body.

The dark toned suit covers you and gives you the additional strength to un-wedge your arm from the rubble.

You roll your shoulders, adjusting to the additional armor.

Tony was right, an iron suit would come in handy.

Suddenly you remember.

“Tasha!” You exclaim into your comms.“ Natasha answer me! Is anyone with Natasha?”

Assist finally boots up and you frantically search for Natasha’s vitals through the A.I.

“Tasha, baby, please tell me you’re okay.”

Under different circumstances you wouldn’t have wanted everyone on the comms to hear your panic and distress. But this is your wife, you don’t give a single damn who hears if it means making sure she’s okay.

Just as your blasting through another wall of rubble, you hear the static in your ear, followed by her voice.

“Y/N, I’m-” she breaks up,“ I’m okay.”

“Where are you?” You ask, eyes searching the opening you stumble into.

Assist finally displays her vitals. Her heart rate is a little high but you expect nothing less. On a whim, as you hadn’t designed it for this, you ask Assist to find vitals on the baby.

It’s highly possible it won’t work.

So you’re breathing a sigh of relief when Assist displays the babies heart beat. They’re still alive and until an actual check up can be made that’s enough.

“I don’t know, but I’m with Clint.” Natasha answers after a minute.

Hearing that calms you. At least a little.

Still, you won’t truly settle until you see her, until you have her in your arms.

The three of you aren’t the only ones trapped. Eventually you hear Rhodey’s distress call, he’s under here somewhere in danger of drowning.

You move as quickly as possible, searching for wherever Rhodey is. He’s with Rocket and Bruce. As you search, you catch bits and pieces of Tony, Steve, and Thor’s voices.

A broken statement from Thor, of killing someone, comes through and you’re filled with dread.

Thanos.

It has to be. But how?

Everything that’s happening confuses the hell out of you. It’s clear that Tony, Steve, and Thor are fighting Thanos. Rhodey, Rocket, and Bruce are taking on water but Scott says he’s there. You’ve yet to hear from Clint or Natasha again, sans some unidentifiable grunting.

You know you’ve reached Rhodey’s location when you step into knee deep water.

Not wasting a second, you go under the water. It’s easy to find Rhodey and Rocket, they’re holding their breaths but struggling to get free. Swimming over, you lift the bits of rubble that have Rhodey pinned down before grabbing him and Rocket and bringing them to the small space you’d come from.

You dive back under in search of Bruce.

Whatever is happening above is making the rubble down here fall faster.

Finally you reach him. Despite the suit it’s still difficult to get the large man to the surface. But you manage to.

“Tha-thank you.” Bruce speaks through water filled coughs and deep breaths.

Simply nodding, you survey your surroundings. Assist lets you know that there’s a thick layer of debris above you. Too large a shift will result in your inevitable demise.

“Guys we’re trapped down here. There’s too much rubble above us for me to break through.” You speak into the comms.

More static hits your ears and you know you’re too far under to get the signal to anyone above.

Just as you’re about to give up, a rapidly growing Ant-Man emerges from under the water. He scoops you all into his hand and bursts through the wreckage of the compound.

As you rise, a big blue and red metal capsule flies over. It breaks apart before forming around Rhodey’s body. A suit.

Looking down you take in the many light circled portals. Familiar faces stand outside of them, the people you’d fought beside in Wakanda five years ago. Others you’ve never met.

Scott lowers you to the ground and you jump out of his hand. A glance to your side reveals your wife, clad in her own black iron suit, and her best friend.

War cries sound behind you.

“AVENGERS!”

Everyone turns to face Thanos and his large army. You quickly produce two standard pistols.

“Assemble!”

When you fight this time it’s harder than the last. Determination to beat Thanos drives each move you make. Every time you take down one of the many aliens, you feel as if you’re getting stronger.

The first time Thanos came you were solely motivated by protecting the universe. Now though, now you fight for your family, you fight for your wife and unborn child. You fight for the future that is so close you could taste it.

A groan falls from your lips at how many of these creatures there are. Ones you remember from Wakanda and new ones as well.

Managing to clear the enemies in your immediate area, you pause to take a breather.

“Don’t tell me you’re getting tired lyubov moya.”

Natasha stops beside you, the mask of her suit disappearing to reveal her face. Apart from some dirt she looks fine.

“We both know I have stamina for days baby.” You retort cockily, also revealing your face.

Before you can see the flush of her cheeks, her mask reforms.

“You two should really learn how to read a room.” Sam’s input in your conversation makes you laugh.

A smirk clear on your face, you shrug, speaking a noncommittal sorry into the comms before resuming the fight.

The fighting seems to last hours with no clear view of who’s to win. It all shifts though when Clint asks Steve what to do with the gauntlet.

Steve is unsure at first. The original plan was to return them after the snap but the bombing destroyed the portal. Scott is quick to remind you all of his van.

Except it’s in the middle of the sea of Thanos’ army. So everyone begins to work together to get the gauntlet to the van.

It literally becomes a game of hot potato. The gauntlet is passed through multiple sets of hands. Even getting from the King’s hands to yours to Peter’s.

Faintly through the comms you hear the gruff shout of the mad titan, but you have no clue what he said. It becomes clear though when his ships start to fire relentlessly.

Being completely out in the open, you scramble to find cover. Only for your wife to appear at you side. She throws her arm up, the shield from her suit covering the top of you both.

No, you hadn’t put the shield interface in your suit. You hadn’t had the time.

The blasts do more damage to Thanos’ army than it does to your side. He’s thinned his army by an enormous amount but doesn’t let up firing. That is until it suddenly stops.

Everyone looks on as the ships aim to the sky.

A literal ball of fire shoots through the clouds. Crashing through the biggest ship and completely disabling it.

The second you recognize it as Carol you smile wide. Not just at seeing your friend but also at the obvious shift in the battle. It finally seems as though you have a chance.

Now to get those stones to the portal.

Both you and Natasha head toward where Carol landed, arriving to see Peter Parker handing her the gauntlet.

“I don't know how you're gonna get it through all that.” The kid states, looking from the advancing wave of enemies to Carol.

Wanda lands right behind the space traveling woman,“ don't worry-”

“She's not alone.” Your wife finishes.

Wanda smiles over at Natasha. Every woman apart of the battle assumes a spot around Carol, readying their weapons.

“Is it just me, or do you ladies feel insanely powerful right about now?” You ask, smiling approvingly at the female power surrounding you.

Pepper chuckles and Carol agrees.

From there each of you kick as much ass as possible to clear the way for Carol.

Natasha, Valkyrie, Wanda, and Pepper handle covering the air. They take down the giant flying creatures while also shooting at enemies on the ground.

Despite trying to stick close to Carol, you end up getting caught in an onslaught of ape like aliens and the creatures from Wakanda.

It takes a minute but you are able to take them all out. Chest heaving, your eyes snap over the field, lingering on the battles being had, and focusing on the most important part of everything.

Carol speeds through ships and enemies toward the van. From your position you see Thanos charging at her, only to be stopped by Tony, Pepper, and Rhodey.

He stumbles back, but doesn’t lose focus of Carol and the gauntlet. You watch as he throws his weapon toward the van and you blast it with a repulsor beam that is milliseconds from missing but hits it’s target.

The sword is knocked off course, flying in the opposite direction as Carol gets the gauntlet to the van.

Pure euphoria spreads through your chest as she hands the gauntlet off to Scott before he and Hope vanish into the quantum realm.

Thanos rages, concentration switching from you to Carol, essentially locking on to you, the reason he’s failed.

“Uh, angry titan, angry titan!” You exclaim into the comms, shooting a repulsor beam at the giant, pistols forgotten all together.

It knocks him back, but only a little. You look around for a possible plan of action, only to stop short when the problem is resolved.

A lightening covered axe sails towards you, cleanly slicing through the neck of the titan, stopping inches from your form, and then returning to the hands of the god.

Beheaded, the titan’s body falls to the ground. The so called children of Thanos have long since been dealt with, leaving the few seemingly mindless creatures behind. But they’re quickly being dealt with.

Still you hold your breath, eyes falling to the ugly brown van stuck in rubble.

The quantum tunnel still pulses with light and you watch it closely. Only to mentally fist pump when Scott and Hope reappear in front of it, empty gauntlet in hand.

With the mad titan dealt with and the stones returned, the threat to the universe vanishes. Everyone deals with the remaining aliens until the field is littered with their bodies and rubble from destroyed ships.

Yet you don’t breathe easy. Instead you look all over the field, panning over superheroes and warriors, familiar faces meet your eyes but not the one your looking for.

Next you search the ground. Maybe she’s just unconscious or underneath a bit of rubble. But nothing.

Dread floods your system, thoughts whip through your head as you process that she’s nowhere to be seen. She can’t possibly be gone. You’d done everything you could to ensure you didn’t lose her.

What could’ve possibly gotten through the suit? How had you managed to screw that up?

Tony and Pepper, in each other’s embrace, look over to you. Their concerned gazes grabs Steve’s attention who looks at you as well. The lack of your wife’s presence beside you has them searching the field as well.

Your vision starts to blur, panic blinding you to whatever they start to say.

You quite literally start to crumble in on yourself, until you feel the soft hands on each side of your face, a familiar warmth accompanying them, but you struggle to focus on her.

“Breathe lyubov moya.” Her sultry voice slips into your ears and soothes your mind.

She strokes your cheeks with her thumbs, coaxing you into security.

With her whisper of “I’m okay” you’re finally breathing properly. Blinking back unshed tears, you pull her into your embrace. Your suits clink together but you couldn’t care less.

Instinct has her face resting in the crook of your neck, warm breath fighting the sudden chilly wind. You kiss her neck, just above the retracted metal of her iron suit.

You remain in her embrace for a moment longer, needing the assurance and grounding. After pulling away, you can’t help but smile at the sight of everyone that you’d watched disappear five years ago, plus the additional faces of the people you’d yet to meet.

A nonverbal agreement is made to reconvene to celebrate at a later time, when things have settled, and you all aren’t standing in a crater moments from flooding.

Hand in hand with Natasha, you exit the hole in the ground.

“Please tell me you’re taking me home.”

Getting a good look at your wife, you see the adrenaline slipping away and revealing her exhaustion. She’s still incredibly gorgeous behind the thing layer of dirt on her face and minor cuts.

How she managed to get cuts on her face through the mask is unbeknownst to you, but you’re determined to make sure she’s taken care of.

“Hospital first, home second.”

She gives a tired sigh, but agrees nonetheless.

Knowing they may not have anywhere to go, you offer the keys to your lake house to Steve, telling him that they are free to use the place to get clean and rest up.

You don’t leave with Natasha until after she’s said a couple ‘goodbye’s and ‘see you later’s.

******

Taglist: @thelastavenger-3000 @aaron-despair @messuhp@izalesbean @bvb-bk @username23345 @sighsam@confusinggemini612 @natasha-danvers @rileigh519@higherfurther-romanova @dynnealberto

#natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff imagine #natasha romanoff #natalia romanova #black widow x reader #black widow #marvel x reader #marvel #mcu x reader #mcu #reader insert #Escape

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beautyandthewarcanons · 3 years

Text

Echo's Beacon: Part Nine

[You can read part eight here! All BATW & DTTR characters belong to @poisonappletales ! ❤]

Later on, I sighed as I finished organizing the last of the laundry, finishing up mine and Ambrosia's. Just then, there was a knock at the door. I turned, opening it to find Onyx standing there.

"Hey Onyx... what's going on?" I asked.

"The King asked me to inform you that a man by the name of Bernard has requested your audience in the drawing room." He stated.

"Okay, thanks. I'll head down there with you now." I replied.

"The King, and I by extension, appreciate your cooperation and orderliness." Onyx said as I closed the bedroom door behind me. I blinked at this.

"You know... I think that's the nicest thing you've said since I've known you." I smirked, raising a brow.

"My sole priority is to carry out the orders of the Royal clan. If I have said something you deem 'nice,' it is purely by coincidence." He remarked.

"I don't know... the King didn't command you to say that. That came from you. I think he'd be proud of you for saying that, actually." At this, Onyx turned his head toward me for a moment before looking straight ahead again.

"I will report your feedback to His Majesty and request permission for comment on my conduct." He said after a short period of silence.

I snickered. "Whatever works for you, Onyx."

We reached the drawing room, Bernard and I greeting each other. As I went to shut the door, I overheard Onyx speaking to Barium about my "feedback." As Barium emitted his familiar hearty laugh, I smirked, shaking my head as I closed the door.

"Forgive me for visiting unannounced. I was hoping to see how you and your guests were faring." Bernard started.

"We're um... doing fine." I nodded. "Are you okay, though? You seemed a bit roughed up." I craned my head a bit. I noticed some bruises, a scratch on his face.

"No need to worry about me, madam, though your concern is appreciated. I was just... getting some things in order. I'm more concerned about you."

"Well, like you said, there's plenty of food, and we've been keeping warm. We should be okay for now."

"Excellent." He replied. "Kara, if there is anything that is troubling you- regardless of what it is, you may confide in me."

I stared at my interlocked hands for a few moments. "Bernard... do you know if anyone... died here? In this house?"

The man straightened up a bit. "Who have you seen, madam?"

"I... I don't know who she was, I..."

"Describe her to me."

I looked at him for a moment, his gaze unwavering as he wore a serious expression.

"She... she was wearing white... she had long hair... she hovered over me... it was as if she were floating in water-"

"Lady Katherine Pheasant." Bernard cut me off, rising from his chair to walk over to a portrait by the fireplace. A pair of women, one with light hair, one with dark, were depicted. "The adopted Pheasant sister. It was her death which caused the first domino to fall."

"The first domino?" I questioned.

He turned. "You need not fear the spirits here. I assure you, many have passed through these doors and left unharmed."

I blinked at his sudden reassurance. "There are others?"

"Yes. Some are more elusive than others. Coexisting with them for the time being shouldn't be a problem."

"So... can you see them too?" I asked.

"I am aware of them, yes. It was actually my sister who was more attune to them. Growing up... she interacted more with the dead than the living. People fear the dead, madam... but they forget to fear the living. Had my sister been shown more warmth... perhaps today she would be a different woman." I frowned as Bernard reflected on this.

"I'm sorry." I said, and he smiled lightly.

"Fret not. Not all hope is lost, madam. I am confident that there is chance for her to become a different woman still. You've reassured me as much as I hope I've reassured you."

"Thanks, Bernard." I smiled.

"Well, I think I've taken enough of your time. Should you need anything, please call upon me. I will take care of any burdensome expenses you encounter, also." He placed a hand on my shoulder momentarily. I thanked him again, feeling a bit better about the state of things as he left.

In another part of the house, Wildfire picked her head up when she heard someone approaching. Her back separated from the wall when she grabbed onto an arm.

"Oi, what do you think you're-"

"Hey. Want to play a game?" Wildfire smirked mischeviously.

"Huh? What are you on about, woman?"

"... You want to get with Ambrosia, don't you?"

X rose a brow. "I'm listening."

---

That evening, I seated myself between Ambrosia and Bo Peep, the three of us engaging in conversation.

"... Well, that's a vintage rotary phone. You spin the dial to put in a phone number. I remember using a newer version of that once, and I could NOT figure it out. I kept calling someone else's house."

"I want one of those!" Bo's eyes lit up.

Ambrosia chuckled lightly. "Lady Bo Peep, you wouldn't be able to use it on Virgo Island."

"But it looks so pretty!" Bo giggled.

Brooks snickered. "Hey Wildfire. That hunk X looked at you again."

"Shut up."

"Come on, he's a nice piece of man meat-"

"I said shut up. Stop making a scene about it." Wildfire hissed through her teeth. "We'll talk about him later."

"Whatever." Brooks shrugged, tearing off a bite of bread.

"Miss Kara, you certainly know a great deal about this era despite it being far before your time. I'm impressed." Arsenik smiled from across the table.

"I mean, I don't remember everything... and I do look stuff up from time to time."

"Even still. I wouldn't have been able to guess how some of the contraptions about the dwelling were used without your knowledge. Human development is quite fascinating. Not all may agree, but I don't regret accompanying you here."

I was quiet for a moment, a smile poking at the corner of my lips. Wildfire's jaw clenched. Chase shoved a bite of food into his mouth.

"I'm glad you're here too, Arsenik." I finally replied.

"Hey!" Everyone looked over as Chase exclaimed. "What was that for?" He groaned, wiping food off the side of his face.

"Stop stuffing your face for two seconds or you'll end up like the cow over there." Wildfire motioned to Rosemary.

"What?! I'm not a cow! Lady Ambrosiaaaaa!" Rosemary cried.

"You do eat- far too much." Jasmine moved the bread roll platter away from her cousin, Brooks licking her lips as she grabbed one instead.

"Wildfire, will you knock it off already? Stop talking to her like that-" I winced as I was hit with a finger sized bone.

"Oops." Wildfire sneered. "Looks like I ruffled the chicken's feathers."

Chase grit his teeth. "You'll pay for that, Wildfire!" Chase took a handful of peas, hurling them toward the Valkyrie. She ducked out of the way, and they hit Unknown instead. The man simply grinned, scooping a spoonful of mashed potatoes and flinging it back toward Chase, only for it to hit Viktor.

"Oh- did that land in my hair?!" Viktor exclaimed.

Barium sighed. "Guys, come on, please don't start a-"

"Food fight!" Chase shouted.

Jasmine immediately got up, Rosemary shouting after her before clutching her face with her hands in frustration. Ambrosia warily watched Night get up to follow her cousin, rising to leave the room after them. Not wanting to be pelted with food, I held my hands up to guard myself from being hit as I too, left the dining hall. Wildfire stopped then, glancing at X and nodding toward the doorway.

The sound of Barium trying to stop the pandemonium grew softer as I made my way down the corridor. As I did, I stopped for a moment as I overheard Jasmine speaking to Night, and noticed Ambrosia moving toward them. I was about to follow, when I noticed something glistening on the floor.

Small dribbles of water.

"Great..." I sighed. I fetched a towel, crouching down to clean it up. As I looked ahead though, I noticed more dribbles, cleaning each one up. As I was cleaning one, I heard light footsteps moving away. I looled up just in time to barely see someone disappearing around a corner. "... Chase?" I called. He was certainly one who could move that quickly. I received no response, dropping the damp towel in a bucket before carrying it with me. I rounded the corner myself, and the first thing I saw was that the door to the basement was open. I placed the bucket back down, approaching the door. "Chase? You shouldn't be down there!" I called, taking a deep breath when I received no response. "Come on, Chase, I don't want you getting hurt." I said as I took a few steps forward. As I did, a figure approached from behind, their eyes a swirling frenzy of glowing colors. Before I realized it, the door slammed closed, shrouding me in darkness.

"Ha! Gotcha!" A voice exclaimed.

I whirled around, thankfully gripping the hand rail for balance as I tried to open the door with no avail. "X?!" I exclaimed. "Are you kidding me? I can't see a damn thing in here, let me out!"

"That's going to come with a price, lady." X answered smugly, leaning against the other side of the door.

I glanced over my shoulder at the sound of something shuffling deeper within the basement. "What do you want?"

"Switch out beds with me. I want to spend a night with my princess." He answered.

"X, you know I'm not going to agree to that!" I instinctively looked back once again as I heard a distant clang.

"Well, then you're out of luck, kid." X separated his back from the door. "Hope you like the dark." He chuckled to himself.

My heart dropped when I heard his footsteps moving away. "X?! X! I swear you better open this door right now!!!" No answer. I sunk down, hugging my knees. I remained in silent disbelief for a few moments. "Chase... you're not here, are you?" I chuckled bitterly to myself.

Meanwhile, Ambrosia sighed lightly to herself as she exited our bedroom. She paused when she noticed X in the hallway. "Sir X?"

The man stopped at the call. "Oh, hey princess!" He grinned.

"Not to trouble you, but I've been looking for lady Kara. Have you seen her?"

"Uh... not for a hot minute." X glanced to the side.

"Do you have any idea where she may have gone? I'd like to speak to her about something."

"Look, princess, I'm sure she's around here somewhere. Why don't you talk to me instead, huh?" X replied.

Ambrosia rose a suspicious brow. "Sir X... you aren't fibbing, are you?"

Just then, Barium approached. "Ah, Ambrosia. I'm trying to gather everyone back into the dining hall. Onyx is oversee cleanup and restore some order in there. Could one of you let Kara know it's safe to go back in there?"

"A coincidence you should mention lady Kara, your highness. I was just asking sir X of he knew of her whereabouts." Ambrosia replied. Barium glanced between the two, bewildered.

I jumped up, groping the air for the hand rail as I heard more clanging, something dragging along the floor in the basement. I bit my lip, knowing I definitely was going to be on edge so as long as I couldn't see anything. With one hand on the stair rail, I used the other one to feel through the air and along the wall, hoping to find a lightswitch or a tugstring. I moved down a few steps carefully, feeling for the next one down so I didn't fall.

I was midway down a step when I heard something creak, stopping dead in my tracks. My eyes widened as I began to tremble. As I heard another creak, closer this time, I realized in horror that I truly was not alone.

Someone was on the stairs, and they were moving closer to me.

I turned, scrambling back up to the door. I felt for the handle, desperately twisting and tugging at it. "X! X please, there's someone down here with me, open the door!"

Barium sighed. "Wind, all I'm asking for is your help."

"How should I know where she went? Maybe she was smart and ditched this place." The Imugi replied.

"I greatly doubt that. Now, will you please-"

"Hold on." Wind cut him off. "I just heard something." Wind moved past the royal, who followed after him. He stopped when he noticed a bucket sitting in the middle of the hall, approaching the basement door where they heard me pounding on the door. "What are you doing in here?" Wind asked, irritated.

"X locked me in here, you have to get me out!" I cried as Wind tried the handle to find it wouldn't budge. Upon hearing this, Barium felt his face harden with anger.

"Kara, we're going to get you out of here. Hold on one moment while we unlock it." He assured.

"Barium? Oh thank God... there's someone-" Before I could finish my sentence, a hand clamped over my mouth, my surprised scream muffled as I fought against the assailant. Not being able to see anything, I was practically helpless as I was dragged down the stairs.

Barium grabbed the handle, unlocking it. "It's jammed!" He exclaimed when it still didn't budge.

Ambrosia overheard the commotion, returning to the area. Wind took one look at Ambrosia's face, grabbing X's arm upon catching sight of him. "What did you do?" He growled.

"I don't know who you think you're talking to, but you better get offa me-" X was cut off by Wind's nails digging into the man's arm, drawing blood.

I continued to try to wrestle out of my assailant's grip as we reached the bottom of the stairs, and I felt myself being dragged along a smooth, cold floor. Ambrosia ran over to the door, waving a hand. It flung open, allowing Barium to hurry down the stairs as light flooded onto them. As soon as this happened, I was released, light footsteps disappearing into the shadows. I cried as I crawled back toward the stairs, until Barium reached me. I was a mess of gasping breaths and tears. "Ambrosia, get her upstairs!" He shouted. I inhaled sharply as I watched Barium run straight into the darkness.

"Wait- no, Barium!" I screamed as Ambrosia reached me. I cried for him to come back as she helped me up the stairs.

To be continued...

#beautyandthewar #poisonappletales #beauty and the war x playing pieces #beauty and the war #donttakethisrisk #ambrosia #dont take this risk #horror #suspense #fanficton

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skultrashfics · 4 years

Note

dexter/saracen sickfic where dexter is sick and saracen has to take care of him?

Considering Recent Events, this hit me hard TT u TT

Pairing: Dexter Vex x Saracen Rue Word Count: 757 Themes: Sickfic, Fluff, Care, Romance

The pouring sound of the rain was beginning to make Dexter’s mind numb. Through a bunged up nose, he grumbled and sank lower into the covers. “This feels stupid. Sorcerors shouldn’t be able to succumb to colds…”. Sniffling loudly he grew to miss the appreciation of being able to smell and no doubt taste things. His thoughts of self-pity were interrupted by a sudden thumping on his door. “Dexter? If you’re done feeling sorry for yourself, I have some souup”.

Saracen Rue gently eased the door open and approached the bed with a tray, he placed it on the bedside table. Reclining further into the covers, Dexter hissed at the new exposure of light that entered through the open door. “My eyes. It burns”, he said bluntly without conviction. Saracen chuckled softly in response and sat down on the bed, “Now now, I’m tryin’ to look after ya aren’t I? Besides, I made this myself with a little help from Militsa. Valkyrie was kind enough to let me borrow her for a bit”, he grinned at this but gained no response from Dexter. Sighing he leant back, pushing his weight a little against the mound tangled in the bedsheets. “Well then, I guess I will just have to eat it all by myself… good ol’ leek and potato soup gone to waste. What a shame. I don’t think I have ever been so close to weeping before in my life. Ever. After I slaved away for hours at the stove”. Saracen had felt Dexter perk up a little at the sound of that, it was no secret that a traditional potato and leek was his favourite soup. Contemplating his next move Dexter growled in annoyance and sat up, “Okay! Okay! You lard arse, I don’t need a repeat of your ex-girlfriend’s break up speech! And you’re squishing me”. Saracen mock gasped in shock, “Now that was a low blow Vex… you know none of my exes could cook!”. No matter how hard he tried Dexter couldn’t hide the excitement in his voice as he saw the soup on the bedside table with a fresh crusty roll coated in butter. Beside that were a few medicinal leaves to ease the pain and swelling of his nose. He looked from the table to the expectant looking Saracen and shook his head, “Don’t give me that look. I just needed to breathe properly”. Seeing the dejected look in Saracen’s eyes Dexter felt a light rush of guilt wash over him. “C-Could you pass the tray here then? As long as it stops you from talking”. Once again Saracen’s eyes lit up and he stood from the bed. After first gently fluffing Dexter’s pillows so he could sit up, Saracen placed the tray on Dexter’s lap bearing a wide grin. “Bone Apple Teeth”, he exclaimed. Dexter could only raise an eyebrow at him in confusion, “Did you forget how to speak French or something?”. With a flourish, Saracen produced his phone displaying the god awful art of that cursed meme, “No! But I’m down with the youth! Memes are hilarious”. Taking a deep breath to avoid that conversation topic going any further, Dexter picked up the spoon and immediately felt Saracen’s eyes on him. He lifted the spoon out of the soup. Only to lower it again. Then again lift it. Then lower it. “Come on Dex! That’s not funny!”. Now it was Dexter’s turn to laugh, “It is just a little bit...”. He took the first sip of the soup and felt the sudden heat rush through his face. But it was more than the temperature. It was spice! “Woah. This is spicy…”. Saracen looked worried, “Militsa said it would be good for you, because of your cold. I don’t know. Is it too much?”. Before Saracen could finish worrying, Dexter was already halfway through the soup, “It’s good!”, he exclaimed slurping loudly. The atmosphere of the room became a lot calmer once Dexter had finished his soup and taken his medication. He was a lot more relaxed and Saracen was looking pretty pleased with himself. Drowsiness hit Dexter like a wave as he leaned over and rested on Saracen’s arm, who was now sat beside him rather than on the foot of the bed. “Thank you”, he whispered as his eyes hazily began to flutter closed. Saracen smiled down at him, as Dexter fell asleep in his tousled hair. He softly kissed the top of his head, “you’re welcome…”, he whispered back before closing his own eyes to rest.

#skulduggery pleasant #skulduggeryfanfiction #dexter vex #saracen rue #dexterxsaracen #dextervexxsaracenrue #skulduggery fanfiction

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albion-93 · 4 years

Text

Midwinter Solstice Eve

Seasons greetings to one and all! I hope everyone is enjoying themselves and celebrating the holidays as best they can with friends and family.

Just a heads up: this is a long RWBY fanfic, taking place in the same AU as my first fanfic RWBY: Family Lost and Found.

For the RWBY fans who made my time here really swell this year and also enjoyed my past writings, @littlemisssquiggles, @miki-13 , @maripr , @blackhakumen @davidellisartworkstuff , @accel-dragons @jade-rosepine and @che1sea-xiao-long this is for you. Hope you’re having a lovely holiday, and I hope you enjoy.

Act 1

Midwinter Solstice Eve had brought an unprecedented level of calm to the island province of Patch, even with the increasing threat of Grimm attacks. The coastal port towns were bathed in warm golden and crimson lights, security was at an all year-high and people went about their ways doing their best to keep merry. Airships and boats to the other kingdoms were preparing to leave. At first, the setting sun pierced the clouds and shafts of bright orange light cut across the frosty blue snow-laden fields and forests. But over time, these clouds grew thicker and snow fell faster and heavier than before, and the last of the daytime light was dying out.

In a secluded forested part of Patch, a two story log cabin stood resolute against the thickening blizzard, and cosy golden light gleamed invitingly within. The home of Taiyang Xiao-Long was a model of Midwinter Solstice preparations. In the kitchen was filled with the tantalising scent of slow-roasting game birds, and Tai went up and down the kitchen with his recipe book while his assistants, Nora Valkyrie, Lie Ren and Oscar Pine went about their culinary tasks.

“Alright girls and boys,” called out Tai as he removed a tray of roast potatoes from the oven, “let’s move this feast to the final phase! Nora, stop eating those potatoes and put them in the oven!”

“But they’re so tasty – oh, fine!”

“Ren, how are those vegetables coming?”

“Almost ready, Mr Xiao-Long!”

“Also maybe put a little more icing on the chocolate yule log, you know how my girls love their sweets.”

“I thought you wanted Ruby to eat less sweet stuff?” he asked incredulously, “I mean pudding, mince pies, and yule log?”

“True, true; but since it’s that time of year again we only get to go this big once. Just wait, between Ruby and Nora there’ll be hardly any desserts left!” he chuckled with a pat on the farm boy’s back and went into the lounge to check on how his daughters and their partners were doing.

It was a much more pleasant sight; the lounge was filled with soft carpets with the walls and mantelpieces decked with crimson, pine-green and gold trimmings. True to form, Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee were partnered off on the decorations, while Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao-Long moved in and out of the house doing different jobs in conversation. Chairs were pulled in and a portable Atlesian fire-place where the TV used to be was just starting to burn; ‘an old present from James’ as Tai said. Taking a short break from cooking, Oscar picked up a nearby guitar and strummed it a few times before settling on a soft melody, glancing towards . In the corner stood the decorated festive pine tree, with Ruby happily humming as she placed hand-carved and painted robins on what free branches still remained, thinking fondly about her mother. Weiss levitated a wreath of red and white roses onto the pine tree’s highest branches with Myrtenaster’s Gravity Dust function, smiling as she floated the wreath up and down. Blake came in and gave an amused smile at the sight.

“No offence, but that doesn’t look like the most efficient use of your limited Dust reserves. Couldn’t you just get the ladder?” suggested Blake.

“You’re right I could, but I never get to do any of this festive stuff, so I’m taking every chance.”

“You really are Defiance aren’t you,” chuckled Blake, more to herself than Weiss, who merely stared back quizzically at her as she went out again.

“Actually, I haven’t felt this relaxed – this happy even, in a long time.”

“Oh, it’s great isn’t it? I can’t wait to see your face when you open my present!” said Ruby excitedly, bobbing side to side, making Weiss giggle.

“Well you’ll just have to be a little patient,” she said with an air of playful parental authority, and she smiled softly at distant memories, “I remember when I was little my Mom would say that to get me to wait because I always wanted Midwinter Solstice to come a day early. I used to get so excited… but that really didn’t last long. Before I left for Beacon they had become so suffocating dry, formal and by the end so cold and resentful that I almost forgot just how sweet they could be.”

Weiss looked down sadly, and Ruby lifted her chin up encouragingly.

“Dad and I have tomorrow all planned out: snowball fights, games, movies, and karaoke!”

“Wonderful!” said Weiss with a bigger smile, which faltered as she saw Nora, Ren and Oscar talking worriedly among each other. She pointed this out to Ruby just as Yang and Blake came back in, and the two teams convened.

“Something wrong, guys?” asked Yang.

“This snowstorm is looking worse by the minute,” said Nora looking worried, “and we’re just hoping that Jaune and Pyrrha’s boat made it out in time.”

“They said their ship was leaving before the storm hit, but we haven’t heard from them in a while,” said Ren holding up his scroll.

“I’ve seen blizzards like this before back on the farm, and they’re worse than hazardous to travel in,” said Oscar as he stared out the window.

“Also, this little guy’s feeling homesick,” added Nora, wrapping her arms tightly around Oscar.

“Nora! I said it’s not a big deal!” he said quickly, but too late as a light chorus of endearment broke out among RWBY, turning the lad bright red as Nora grinned and Ren sighed.

“I mean, she isn’t wrong,” admitted Oscar, “I just had a rush of memories of watching the snow from the farmhouse bedroom and keeping warm by the fireplace with my aunt and uncle. Sometimes the extended family came over! It’s my first Midwinter away from them...”

“Awww, don’t worry, Oscar, you’ll feel right at home here,” said Ruby, smiling and placing an arm around Oscar’s shoulders, causing the boy to smile nervously and attempt to hide his blushing. “Dad always makes the best Winter Solstice dinner.”

“Actually, from the looks of things we might have a little too much food on our hands,” said Yang, “Guess we know what we’re having for lunch tomorrow!”

Suddenly, Ruby’s scroll starting buzzing. She answered and put it on speaker.

“RUBY!” yelled Jaune’s voice; he sounded panicked and hoarse, “Please get down here with Bumblebee fast! It’s me and Pyrrha, we’re stranded and the ice is breaking!”

Act 2

Within minutes, the four girls strapped on their Huntress gear and wrapped up warm for the mission. Based on Jaune’s description, the river was less than ten miles away winding between two hills. Yang fixed a snowplow on Bumblebee’s front wheel and revved the bike up for heavy duty action while Ruby fixed a trailer to the back. They gathered torches and ropes and packed them in the trailer. Before RWBY could set out, they heard a shrill voice load and clear.

“That’s half our team out there! We’re coming too!” declared Nora.

There was no arguing with her on that matter; time and the elements were both against them. With Yang driving, Ruby on the scroll to keep Jaune calm and determine where he was

“Wait, I want to help!” Oscar called out, covered head to toe in warm clothing, as the bike sped down the road until it vanished behind the snow drifts.

“Oh, no you don’t!” Tai yelled, grabbing Oscar’s arm, “Those kids are tough and capable, and you’re not at their level yet, Oscar. If you run out there you’ll get lost and freeze and I’m not losing anyone on Midwinter Solstice!”

“Tai, this snow’s getting much worse, they won’t be able to see where they’re going!” said Oscar, undeterred by Tai’s warning, “We’ve got to give them their best chance to get back.”

With the headlights at full beam, Yang drove as fast as she could through the forest towards the river, bobbing and weaving without dislodging the trailer behind her. Ten miles of straight road would have been nothing to Bumblebee but the combination of weather and treacherous downhill terrain slowed their progress. Even with the warm clothing and aura, they couldn’t stay out for long. As the trees gave way, they saw the river winding through the two hills and plowed through the heavy drifts to the riverbank. Everyone disembarked from the trailer and searched the area, calling out Jaune and Pyrrha’s names.

“There they are!” called out Blake, pointing towards a faint and distant flashing light several hundred yards away on the river’s ice covered surface. She could make out two distant figures, one stretching out and waving the other collapsed

“Guys, I think Pyrrha’s down!” added Blake, her ears folded down in dread.

“Then let’s go!” yelled Nora as she began to charge, only to be stopped by Ren, pointing out the fickle character of the frozen surface.

“I can use my semblance to get to them faster!” said Ruby with determination, “Nora, can you give me a boost?”

“CAN I?!” she bellowed with renewed vigour.

“Alright, then I’ll follow behind. I can get some distance with my glyphs,” said Weiss.

“I’ll tie the ropes together, Blake can you help me?” said Ren, Blake nodded.

“I’ll keep Bee warm for when we need to get out of here,” said Yang, revving the engine.

With the intensifying blizzard obscuring their vision of Jaune’s scroll light, they put the plan into motion. Blake and Ren had finished tying the ropes together, and passed them over to Weiss.

“Hurry, I think the ice is beginning to crack,” warned Blake, Weiss nodded.

She cast her glyphs across the river and began to run with all speed across her conjured bridge. Ruby stood perched like a bird of prey atop Magnhild, and Nora sent Ruby soaring through the air with a mighty swing in mid-semblance. She careened through the frozen night air, keeping altitude with Crescent Rose, a cascade of red against the black sky and pallid snow. Ruby used her semblance one more time as she spun towards Jaune and Pyrrha and skidded across the ice, clamping down with a swing of her scythe. Weiss wasn’t far behind.

Both of them looked pale and exhausted, Pyrrha was barely conscious but Jaune managed to pull a smile as the two friends embraced with one arm still around Pyrrha. She looked further ahead and gasped at the broken ice just a few yards ahead.

“Oh am I glad to see you!” cried Jaune frantically, “She fell through the ice! I’ve been trying to keep her warm! Help me carry her!”

Ruby nodded and raised Pyrrha up; she was murmuring deliriously and barely able to stand but still managed with the last vestiges of her aura to keep going. They started making good progress towards the shore. Suddenly the ominous sound of cracking ice came beneath them.

“Grab on!” yelled Weiss, tossing them the rope and casting a glyph beneath their feet as the ice ceased to support their weight. Back on shore, the combined strength of Nora, Ren, Blake and Yang tugged them back to shore. When they touched solid ground, the two reunited teams broke into a tight and tearful group hug, Pyrrha especially with light sobs of relief and gratitude.

“Hey guys, plenty of time for this back at Dad’s house,” said Yang, starting to shiver herself.

“I can’t tell where we are! This blizzard’s getting impossible to move through!” said Blake, barely able to make out the road with the snow obscuring the way and filling Bee’s tracks.

“We just keep going uphill,” said Yang stubbornly, “there barely any roads through here. And Bee’s using up too much juice to keep warm.”

They had been gone five minutes up the road towards Tai’s lodge. Nora and Ren kept close to Jaune and Pyrrha, and Weiss had conjured a small flame to keep them going. After another five minutes of more empty woodland and a winding trail, Yang slowed down and stopped to look around, the others stared around looking for any sign of habitation, like distant lights or smoke.

“Shit… none of this looks familiar,” she said angrily, “Where the hell are we?!”

“Maybe we should double back,” suggested Blake.

“We could get even more lost,” said Weiss, now starting to get nervous.

“Wait, I’ve got Dad’s signal, he must have followed us. I’m calling him!” said Ruby, opening up her scroll and tapping Tai’s number. She didn’t have long to wait.

“Ruby, finally! I’ve been trying to reach you!” said Tai over the wire, “I followed your trail halfway down the southern road but can’t find you guys anywhere!”

“We got lost! Are you out there by yourself?”

“Yes, Oscar’s back at the house. Listen to me; look out for the red signal flare. Find that and you’ll find the road. I’m launching in three, two-”

“Look, there it is!” cried Nora, pointing towards a bright red flash, barely covered by the falling snow and thick snow-laden branches.

“Yeah, I see it too! It’s not that far!” said Ruby excitedly.

“What? Ruby, I haven’t fired mine yet! Are you sure you see a flare?” said Tai incredulously, “I’m firing mine now; keep an eye out for it!”

Seconds later, another much further and fainter red light appeared, coming from back the way they came. The group looked amongst each other, now uncertain what to make of this. Then another flare rose up from beyond the tree line, same as where the first flare came from.

“Ruby, I see it too, you’re a lot further out than I thought,” said Tai, something in his voice sounded different, “change of plan, follow that flare, it’s closer to the lodge.”

Wasting no more time, Yang revved up Bumblebee and made a break for the source of the flare. Bee started to sputter, and fear began to grip the teams at the prospect of walking blind and losing precious time. The light from the flare went out. But before long, the trees became less dense and the familiar warm lights of Tai’s house came into view. Yang laughed and whooped and punched the air as she revved towards the lodge.

They spotted a lone figure glad in green standing in the snow covered field and waving his arms, and a few of the group peered out to see as they got closer.

“OSCAR!” yelled an ecstatic Nora, and with her arm outstretched grabbed him right off his feet and into the trailer locked in a tight tackle hug. He was shivering and had snowflakes tousled in his hair, signs that he had been outside for a while.

“Guys, we all gotta get inside,” reminded Blake, pointing to Jaune and Pyrrha lying prone, everyone nodded in agreement as they convened inside Tai’s house.

Act 3

Yang had her scroll out to inform Tai that they all made it back. The Atlesian fireplace was burning low with fresh fuel, another one of Oscar’s preparations before he went outside. Weiss went back and forth from the kitchen and came back with mugs of tea and hot chocolate for everyone, and knelt before the closely huddled Jaune and Pyrrha, both of whom were too tired to talk and looked close to drifting off.

“There, there,” cooed Weiss softly to both of them, stroking their foreheads gently, “just take it easy; you both had a tough time of it. But you’re safe now.”

Ruby brought down a high pile of blankets, jumpers and sweaters for Jaune and Pyrrha to put on, one red and one yellow, while Oscar brought extra cushions and draped them both in a thick blanket and sat down beside them.

“I’m so glad you’re both safe, I was scared we were gonna lose you out there,” he said gently.

After every means to be comfortable was taken, the fatigued RWBY and JNPPR sat huddled close around the fireplace in silence for the next several minutes, taking in the welcome warmth and looking amongst one another with in subdued, harmonious relief.

“That was way too close,” said Weiss at last, hugging her knees.

“No argument from me,” stuttered Jaune, as Pyrrha held him tightly.

The door opened again, it was Tai.

“Hey kids,” said Tai discreetly, with Ruby and Yang running up to hug him followed by all the other team members. He went down to green Jaune and Pyrrha, but Oscar guiltily hung back. He turned to face everyone, “Seriously, well done everyone. I’ve seen some daring feats in heavy snow at night, but you just raised the bar. So, you want to tell me what happened out there?”

While Ruby and Yang took turns recounting what happened, Tai listened intently and nodded proudly at each of them, and team spirit was on the rise.

“It sounds like you guys were just legendary out there!” said Oscar at last, looking around excitedly and gesturing to each of them in turn, “I mean, Ruby soaring through the blizzard Weiss with her glyphs, Nora with her hammer, and the rope plan. You guys must have been legendary!”

“You should have seen Yang’s driving, she was on fire!” said Nora with a little bounce.

“Why thank you, Nora! Bumblebee’s gonna need a lot of work after that,” commented Yang, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

“Well, any vehicle is only ever as good as its driver,” said Blake with a smile, “and that placed us in excellent hands.”

Yang grinned and thanked her partner, and the two leaned in closely.

“Oh, and I switched the oven and cooker off before I went out, to not spoil the food,” said Oscar shyly to Tai, “I put them back on and reset the timers when we returned.”

“Smart move; the meal was saved just in time, despite the danger you put yourself in,” said Tai with his arms folded, he seemed to be making a concerted effort not to be cross.

“Dad, please don’t go there,” said Ruby reproachfully.

“Sir, if it weren’t for Oscar’s timely signal flare, we would probably be dead,” said Jaune with a little more strength in his voice.

“We put everyone in danger,” said Pyrrha at last, her eyes misty and cast down.

“Pyrrha, honey, please don’t-”

“It’s true… I wanted Jaune to meet my family for Midwinter Solstice. I wanted to make it this grand, almost fanciful meet-up. After the ship left without us, we argued a lot along the way, I insisted we try to get there no matter wat. We should not have tried to make the journey back to Argus with the blizzard closing in…”

“Pyr, I’m just as much to blame for this, if not more, I said we could make it to Tai’s lodge before the bad weather hit. We got turned around and stranded on that river, and then you fell in the ice!” Jaune cried out racked with guilt and anger, Pyrrha placed her hand on his shoulder.

“You wouldn’t leave me,” she said reassuringly, “I knew I had a chance with you.”

“You two wanted to spend Christmas with family, I think we all understand that,” said Ren.

“I think anyone who has a family they would brave a blizzard to be with is a special kind of lucky,” said Nora, “I know I would”

“We kind of did,” added Ren. Smiles started to bloom among the group.

“You both need to stop blaming yourselves for what nearly happened,” said Oscar earnestly, “You’re right, mistakes were made and it was way too close. But through it all, I’m just happy to have both of you here and alive with us under this roof, brought together in spite of peril and strife. In the end, Midwinter Solstice is all about that.”

“That reminds me about that song you played for me a few nights ago, could you play it again for us?” asked Ruby.

Oscar’s eyes went wide, but with a deep breath he asked if everyone else wanted to hear. With everyone giving consent, Oscar picked up the guitar and sang softly to the low fire crackling.

“When the silence wakes you, when your nights are long,

When the world forsakes you, please be strong.

Nothing hurts you forever, it will fade away,

And the sky will be blue again, one day.

No matter how cold the winter, no matter how deep the snow,

We will be warm again and the grass will grow.

No matter where life may take us, no matter how hard they try,

They will not break us, you and I.

When it’s dark inside you, when your flame is low,

I will be beside you, you will know.

Let it fall all around you, let the cold winds cry,

Let the old winds of yesterday blow by.

No matter how cold the winter, no matter how deep the snow,

We will be warm again and the grass will grow.

No matter where life may take us, no matter how hard they try,

They will not break us, you and I.”

Oscar blushed as applause broke out among the group, and some cheering from Yang and Tai.

“Well sung, little dude, well sung,” said Jaune.

“At Beacon you were all there when I needed help, especially you Pyrrha, and honestly this is just a small way of saying thank you,” said Oscar, still red in cheeks.

“Oh, Oscar, bless you,” said Pyrrha softly, eyes glistening. She held her arm out invitingly, Oscar budged closer and she pulled him into gentle, caressing hug.

“Thank you for being there when we needed you,” she murmured, gently swaying him side by side, enveloping her arms and blanket around him until he was effectively cocooned within. She held his face close and leaned and kissed his cheek causing the boy to open his eyes wide in shock.

“Are there no limits to your adorableness?” cooed Jaune as he embraced both of them within his blanket and ruffled Oscar’s hair.

“Mm-mm” shaking her head and giggled, still cuddling Oscar.

Nora and Ren piled in on either side of the three-way hug. In the middle of them, a series of small squeaks came from Pyrrha, grinning whilst tears down her cheeks. Team RWBY looked on, a mixture of awe and “aww” shared between them.

“I think I’ll skip the dessert, because that was the sweetest thing I’ve ever feasted my eyes on!” Yang whispered to Blake.

Ruby felt Weiss’s hand on her shoulder.

“Hey Ruby, despite the near-death experience out in the wilderness, I just want to say thank you for inviting me over for Midwinter Solstice; being here with everyone is so much better than being back at Atlas.”

“Don’t mention it, Weiss. It certainly crazy how close that was, but it worked out in the end! Just promise me one thing for the holiday.”

“Name it!”

“Don’t think about Atlas or anyone there who makes you unhappy and unfestive; I forbid it!”

“I don’t think ‘unfestive’ is a real word, but deal!” she said happily, drawing her in for a hug.

Tai came back in to announce that the game birds were cooked and there is definitely enough for the two new guests. Blake and Yang went in first, while JNPPR went in as one leaning in among each other. Ruby winked to Weiss and both reached out to pull Oscar in, and he gave a little yelp when both girls pulled him into their embrace. Ruby glanced up, something small and green was floating above them.

“Wait, I don’t remember ever hanging up mistletoe…” said Ruby nervously.

“Oscar, was this your doing?” said Weiss, raising her eyebrow.

“How could it be my doing?”

They paused and followed the line of string hanging the infamous little festive plant and gave out one big, shared yell; “NORA!”

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

Note: I really did want to write a new poem/song for this story rather than recycle an old one, but it still felt fitting both to the story and for the season.

Thank you, everyone.

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innaminitus · 5 years

Text

The one with the potion class

About the series: What are you about to read is a series in a sitcom manner. This means the chapters are going to be only briefly connected to each other and you don’t have to read them all (you can start in the middle if you want and you will still understand what’s going on). Just as in sitcoms majority of the stories will have the beginning and the end (something like oneshots). Think of it as if you were watching Friends that I copied the title from.

AU: Hogwarts

Pairing: Various (for now: Loki x Reader, Tony Stark x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader)

Chapter summary: You promised yourself to focus on your classes, not boys this year.

Chapter warninigs: language because I am unable not to swear

Chapter word count: 1764

A/N: I want you to create this series with me! Got any idea what could happen to our pals? Let me know! Let’s make this as awesome as we can, together! Tag list is open.

Your stomach was rumbling. You were hungry enough to eat the plate if the food wouldn’t soon appear on the tables, but the first graders still didn’t show up. You wondered if maybe one of them drowned and if Dumbledore would skip this stupid tradition…

You looked around, searching for friends in the sea of faces. You saw Carol at the end of the table, her arm was wrapped around a pretty girl. You couldn’t remember her name, but remembered that they were close in past year.

You leaned to Nat, your eyes still locked on Carol.

“I told you that Danvers would date that girl. What was her name again?”

Natasha turned to the direction you were looking and waved her fingers when Carol saw you two.

“Violet? Valerie?”

“Valkyrie,” Loki said, leaning on his chair.

“Weird name…” You murmured and continued looking through the crowd. “And who’s that bitch?” Nat’s head shot around after yours, to the direction of the Gryffindor table. Tony was whispering something to a blonde girl’s ear and it must’ve been something naughty judging from the awful blush that bloomed on her cheeks. Nat just shrugged. You looked at Loki, but he didn’t know either. “Well is it his girlfriend?”

“He’s a dog, not a man.” Loki rolled his eyes. “He plays with every girl in his grasp. She isn’t special, but neither are you.”

You lifted your fork. “I will spear you on this, I promise.”

“Do you want me to remind you of the compelling conversation you two had in the train?”

Tony caught your sight and winked at you, but you just looked away.

“It’s our last year, I have to do something… I can’t graduate and never kiss Tony Stark.”

“Is that your mission for this year?” Loki snorted. “To kiss Tony Stark? To hell with NEWTs, romance is more important! I didn’t know you’ve sunk to such depths.”

You laid your head on his shoulder. Maybe he was right? He knew you so well, didn’t he? He was your friend since first grade, long before you became friends with Nat. He always somehow knew what’s best for you.

“I can’t help that he’s so hot,” you sighed. “But you’re right. NEWTs first, Tony second.”

“I am always right.” He wrapped his arm around you.

Nat looked at him with odd expression in her eyes, but didn’t say anything. You wanted to ask her if something was wrong, but then the massive door opened and first graders entered the Great Hall. Finally.

You’ve suffered through the Sorting Hat’s song and was ready to eat the hat itself if it would sit on someone’s head longer than a minute. Luckily for the hat, it didn’t.

After thirty minutes Slytherin had ten new students and the food finally appeared on the table. With a squirm you loaded your plate with potatoes and meat.

“How can you eat this much and stay in shape?” Nat wrinkled her nose when she saw you stuff your face with beef.

“Veela genes and Quidditch,” you said unintelligibly with your mouth full.

“Not that much of a veela in you as far as I can see…” Loki murmured and you furrowed at him. “What are you? One-eighth? One-sixteenth?”

“A quarter!” You squeaked with outrage. “I’m a quarter-veela, thank you for never noticing!”

“I would go for a quarter-house elf,” Nat giggled next to you and you threw your hands in the air with disbelief.

“Great, well, you two aren’t miracles as well.” You ate a giant portion of potatoes and gravy, looking like a pygmy puff in the exact moment Tony Stark peeked at you again. You turned crimson red at his wide smile and wished you could disappear under ground. Maybe there was a spell for absolute embarrassment?

First lesson of the year – potions. You wanted to be a healer and a NEWT of potions was one of the requirements. Like in the previous years your class was with Gryffindor, so you purposely took a seat in the front desk, hoping that Tony, who was attending potions as well, won’t sit there and make it harder for you to focus on what’s really important.

You were sitting alone, but the class was slowly being filled with students. You looked around anxiously, waiting for Nat and Loki. They still didn’t show up and keeping a seat for them both was getting harder.

“Hey, baby.” You almost choked when you heard Tony’s voice. Did he really just called you baby? “Mind if I sit?” You turned to him and he pointed the chair.

You just stared at him for a moment.

“Well, yes, actually-“

“Great.” He sat heavily and tossed his bag on the ground.

“I am waiting for Nat and Loki…” You stuttered, looking around. There was no way you would be able to focus with the scent of his cologne next to you. “I was saving the seats for them.”

“Well, I’m not going to sit next to Danvers, she’ll feed me poison the first occasion she has.” He smiled cockily at you. “Besides, you’re quite good with potions and so am I, so we’ll make good partners.”

You raised your brows at that statement and at the exact moment your friends entered the classroom. Nat caught your eye and raised her eyebrow, but silently sat with Carol. Loki angrily took the place next to you.

“What the hell?” He whispered as he placed his book and quill on the desk.

“He surprised me. What were you doing so long anyway?” You hissed silently.

“Nat wanted to talk… Nothing important.”

You wanted to dig, but Snape opened the door and entered the classroom in his angry, fast pace. He flicked his wand and a cauldron appeared on each desk.

“I don’t need to remind you that you’ll be taking your NEWTs in June, so you better stop playing around and open your books at the page thirteen. The fun is over.” He flicked his wand again and the chalk started to write on the board. “You work with your desk mate until the end of the semester.”

Great. How in the Merlin’s beard were you supposed to learn anything with Tony Stark? He was much better at potions than you, it was no challenge for him. And he was a distraction for you. You had to get over him if you wanted to pass your NEWTs of at least grade E.

Loki sent you painful sight and you leaned to see who he was in pair with. Hope Van Dyne. You snorted and had to cover your mouth. Loki and Hope were dating for a month or so until they both felt like they didn’t fit together at all. The problem was that none of them wanted to be the one to break up, so Loki asked you to “let him cheat on her with you”, which meant to wait until you were sure Hope was entering the common room and start making out. She was relieved to finally have a decent reason to break up with him, but it was still awkward between them.

You felt a tickle in your ear and jumped, turning to Tony. He was holding his quill at the height of your face.

“Mind focusing on me?” He smiled and adjusted his glasses. You had to use your whole strength not to sigh.

“Sorry.” You looked at the board. “Elixir to induce euphoria? Isn’t that from the sixth grade?”

“Well, I don’t mind if you induce some euphoria with me,” he chuckled and started to peel the shivelfigs. Did he really have to flirt with you? Red cheeks weren’t exactly what you wanted to get out of that class. You counted four porcupine quills and added them to the brew. You reached to the spoon to stir it at the same time Tony did, resulting in your hands touching. His pinky caressed your hand for a second too long for it to be an accident. Despite how much you wanted to jump on him you quickly backed your hand. “What’s going on, baby?” He asked quietly, so only you could hear him. “I thought you wanted to play.”

Your heat jumped straight to your throat and threatened to choke you.

“Right now I want to focus on the classes,” you whispered back, but smiled cheekily, not being able to refrain. “But it’s nice to know you’re eager to play.”

He didn’t take his eyes off you when he managed to cut the sopophorous bean before it jumped away.

“Never played with a snake before.” He cocked his head and you tossed a spring of peppermint to the cauldron. “You look like you could bite, I don’t know it it’s worth it.”

You leaned just a little closer to stir the potion.

“I only bite if you ask.”

He seemed surprised at the bold statement you just made, but his smirk only widened. He opened his mouth to say something, but Loki grabbed your hand and pulled you to him.

“What the hell are you doing?” He hissed and pretended to look for something in your notebook. “Weren’t you supposed to focus on studying first?”

“And how am I to do that if I can feel his tongue in my mouth already?” You hissed back. “Why won’t you let me have some fun?”

“Because I’m worried about you.” You looked at him. The expression of his face was more than enough to prove it. He really was taking care of you. “You have to work hard to pass the NEWTs.”

You sighed and squeezed his hand.

“I’ll manage it all. With a friend like you-“

“Y/L/N.” You heard Snape’s cold voice and quickly turned to him. “If you have that much time to chat, I am sure your elixir is ready.”

You peeked at Tony stirring in your cauldron. He nodded.

“Yes, sir, it’s ready.”

“I will judge that.” He leaned and stirred the liquid, checked the consistency and colour. “Acceptable.”

You sighed with relief when he moved to another students.

“Good work, partner. Scourgify.” Tony flicked his wand and the utensils you used were clean again. Snape stated the end of the lesson and you packed your things. “And I.. I will remember what to ask you for.” He smirked and left the classroom.

You had to lean on the desk and breathe slowly not to throw up from nervousness. You really just had that talk with your crush.

“Living your best life, aren’t you?” Nat laughed when you reached her.

Indeed you were.

___

Previous: The one in the train

Next: The one with seven minutes

___

tag list: @lokislilslut @inlovewithmrstark @help-i-need-a-social-life @arcanethamin @nevaeh-potter15

#loki x reader #tony stark x reader #steve rogers x reader #loki smut #tony stark smut #steve rogers smut #loki #tony stark #tom hiddleston #Robert Downey Jr #hogwarts au #marvel #loki imagine #tony stark imagine #avengers #avengers imagine

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